On September 11, 2007, Kanye West released his third studio album, Graduation. Graduation is a heavily beloved album and a favorite of hip hop albums in general because it was the best of the “old Kanye.” The album cover is another recognizable part of this album, which was illustrated by Takashi Murakami. Graduation’s genre’s consist of Hip Hop / Rap and Experimental Rap. Graduation includes 14 tracks, which makes up 54 minutes and 30 seconds. Features include T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, Dwele, DJ Premier, Chris Martin, and Al Be Back J.
And to start Graduation off, Good Morning is a great feeling song. It gives the vibes when you have, like what the name consists of, a good morning. Good Morning is a song about waking up to a new day, and making the most of the opportunities it brings.
Champion is a very solid song off of this album. I really love the beat production in Champion. Champion a personal narrative about his journey to success and the sacrifices made along the way.
Stronger is one of the most popular songs of Graduation which is understandable since it is a good song especially with the cyberpunk vibes it gives. Stronger is a motivational song that speaks to the idea of resilience and gaining strength in difficult times.
I Wonder is another most popular song of Graduation because of its uplifting lyrics and beat. Mix the sample of “My Song” from Labi Siffre, and it makes a perfect song off of Graduation. I Wonder is about striving for one’s dreams, acknowledging the struggles and sacrifices that come with reaching for the stars, and ultimately seeking fulfillment in understanding the effort made and lessons learned during the process.
Good Life is a song that encapsulates the feeling of success. And with the feature of T-Pain, it makes this song very catchy. Good Life is a celebration of success and achievement after coming from humble beginnings.
Can’t Tell Me Nothing is a good song overall, just not my type of music. But I do think the second verse is pretty nice. Can’t Tell Me Nothing is a reflection of the effect that fame and wealth can have on a person.
Barry Bonds is more of a different pace of song, with the beat production, than the other songs, but is still similar since it is a good song. Barry Bonds speaks about the rappers’ success and their transformation into favorites of the hood.
Drunk and Hot Girls is another song that either has not settled for me or that it’s just not my type of music. But I really dig the feature of Mos Def. Drunk and Hot Girls is a song that appears to celebrate the hedonistic lifestyle of chasing after intoxicated women in clubs.
Flashing Lights is an amazing song with its unique beat, lyrics, renowned chorus, and just the instruments being used in this song. Flashing Lights reflects on how fame and wealth has changed his life and the lives of those close to him.
Everything I Am is a great old school feeling song from its beat. And what Kanye says in this song perfectly, “I never be laid back as this beat was.” Everything I Am celebrates one’s individuality and the power of being true to oneself.
The Glory is an underrated song to me because of its unique beat and production along with Kanye’s writing. The Glory is about achieving success and celebrating the journey it takes to get there.
Homecoming is a great song from Chris Martin and Kanye. Especially since they mixed in a great sounding piano, and it made it an amazing feeling song. Homecoming is a sentimental rap ballad about returning home after leaving for a better life and acknowledging the people who remained in the hometown.
Big Brother is another underrated song because it has one of my favorite beats and production of a song in Graduation. Big Brother is a song about his relationship with Jay-Z and how Jay-Z helped him get his start in the music industry.
Good Night as the outro is a great song while still being underrated for me. It’s just a good feeling song. Good Night is a tribute to loved ones who have passed away.
