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808s & Heartbreak (by Kanye West, Pop)

common sense media says

Mostly tame tales of woe from rapper turned singer.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive messages
See all 15 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this excellent album shows a different side of rapper Kanye West. He's switched from rapping to singing, and tackles the heavier subject matter of loss and loneliness. The lyrics are clean, with not even one expletive slipping out (a grand feat considering Young Jeezy and Lil' Wayne appear on the album).

Positive messages: Although most of the songs are about heartbreak and sorrow, West puts a positive spin on these heavy topics. With his signature optimism in tow, West sings about how to effectively deal with overly possessive women, cheating girlfriends, and plain old loneliness. "I'm exhausted, barely breathin', holdin' onto what I believe in, no matter what, you'll never take that from me."
Violence: Only a few strong images, but in context they're appropriate for the target age. "I'm a monster, I'm a killa, I'm a problem that will never be solved." "...when I grab you neck I touch your soul."
Sex: West doesn't have much luck with the ladies on this album. And because of this there is little discussion of sex or sexuality. One line from the song "Paranoid" gives pause: "I can make you come...I can make you go."
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: There are few references to indulging in lavish spending on this album. Although "Welcome to Heartbreak" is a cautionary tale of how money can't buy true happiness: "My friend showed me pictures of his kids, and all I could show him were pictures of my cribs."
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on 808s & Heartbreak

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how West has changed over the years. Do you think he is a better rapper or singer? On this album West experiments with various musical technologies. Do you think more artists should try new things like this? Why do you think West chose to release this album over Thanksgiving weekend? Do you think a lot of music is marketed for holiday gift buying?

What's the story?

What's the story?
808s & HEARTBREAK is Kanye West's fourth CD and follows in the footsteps of his coming of age "education" trilogy, which featured the most recently released hit LP Graduation in 2007. After the release of that album, West experienced several personal challenges, including the widely publicized death of his mother. 808s has been described by West as "therapeutic" and the dozen tracks on the album deal with all aspects of loneliness, heartbreak, and sorrow. But West manages to add a positive spin to his struggles. The title comes from West's incorporation of the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which can be heard throughout the album.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

With a mix of speaking, rapping, and synthesized harmonies, West's vocals are approachable and heartfelt. He brings together elements like operatic samples, tribal drum beats, and Electronica to create a musical collage that works.

Auto-tune (pitch correction technology) is used sparingly by West and in just the right places. "RoboCop" and "Pinocchio Story" are two stand-out tracks on the album. "Streetlights" has an infectiously poetic chorus, "Things ain't always set in stone…seems like street lights glowing, happen to be just like moments passing in front of me, so I hopped in the cab and I paid my fare, see I know my destination, but I'm just not there."

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: November 24, 2008
Label: Roc-A-Fella
Genre: Pop
This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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What parents & educators say

11
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

movieguy2013
teen, 17 years old
12
 
This truly is an excellent album.
Kanye West's use of the autotune is perfectly placed. The lyrics are about loneliness and loss. I recommend the tracks, robocop, heartless, amazing ,street lights and most of all, see you in my nightmares. This album shows the maturity of Kanye without being tedious or boring.
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nachtmuzic
parent of 14 year old
12
 
This mom really likes it...
As the parent of a 12 year old girl, I want to help her find music that isn't too adult in concept or language, but something that her friends like as well. This album is excellent for all of these requirements. I was surprised that I liked so many of the tracks. A few are pretty uneventful and unexciting, but for the most part, these are great songs. I also checked out the disc Graduation, which I liked as well. I think Kanye West just found a new "mom" fan.
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h.m.222
kid, 12 years old
7
 
older kids
I love his songs, but they can get annoying
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jsharpe
parent of 13 year old
12
 
this is his 1st alumb that is not bad
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jakek6
teen, 15 years old
13
 
13 and up.
This album is really good. Its very clean, and doesn't have many things wrong with it at all. It soo much cleaner than Graduation, and some of his other albums.
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Hilly
teen, 15 years old
11
 
Good...and Bad
Good CD, but unforunatly, Kanye isn't a good role model.
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iSamuel
teen, 15 years old
10
 
I'm Sorry...
I just really thougth that this album was a dissapointment. Tracks like 'Say You Will' is tedious and boring. I bought this album thinking I was in for a treat. Nope. The few songs there are on this album gice it something to fall back on, like 'Welcome to Heartbreak,' 'RoboCop,' and 'Paraniod.' Otherwise, it's like bread without yeast.
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somebody
teen, 13 years old
4
 
Great album, great role model.
WEST IS AWESOME! and to anyone who thinks hes a bad role model, think again! he apologized to taylor swift and loves his mom.
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zacharysm148
teen, 14 years old
12
 
This is a great album. Kanye West pieces together poetic yet catchy lyrics with great electronic sounds. A must-have. Okay, sure he's not so good of a role model but atleast his music's good! No violence. There's one sexual reference (I can make you come...I can make you go) that will fly off the top of kid's heads. No language. No drug content.
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Sanjay407
kid, 13 years old
11
 
Not that bad
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SSBMboss
teen, 18 years old
6
 
An unusual still excellent release from a talented rapper
This release is less good than his other release, but still manages to be excellent. With quite simple lyrics and deep electronic music Kanye overall talks about being heartbroken. It's hard to choose which tracks are the best, since you'd switch from Robocop to Paranoid then Street Lights or Welcome to Heartbreak (with Kid Cudi). The message may be too deep for children under 12, but then there's no problem, it's just a question of maturity. The only offensive word used is censored, so this album is melodically great for everybody, and lyrically better for teens and up. (for its theme)
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afghanremixz
adult
10
 
The best
This is the best album but in see you in my nightmares lil wanye says sh*t.
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musicfan789
teen, 14 years old
17
 
hes a jerk
kanyes a jerk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Doodelium
kid, 13 years old
6
 
Great...4 1/2 stars
This CD is awesome! I didn't like Kanye until he made this CD. It was then that I realized how catchy his music is. The reason I gave it 4 1/2 stars is because sometimes the music gets a little boring. Heartless, Amazing, and Love Lockdown are the best tracks on the album.
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Kold Duff
kid, 10 years old
14
 
.
Ages 2-9 Off Ages 10-13 Iffy than 14+ On
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