Since Kanye West burst onto the scene in 2004 with “All Falls Down,” he’s set himself apart from the rest of modern music. He then reinvented himself from the smooth-talking college dropout to an introspective artist with “808’s & Heartbreak.” “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” furthers West’s pursuit to be an artist instead of just a rapper. 

   “Dark Fantasy” kicks off the album and is the best opening song I’ve ever heard on an album. Nicki Minaj starts the track with a poem that mimics “Alice in Wonderland.” The chorus follows to bridge you to West’s rapping, which is some of his best lyrical work to date. 

   The next song that grabs your attention is “Power.” This track is West’s reflection of his public persona and you feel his awareness with lyrics such as, “They say I’m the abomination of Obama’s nation.” These lyrics blend with a cleverly sampled beat for which West has become known.  

   Following “Power” is “All of the Lights,” which is a radio hit waiting to happen. The song starts with a classical music-based intro and then is interrupted by Rihanna kicking off of the chorus. The chorus is the perfect blend of Rihanna’s singing and Kanye’s rapping. 

   “Monster” is up to bat next and features Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver and Nicki Minaj. The song is very different than other all-star rap songs such as “Swagga Like Us” and “Forever.” Kanye’s chorus is catchy and addictive, but the real standout on this track is Minaj. Her verse shows her confidence with her male peers as she screams, “50k for a verse, no album out.”  

   The album then hits its first rough patch with “So Appalled” and “Devil In a New Dress.” “Runaway” breaks the rough streak. The song is simplicity at its best. It features piano-based instrumentals that are ironically paired with West’s blunt and in-your-face lyrics. It’s his acknowledgement of his ego and that he’s a jerk.

   “Blame Game” is the final impressive song. The smooth singing and piano provided by John Legend are the perfect contrast to West’s rough and emotional vocals. The song tells a story of jilted lovers and is capped off by a guest appearance from comedian Chris Rock. Rock’s voice mail monologue is funny and ends the story well. 

   West’s work on this album meets the standard he set in the past and has opened the door for other hip-hop stars to do the same. West made an album that was based on making art instead of having a smooth flow.  When listening to the album, the feel of an impressive painting comes to mind with the stand-out elements such as the use different vocals, poetry and instrumental variety; each a being a different color.