808s & Heartbreak

The emotional depth here is staggering. I was completely floored the first time.

There's not a wasted second on this record. Even the interludes and transitions feel purposeful. I've seen people debate which track is the best and the fact that there's no consensus tells you everything about how consistently excellent it is.

A mature, confident album that knows exactly what it wants to be. No wasted tracks, no unnecessary detours. It doesn't reinvent the wheel but it polishes it to a brilliant shine. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Has its moments but feels bloated. Would benefit from trimming a few tracks.

The kind of album that makes you want to pick up an instrument.

I can see why people love this but it didn't grab me the way I expected.

Peak creative output from an artist at the top of their game.