To the delight of all disciples of Yeezy, Kanye West's latest album, "The Life of Pablo," recently dropped on Spotify and Apple Music. Perhaps the most simultaneously loved and hated celebrity in Hollywood, Kanye has been on a public tear over the last couple of years with his obscene Twitter rants and outlandish remarks about his wife, notorious reality television star Kim Kardashian, whom he frequently mentions throughout the album.
Listed below is each song that is worth listening to along with a brief description of the meaning behind the lyrics and a gif. At any rate, you should listen to the whole album if you enjoy Kanye. It's incredibly weird, but also quite artistic and meaningful in regards to Kanye's wife, late mother, and tumultuous career, which has been filled with many ups and downs.
Track 1: Ultralight Beam
The first track sets the tone for much of the album, with a plethora of religious overtones and a choir singing in the background. The song itself was produced by a number of stars in the rap industry, including Chance the Rapper, The Dream, and Swizz Beats. The lyrics ultimately point to Kanye's faith in God and willingness to humble himself before the Lord despite his public rants about how amazing he is and how highly he thinks of himself.
Track 3: Father Stretch My Hands (Pt. 2)
The first part to this song is a bit sappy, as he only talks about his wife, but the second part is more meaningful, as he describes his relationship with and love for his late mother, Donda West, who tragically died in 2007 at the age of 58 following breast reduction surgery. At the end of the song, Kanye returns to a religious theme, explaining his longing for God in his life and pleading with the Lord to make himself present in his life.
Track 4: Famous
Rihanna appears on this track, and Kanye claims that there is still a possibility for himself and Taylor Swift to hook up. He also claims that he is the reason she became famous (which is a somewhat reasonable claim, as the sales for her first album skyrocketed after their 2009 fiasco at the VMAs)
Track 7. Highlights
Transitioning from the song immediately before it, "Low Lights," Kanye calls out Ray J, claiming, "I bet me and Ray J would be friends, if we ain't love the same b*tch. Yeah he might have hit it first, only problem is I'm rich." Kanye returns to his normal, inappropriate self with this hit, emphatically bragging about the high points of his career and enjoying wealth and fame.
Track 9. I Love Kanye
Kanye adds an expressive, sarcastic play on all of the stereotypes attached to him with this song, politely telling everyone that he embraces the hatred and even enjoys it.
Track 16. 30 Hours
On this track, Kanye describes a former relationship with an ex who cheated on him. When he was first getting his career started, he made frequent trips from Chicago to Los Angeles to work on his music, but then would take the 30-hour trip back to Chicago just to visit his girlfriend. Although she proved to be unfaithful and not worth his love, she became a part of who he is today, and he explores his feelings in regards to their relationship and its effect on his career.
Track 17. No More Parties in L.A.
Probably the most popular song on the album, this track features Kendrick Lamar and an awesome beat. I won't give you an analysis on this one—just go listen to it. The song will get you hype.
