If you’re a fan of Kanye West, you may have heard of his 2016 album ‘Pray for Paris’. The album was released amidst controversy and mixed reviews, with some fans claiming it to be a masterpiece and others dismissing it as mediocre. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the album and answer the question – is ‘Pray for Paris’ a good album?
Background
Before delving into the specifics of the album, it’s important to understand its background. ‘Pray for Paris’ was released on March 15th, 2016, as part of Kanye West’s G.O.D.
Fridays series. The series consisted of weekly releases leading up to West’s seventh studio album ‘The Life of Pablo’. ‘Pray for Paris’ was initially intended to be a mixtape, but due to positive reception and commercial success, it was later released as an official album.
The Sound
One of the defining features of ‘Pray for Paris’ is its production. The beats are heavily influenced by French house music and feature samples from French artists such as Daft Punk and Jean-Jacques Perrey.
This gives the album a unique sound that sets it apart from West’s previous work. The production on tracks like ‘Famous’ and ‘Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1’ is particularly impressive.
The Lyrics
Lyrically, ‘Pray for Paris’ is hit-or-miss. Some tracks like ‘Ultralight Beam’ and ‘Real Friends’ showcase West’s lyrical prowess and emotional depth. However, other tracks like ‘Freestyle 4’ and ‘Highlights’ are lyrically shallow and lack substance.
The Features
One aspect that sets this album apart from other Kanye West albums is its abundance of features. Artists like Kid Cudi, The Weeknd, and Rihanna make appearances on the album. While some collaborations work well, others feel forced and unnecessary.
The Verdict
So, is ‘Pray for Paris’ a good album? The answer is not straightforward.
While the production is impressive and some tracks showcase West’s lyrical abilities, the album as a whole lacks cohesion and consistency. The abundance of features can also be overwhelming at times. Overall, ‘Pray for Paris’ is an enjoyable listening experience but falls short of being a great album.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, ‘Pray for Paris’ is a mixed bag. While it has its moments of brilliance, it’s not without flaws.
However, it’s important to note that music is subjective and what one person considers a good album may differ from another person’s opinion. Regardless of your stance on the album, there’s no denying that ‘Pray for Paris’ was an important release in Kanye West’s discography and contributed to his evolution as an artist.