On his 10th studio album "Donda", Kanye West delivers his most personal body of work to date. Named after his late mother, the album sees Kanye grappling with faith, family, and fame through sprawling compositions that feel epic in their scale yet intimate in their vulnerabilities shared.
At over 1 hour and 49 minutes, "Donda" is a marathon rather than a sprint, with 27 tracks that could feel bloated if not for Kanye's relentless ambition and eye for detail in his productions.
Beamining beats from frequent collaborators like Mike Dean and 88-Keys provide the perfect canvases for Kanye to experiment with industrial-tinged sounds and incorporate elements of gospel, hip-hop, and alternative in pioneering fashion.
Standout tracks like "Jail", "Come to Life", and "Hurricane" allow Kanye's gifted rapping and singing abilities to shine through as he wrestles with depression, relationships, and living up to lofty legacies. His lyrics are starkly candid examinations of self that feel unprecedented for such a megastar. Features are noticeably absent, placing focus firmly on Kanye's personal journey.
With "Donda", Kanye has stripped back bombast in favor of intimate confessionals that echo his landmark 2008 album "808s & Heartbreak".
It solidifies his status as an artist willing to continually challenge himself creatively and remain vulnerable through his music. Flaws and all, "Donda" is a sprawling, impactful piece of art that demands repeat listens to appreciate its nuances. It will undoubtedly spark discussion and influence hip-hop for years to come.