‘Played out,’ were the first words that came to mind when I heard that the third album from rapper/producer Kanye West was going to be titled ‘Graduation.’ Didn’t Kanye graduate after he sold his first 5 million records or after he won his first Grammy?

Even with my skepticism, I anticipated the release of ‘Graduation.’ The album does not disappoint. With his third album, Kanye dug deep into himself to create a timeless record.

What is striking about Kanye’s first two albums is that each album had its own signature sound. His first album, ‘The College Dropout,’ was laced with soul samples and guests, but Kanye’s passion was evident. On his second album, ‘Late Registration,’ Kanye tried to out-do himself and break down the barriers of hip-hop music, yet it did not have the hunger, the energy or the soul of the first album.

This is not the case with ‘Graduation,’ as it clearly puts Kanye West among hip-hop greats.

Kanye starts the album by sampling Elton John’s ‘Good Morning.’ Over haunting pianos and timely drum beats, Kanye tells us how this album is his personal ‘Graduation.’ ‘Good Morning’ sets the pace for the rest of the album. This is Kanye’s dissertation of sorts.

‘I Wonder’ and ‘Everything I Am’ are passionate and deep rhymes. On ‘I Wonder’ Kanye speaks to his female friends about the challenging life of single women. This track stands out because it is so different than most current hip-hop songs about women. On the song he raps about how in this confusing society women are supposed to rely on men and start families, and thus abandon their dreams.

‘Barry Bonds’ features self-proclaimed ‘best rapper alive’ Lil’ Wayne. This song shows Kanye with his ego at an all-time high, but proves his ability to make some of the best hard core hip-hop tracks. Being one of the most popular rappers in the game, Lil’ Wayne should have made it a better verse, instead it’s lackluster and has neither flow nor substance.

Kanye’s ode to late-night relations, ‘Drunk and Hot Girls,’ is a very distinctive track on the album. Over highly electronic pianos and a bizarre French sample, Kanye raps about his late-night romance with intoxicated models. With help from Mos Def, Kanye flips a standard hip-hop topic and puts his own twist on it.

Kanye surprised fans when he recycled one of his older songs, ‘Home,’ by adding Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin on the hook. ‘Home’ is a beautiful dedication to his hometown, Chicago. This song is a masterpiece that shows Kanye at his lyrical best. He twists the story of young love to his personal relationship with his hometown.

Kanye saves his best for last, as the final song on the album, ‘Big Brother,’ is a testament to his mentor and friend Jay-Z. ‘Big Brother’ is an brutally honest song about his relationship with Jay-Z and how Jigga has helped turn him into the person he is today. Over a mesmerizing beat, Kanye spits about his friendship with the world’s most famous rapper and how he looks at Jay-Z as a big brother.

Kanye West’s ‘Graduation’ is a masterpiece. It is a truly complete, well-thought-out album. Kanye seems to be a stronger lyricist than ever. He is on top of his game and it seems that he has no intent on stopping. With ‘Graduation,’ it is clear that Kanye is not only a graduate, but the valedictorian.

*********- 9.5 out of 10 stars.

If you wish to read an extended review of Kanye West’s ‘Graduation,’ you can find it at bupipedream.com