Graduation
by Kanye West
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 1249 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,109 out of 1249
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 1249
  3. Negative: 98 out of 1249

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  1. TimW001
    Feb 14, 2016
    9
    I still frequently listen to this album. A complete classic that I would recommend for any hip-hop fan. The album is the sound of success. 'Life is good' put through speakers.
  2. ben_zo77
    Feb 4, 2014
    9
    Graduation is a more mainstream 808s and Heartbreak. It has a distinct electronic sound that complements the introspective, personal lyrics. Kanye opens up in Graduation in brash and emotional ways. 8.7/10

    Best track: "Can't Tell Me Nothing"
    Other tracks that stand out: "Barry Bonds", "Everything I Am", "The Glory", "Homecoming", and "Big Brother"
  3. glasses1
    Nov 1, 2013
    9
    I have always appreciated this album, since it was very positive with a surprising stay in school type of message. Much less depraved than other rap releases and is never boring with clever rhymes and cool beats. My favorite from Kanye. Add it to your collection
  4. AquaCulina
    May 3, 2014
    9
    This is Kanye's most poppy album. And it might even be his weakest. Which really doesn't say to much, considering his incredibly consistent discography.

    It's also very interesting that this album features 2 of Kanye's best songs ('Can't Tell Me Nothing' & 'Flashing Lights [feat. Dwele]), 2 of his worst songs (Barry Bonds [feat. Lil Wayne] & Drunk And Hot Girls [feat. Mos Def]) and    This is Kanye's most poppy album. And it might even be his weakest. Which really doesn't say to much, considering his incredibly consistent discography.

    It's also very interesting that this album features 2 of Kanye's best songs ('Can't Tell Me Nothing' & 'Flashing Lights [feat. Dwele]), 2 of his worst songs (Barry Bonds [feat. Lil Wayne] & Drunk And Hot Girls [feat. Mos Def]) and probably also his most commercially successful song (Stronger).

    This makes for an album with incredible highs, but two disappointing lows. In the end the album still impresses though, because the Album managed to accomplish, what Kanye had in vision. Mixing his soulful production with electronic synths and heavy bass to create Kanye's "stadium status".    … Expand
  5. emlugo123
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    You have to appreciate the production quality of this album. This album just sounds like quality. A couple of tracks are OK but Glory, Flashing Lights, Wonder, and Homecoming is some of the best hip-hip I've heard in a long time.
  6. emlugo007
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    Best Kanye album without a doubt.

    I wasn't a huge fan of Kanye when he came out, but I was pleasantly surprised at how great this album was. One of the few albums where I can listen to every track.
  7. homer4president
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    This is an incredible album. It really exemplifies Kanye's style. He may not be some extremely skilled and devoted lyricist like classics such as Nas and KRS-ONE, but he has a very individual sound that has gotten him extremely far.
  8. Urbanlistener
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    Hit after hit, West delivers another awesome album with more than a few instant classic songs like Stronger and Good life. Maybe a bit more pop than his previous ones, Graduation is still a true hip-hop piece of art.
  9. lisiak
    Jan 6, 2016
    9
    I prefer this album than 'CD', or 'LR', but 'MBDTF', and 'YEEZUS' are better ( because 10/10 :D ) 'Can't tell me nothing', or 'Stronger' are absolutely perefect! Rest of the album is still great. 9/10
  10. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    9
    A timeless classic that aged very well since it was ahead of its time. The range of music implemented (house, indie, pop, hip hop, electro, etc) was done fabulously. It's a great mix of party music and deeper cuts, featuring a very meaningful and inspiring theme. The jaw dropping production, versatility and theme of this project make it one of the better albums of the century, even withA timeless classic that aged very well since it was ahead of its time. The range of music implemented (house, indie, pop, hip hop, electro, etc) was done fabulously. It's a great mix of party music and deeper cuts, featuring a very meaningful and inspiring theme. The jaw dropping production, versatility and theme of this project make it one of the better albums of the century, even with two skippables (Barry Bonds, Drunk and Hot Girls).… Expand
  11. Stax93
    Jun 2, 2018
    9
    I always skip "Drunk and Hot Girls" but apart from that song, I love the album. I wouldn't call it a classical but it still a really awesome album.
  12. weeb122
    Dec 30, 2020
    9
    Great album but a slightly weaker 2nd half.

    Favourite Songs: Stronger, Good Morning, Good Life, Big Brother.

    Least Favourite Songs: Drunk And Hot Girls, Barry Bonds.
  13. Wowisawow
    Apr 16, 2021
    9
    This album is a personal favourite from Ye's discography for me. I love almost every song on here and even the worst song (Drunk and Hot Girls) I don't hate it that much.
  14. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    9
    this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9 this album is a 9
  15. BeanisBags
    Feb 3, 2022
    9
    Graduation is a fantastic anthemic rap album with a lot of character and some of the best hits of the 2000’s. There are a few duds here, but it’s an album you’ll want to listen to at a party or with your friends.
  16. garfield7081
    Mar 25, 2022
    9
    a consistently great collection of music that deems itself worthy of being kanye's bestselling album

