The Life of Pablo, Kanye West’s seventh studio album, is not a masterpiece like he proclaimed it would be. Rather, it is a bit of a mess, sloppy at times, and not as cohesive as past albums, but an act of marketing genius.
As the album was being played, one particular line from the song “Famous” stood out instantly: “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex. Why? I made that b**** famous.” The controversial line quickly garnered a lot of publicity and based on the initial reactions to the line, feedback was mostly negative.
In regards to the quality of the music on The Life of Pablo, it is clear that West made this album as a work in progress. The track “Wolves” has been updated, along with updates to “Famous” and a promise from West that the album will undergo further changes. The track list cohesiveness falls off after “Wolves.” In fact, the album would have fared a lot better had the album come to a close after that song. Instead, West opted to add songs such as “No More Parties in LA” and “Facts (Charlie Heat Version)” that come off as loose ends. The production on the album was fascinating, vast and perfectly arranged for the majority of the album.
The major flaw in The Life of Pablo is West and his team of writers’ songwriting. West raps brilliantly in songs such as “Real Friends” or even the throwaway “No More Parties in LA.” Other songs such as “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1” leave the listener wanting for more, as the constantly experimenting West has finally reached a point where he has stretched himself too thin. West vocals on the album are either minimal singing or brief lackluster verses. The inconsistencies in the lyrical content made for a disjointed body of work. West tries to capture gospel, trap, motivational themes and a semi-conscious approach all while inviting numerous artists to join the party.
The features on this album, strongly curated, probably bested West on The Life of Pablo. Chance the Rapper steals the show on “Ultralight Beam,” probably the best song on the album. Designer essentially lends his hit song “Panda” for a mini makeover in “Pt. 2.” Ty Dolla Sign delivers twice on “Real Friends” and the outro “Fade.” Chris Brown dominates the awe-inspiring “Waves” and even Young Thug provides good backing vocals on “Highlights.” West was more of an arranger than the featured artist on The Life of Pablo.
With a constantly evolving track list, a public life that has truly exploded into a media frenzy and a slightly below great album, it is clear that all these things encompass The Life of Pablo. After all, the album is named after Paul the Apostle, Pablo Escobar and Pablo Picasso, three historical figures that influence the album in their own way: the religious theme, the self-glamorization/bravado and the beauty of art. Kanye West made an evolving album that has marketed Tidal on a higher level, as the only legal way of acquiring Pablo is to purchase the app. His life, the life of Kanye, is just a marketing tool to push an album that fits the narrative.
