808s & Heartbreak

808s & Heartbreak
source
Name	808s & Heartbreak
Artist	Kanye West
Released	November 24, 2008
Recorded	2008
Genre	Electronic music, Hip hop music, R&B
Length	52:01
Label	Roc-A-Fella Records, Def Jam Recordings
Producer	Kanye West, No I.D., Mike Dean

808s & Heartbreak is the fourth studio album by Kanye West, released on November 24, 2008, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. The album was recorded in Hawaii and Los Angeles with producers such as No I.D. and Mike Dean, and features guest appearances by Kid Cudi and Young Jeezy. The album's sound is characterized by its use of Auto-Tune and Roland TR-808 drum machine, and its exploration of themes such as Heartbreak, Love, and Fame, as seen in the works of Marvin Gaye and Prince. The album has been compared to the works of David Bowie and Brian Eno, and has been cited as an influence by Drake and The Weeknd.

Background and recording

The recording of 808s & Heartbreak began in 2008, after Kanye West's mother, Donda West, passed away, and his engagement to Alexis Phifer ended, with West citing the works of Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder as influences. The album was recorded in Hawaii and Los Angeles with producers such as No I.D. and Mike Dean, and features guest appearances by Kid Cudi and Young Jeezy, as well as Lil Wayne and Jay-Z. The album's sound is characterized by its use of Auto-Tune and Roland TR-808 drum machine, and its exploration of themes such as Heartbreak, Love, and Fame, as seen in the works of Elton John and Fleetwood Mac. The album has been compared to the works of Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder, and has been cited as an influence by Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar.

Music and production

The music on 808s & Heartbreak is characterized by its use of Electronic music and Hip hop music elements, with Kanye West incorporating Synthesizers and Drum machines into his sound, as seen in the works of Tangerine Dream and Vangelis. The album features guest appearances by Kid Cudi and Young Jeezy, as well as Lil Wayne and Jay-Z, and has been compared to the works of Aphex Twin and Autechre. The album's production is handled by Kanye West, No I.D., and Mike Dean, with additional production by Jeff Bhasker and Plain Pat, who have worked with Bruno Mars and Alicia Keys. The album's sound is also influenced by R&B and Pop music, as seen in the works of The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, and has been cited as an influence by Frank Ocean and The Weeknd.

Themes and lyrics

The themes and lyrics on 808s & Heartbreak explore Heartbreak, Love, and Fame, with Kanye West drawing on his personal experiences, as seen in the works of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. The album features lyrics that are often Autobiographical, with West addressing his relationships and his emotions, as seen in the works of Jon Brion and Rick Rubin. The album's themes are also influenced by Philosophy and Psychology, as seen in the works of Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud, and have been compared to the works of Radiohead and Thom Yorke. The album has been cited as an influence by Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and has been praised for its Lyrical depth and Emotional honesty, as seen in the works of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

Release and promotion

808s & Heartbreak was released on November 24, 2008, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings, and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, with Kanye West performing at the Grammy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards. The album was promoted with a series of Music videos, including the videos for Love Lockdown and Heartless, which were directed by Hype Williams and Simon Henwood, and have been compared to the works of Stanley Kubrick and Martin Scorsese. The album has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and has been praised for its Innovative production and Lyrical depth, as seen in the works of The Beatles and Michael Jackson.

Critical reception

808s & Heartbreak received generally positive reviews from Music critics, with many praising its Innovative production and Lyrical depth, as seen in the works of Brian Eno and David Bowie. The album holds a score of 69 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 26 reviews, with Rolling Stone and The New York Times praising the album's Experimental sound and Emotional honesty, as seen in the works of Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder. However, some critics were divided on the album's use of Auto-Tune and its Emotional intensity, as seen in the works of T-Pain and Lil Wayne. The album has been cited as an influence by Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and has been praised for its Influence on contemporary music, as seen in the works of Frank Ocean and The Weeknd.

Legacy and influence

808s & Heartbreak has had a significant influence on Contemporary music, with many artists citing it as an influence, including Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The album's use of Auto-Tune and Electronic music elements has been particularly influential, as seen in the works of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. The album has also been praised for its Lyrical depth and Emotional honesty, as seen in the works of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, and has been cited as an influence by Frank Ocean and The Weeknd. The album's influence can be heard in the works of A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott, and has been praised for its Innovative production and Experimental sound, as seen in the works of Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder. The album has been included on several lists of the Best albums of the 2000s, including lists by Rolling Stone and Pitchfork Media, and has been cited as one of the Best albums of all time by NME and The Guardian.