The Daily O’Collegian

Kanye West fans are going to find that his latest album, “Graduation,” is a little different from what they are used to.

The string instruments, choir vocals and beat machines that were his bread and butter from “Late Registration” and “College Dropout” are gone. Synthesizers and introspective rhymes mark his newest release, and it’s one that, although good, falls short of great.

Some of the songs on the album feel as if they could have been on either of West’s previous releases. “The Glory” and “Everything I Am” provide a hint of what fans are used to but are still able to flow with the rest of the album.

The new direction West has taken is most evident on the single “Stronger,” with synthesizers assaulting ears from every direction. “Barry Bonds,” while having little to do with its controversial namesake, gets better every time you listen to it, with West’s signature confidence or egotism (take your pick) coming through every word. It would have been the best song on the album if it weren’t for the song that comes before it.

“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” may be the best song West has released. Everything about the song flows together and the typically introspective lyrics deal with everything from West answering his critics to the way he dresses. West’s confidence in all situations is most apparent when he says, “I’m on T.V. talking like it’s just you and me. … I’m just saying how I feel, man.”

However, even with the greatness of “Barry Bonds” and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” “Graduation” still has its pitfalls. Many will argue that what made West great was his different approach to constructing beats, but the direction he is heading is making him more like the dime-a-dozen hip-hop artists clogging airwaves. The album is mind-numbingly repetitive, the only difference among a few songs is what West is bragging about. West’s lyrics are still better than most of the alternatives out there, but they struggle to overcome the other shortcomings of the album.

If you are a fan of West, pick up “Graduation.” You probably already have. Anyone else should download “Barry Bonds” and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” from iTunes and call it a day. Maybe that is a bit harsh and maybe that’s because more is expected of West than your average hip-hop artist, but “Graduation” seems as though it needs to be held back.