I googled “Swish,” found a Wiki page for “Waves,” and the first line was “'The Life of Pablo'" is the seventh studio album by American rapper Kanye West.” Whether the name changing stunt was for PR or to prevent audio leakage, it worked. Although, through my connections I still managed to grab a copy with 10.5 of the 17 songs on the album. The first time I listened to "Pablo" through, I took notes on every song. As an aspiring rapper, here’s my reaction to the album, song-by-song.
"Ultra Light Beams" feat. Mary J Blige and Chance The Rapper.
“We’re on our ultra light beam, this is a God dream.” The beat is peacefully angelic, and all of the voices are so soulful. This song encapsulated me with a holy feeling. As soon as Earl Sweatshirt hopped on the track I felt an urge to cry. I also started thinking about the girl that I like. I’m not sure if those two things are related... but I felt both heavy. The producers did a great job at really creating that, truly angelic feel. The beat. The repetition. The use of faith. The little kid saying hallelujah in the background. Mary J Blige’s voice. Earl’s voice. The way Earl said, “I will feel your pain.” This song is deeper than the music and most certainly my favorite on the album.
"Father Stretch My Hands" feat. Kid Cudi and Future.
When I read Kid Cudi was on the track I got excited. Cudi was my coping mechanism with social anxiety in high school music; he’s good at turning pain into happy vibes. Disappointingly, however, the song did nothing for me. Voices were auto-tuned heavily, probably to let the feel come from the beat, but I was not too big of a fan.
"Freestyle 4."
Kanye’s voice jumps out strong. “I’ve been out of my mind a long time. I’ve been saying how I feel at the wrong time... "Name one genius that ain't crazy.” We all know how out-of-his-mind egotistical and crazy Kanye is and it shows in what I hope was actually a freestyle touched up. This was Ye spittin’ about his life and how he really feels. He’s angry at bloggers, police brutality is out of control, and he’s dope. The song ends on a funky danger-screech too, similar to warning sirens. Interesting.
"Famous" feat. Rihanna and Swizz Beatz.
Famous contained some serious lyrical gold nuggets, notably, “I feel like me and Taylor still might have sex. Why? I made that b***h famous.” That’s funny. The song overall sends a relaxing vibe, that’s the key.
"Highlights" feat. Yung thug & The Dream.
This song is about freedom of the soul. And it can be assumed that opening cry is direct towards God and not another man. But after that Yung Thug jumped in and was auto-tuned big time. That kills songs for me when it overdone but in this case, it could have jut been Yung Thugs lack of skill. But Kanye’s verse was fire and the song had a high key, abrupt, happy vibe ending.
"Fade" feat. Post Malone and Ty Dolla Sign.
This song made me start dancing -- heavy -- through all my actions as soon as it came on. I know I said "Ultra Light Beams" was my favorite song on the album, but this song is on par for different reasons. I’ll call it my 1.B. I feel it Ye. I liked the auto-tune in this because, unlike in the Yung Thug case, the beat was so powerful and it didn’t let the powerful lyrics take over. The loudest, most audible lyrics are, “I feel it.” Everything else was dimmed down by auto-tune and fades.
"FML" feat. The Weekend.
"FML" opens with Kanye having a conversation with Kanye. “I invented Kanye… I thought I was Kanye. And I love you like Knaye loves Kanye.” The whole song had a flashy at first, but nice vibe.
"Real Friends" feat. Ty Dolla Sign.
"Real Friends" is deep. It has a familiar baseline that is another song's beat but who’s title I cannot think of. It’s about how he’s always in such a hurry; he doesn’t know how old his friend’s sons and daughters are. He spends 15 minutes at family parties and dips. His cousin blackmailed him for $250,000. The song, interestingly, blends into Kendrick's verse on “No More Parties In LA,” the song he originally leaked then removed from the track list. Oh, this song is so peaceful.
"Wolves" feat. Sia and Vic Mensa.
Going back to the all-encompassing, angelic feel, "Wolves" is a good song. Talking from a female perspective, the lyrics go, “I know It’s corny b****es you wish you could unfollow. I know it’s corny niggas you wish you could unswallow.” This quote is pretty self-explanatory so I’m not going to bother. Too bad there are no take-backs in life! The melody of this song did send a shiver or two down my spine.
"Wolves" feat. Sia and Frank Ocean.
Going back. Angelic feel. On a female perspective. Unfollow. I’m not sure if it was my version or how the song was produced but the preceding sentences are how Ye chopped the second version of "Wolves." Ye used Frank Ocean's to top off the album. That’s a tribute to how powerful of a voice Ocean belts.
Album production I would give a 10/10. Artist selection 7/10 because Cudi didn’t stand out and why just why Yung Thug? The vibe category gets a 10/10 -- that angelic feel is powerful.
