Kanye West (“Famous”) added to his resume with the late August 2021 release of “Donda.” The album, named for West’s late mother, is an effective 1 hour and 48 minute blend of the many musical styles he has utilized throughout his career. 

“Praise God,” “24,” “Lord I Need You,” “Donda” and “New Again” all use samples of gospel music or features West’s Sunday Service Choir, a staple of previous albums, like “JESUS IS KING,” and “The Life of Pablo.” Several other songs on “Donda,” are more rap focused, a callback to West’s earlier albums. 

Prominent artists like Jay-Z (“Empire State of Mind”), The Weeknd (“Blinding Lights”), DaBaby (“Red Light Green Light”) and Playboi Carti (“Magnolia”) are featured on “Donda.” As well as collaborating with already notable musicians, West continues his practice of attempting to bring attention and recognition to musicians who are less famous, such as KayCyy (“Flew By You), Westside Gunn (“327”), and Shenseea (“Shen Yeng Anthem”).

One of the most striking and effective things West does with “Donda” is use a recording of his mother in the song that shares its name with the album. An address given by Donda West in 2007 provides a linearly structured chorus that is followed by the Sunday Service Choir, another West creation. The song does an excellent job of paying tribute to the late Mrs. West, as well as encompassing and demonstrating the creative genius of West. 

West refers to his recent divorce with superstar model, designer and media personality, Kim Kardashian. frequently in “Believe What I Say” as well as “Lord I Need You,” with lyrics such as: “Starting to feel like you ain’t been happy for me lately, darling,” and “tryin’ to do the right thing with the freedom that you gave me.” One cannot help but think that the split heavily influenced the tone of the album, as “Donda” has a generally subdued and more introspective feeling when compared to previous Kanye albums.

“Jail,” “Ok Ok,” “Junya” and “Jesus Lord” all have second parts, labeled “pt 2,” that end the album in consecutive order. These tracks share almost everything with their part one counterparts, but feature different artists. Having these tracks on the album gives it a slightly repetitive feel, something that is only worsened by “Off the Grid,” in which West repeats the title of the song several times in quick succession, as well as the very first “song” on the album, “Donda Chant.”

“Come to Life” is one of West’s best compositions, with an uplifting melodic theme that culminates in West’s self-realization and a huge step away from some of his previous self-importance: “Come and purify me, come and sanctify me, You the air that I breathe, the ultra-ultralight beam … This is not about me, God is still alive, so I’m free.” This song seems like a natural stopping point both melodically and lyrically, but is followed by “No Child Left Behind” and the “pt 2” songs, a missed opportunity for West to nicely tie up his most recent album. 

“Donda,” while perhaps failing to meet the unrealistic expectations of many, is generally very listenable and features a few masterpieces that perfectly exemplify West’s ability as a writer, producer and musician. West provides a little bit of everything for his fans, mixing in seemingly all of his styles. The album gives a great glimpse into the complex mind of West, and expresses almost every emotion in existence. The result is a nearly two hour classic, that, while perhaps a bit repetitive, will be enjoyed by many for years to come. 

Photo from Kanye West via YouTube