    best song: homecoming

    worst song: barry bonds
  17. SaulBadman
    May 5, 2022
    9
    Graduation is Kanye's effort to create an album fit for a stadium. He achieves that goal. Using electronic/pop type beats he is able to create timeless rap anthems. The only weak tracks on this album are Barry Bonds and Drunk And Hot Girls. While not as strong as his first two albums, Graduation is an incredible album, which innovated in the genre.
  18. Clutch22
    May 20, 2023
    9
    This album is an unforgettable masterpiece, that will be remembered forever. It shows Ye 's full artistic display, making it his best album. Besides one or two of tracks it as no skips. If perfection ever existed this would be the closest to it.
    Looking back to it at 2023 I come to reviset pretty much all tracks on regular basis.
  19. carlos_Lopez8
    Mar 23, 2023
    9
    One of the best produced albums OAT, its musically astonishing, and its a great project by Kanye, and it has aged pretty well
  20. DelkoChateau
    Aug 28, 2023
    9
    Perfect in every way except one. Barry Bonds is probably one of the worst Kanye songs I've ever heard, repetitive flows, a mediocre Lil Wayne verse, and just boring production. Other than that, there is almost nothing that can stand up to this album. Nearly perfect.
  21. TrellT.
    Dec 6, 2007
    8
    It could've been better; but still quailty.
  22. iano
    Oct 5, 2007
    8
    The beats are good, but it lacks real passion theres something a bit plastic bout it, don't get me wrong a good album i just expected more from the saviour of hip hop.
  23. Ms.T.
    Sep 11, 2007
    8
    I think it is in the middle between the 1st and 2nd but one thing it is and that is good. Production is great and as a lyricist he has improved a great deal. I think he is one of the few that can smoothly make the transition from producer to mc. Kanye's got my top vote for the battle of the cds between him and that other dude!! Great job Ye!
  24. RobertS.
    Sep 12, 2007
    8
    this is probably the worst album he has put out but its still fantastic! got rid of the skits and makes a more free flowing album but not as easily accessible as the other twoi. still highly recommended
  25. LiefS.
    Sep 20, 2007
    8
    I liked that he took the skits out; i dont think they were ever important and they messed up the flows of his earlier albums, the production is really good too, the only things that bother me in the album is his ego for thinking hes up there in rapping with big and pac, hes not in the top 15 rappers on my list, but he is one of the top producers, and album sales don't mean to much to I liked that he took the skits out; i dont think they were ever important and they messed up the flows of his earlier albums, the production is really good too, the only things that bother me in the album is his ego for thinking hes up there in rapping with big and pac, hes not in the top 15 rappers on my list, but he is one of the top producers, and album sales don't mean to much to be honest, if they did, ja rule would b a better rapper than biggie.. nuff said.… Expand
  26. PeterP
    Oct 28, 2007
    8
    Nice! If you like Hip-Hop then you'll like this album. It's one of those that you'll be able to listen to over and over.
  27. JoeU.
    Sep 11, 2007
    8
    This wasn't his best work but its still way better than most rap albums that came out this year.
  28. EdwardH.
    Sep 11, 2007
    8
    I'm givin' him an 8/10 since I have so many rap artists like him dat are as good as he is, and don't getz me wrong I have luv 4 him its just I'd prefer artists like Nas over him. His alwayz lyrically at his best at all times but I won't be buyin' his stuff datz all. I don't feel him as much as I feel my otha rappers like him. but good kudoz 2 him and tha I'm givin' him an 8/10 since I have so many rap artists like him dat are as good as he is, and don't getz me wrong I have luv 4 him its just I'd prefer artists like Nas over him. His alwayz lyrically at his best at all times but I won't be buyin' his stuff datz all. I don't feel him as much as I feel my otha rappers like him. but good kudoz 2 him and tha sucess of this "Graduation " record. Peace… Expand
  29. chris
    Sep 12, 2007
    8
    Not as good as his first album, but worth the $10.00. good beat and lyrics from the heart. I hope he beats 50. 50 should be ashamed of his new album, pure crap. I want my $$ back
  30. christianp
    Sep 16, 2007
    8
    in some ways this is kanye's best album because of the restraint he shows. his first two had an "everything all the time" approach, but this feels more focused. truly original in its combination of french house, american hip-hop, synth strings, real strings, buzzing keys, and soul. i think he is an original lyricist, which is what turns people off. he is in his own world and that in some ways this is kanye's best album because of the restraint he shows. his first two had an "everything all the time" approach, but this feels more focused. truly original in its combination of french house, american hip-hop, synth strings, real strings, buzzing keys, and soul. i think he is an original lyricist, which is what turns people off. he is in his own world and that makes for some captivating music. and why does everybody hate on "barry bonds"!? i think it's amazing. once it ended i had to re-start it to take it all in. great song. great album!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Album of 2007
8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. The New York Times
    Feb 9, 2011
    70
    Nearly every song on Graduation is memorable for both its hooks and its overall sound.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    80
    Graduation is neither as bold nor as scattered as "The College Dropout," and it's neither as extroverted nor as sonically rich as "Late Registration." Kanye still makes up for his shortcomings as an MC and lyricist by remaining charmingly clumsy, frequently dealing nonsense through suspect rhyme schemes.
    Read full review
  3. Billboard
    80
    An impressively creative hip-hop album that will hopefully inspire West's peers to try new sonic avenues.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »