| November 3, 2019 | Dang Le | campus editor |
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At 42, already releasing a masterpiece at the beginning of the decade pressures any artist. However, the decline of Kanye West’s quality in “Jesus is King” is disheartening.
“We are not going to sleep until this album is out,” West said during his tweet announcing the album’s delay.
Well, he should sleep because the album sounds tiring and mixed by people suffering from sleep deprivation.
While the direction is typical West, captivating, bold and unique, the product sounds rushed and unfinished sonically.
On an album that is supposed to be inspiring, West raps as unenthusiastically and monotonously as ever.
The idea of putting a lively choir in the background is West’s biggest mistake. The moment they sing, West’s delivery was outshined immediately.
The album lasts only 27 minutes and four seconds, which forces West to deliver cohesively and efficiently. Yet almost everything is forgettable and gets crammed together. He can delete half the album, and the message will still be the same.
The screechy vocal delivery in “God Is” is something that West should have reconsidered during multiple delays. It is questionable how this was approved.
“Closed on Sunday, you’re my Chick-fil-A” is a line that West should never rap out loud. If he has such a writer’s block to the point of rapping about a fast-food chain for more than two minutes, maybe he should stop writing for a while.
“Follow God” is undoubtedly the best track. Combining the funky, groovy and R&B elements. This is the genius West that people have been longing for since 2010.
The intro, which lasts 50 seconds, is bittersweet. It’s bitter that Kanye believes this is good, but it’s sweet that the album ends.
The highlights on this album: “Follow God,” the Sunday Service choir and Kenny G’s sax solo in “Use This Gospel.”
Throughout solo projects in this decade, West has shown signs of regression. With “Jesus is King,” it is safe to say his golden period is over. It is predictable yet still disappointing to witness.
