Jesus is King
My feelings towards Kanye West continue to be mixed. On the one hand, his music is undeniably brilliant. On the other, his actions (MAGA hat, slavery comments, etc) are inexcusably atrocious. I understand many geniuses have a bit of crazy in them, and he does suffer from bipolar disorder. But he is someone I just can't make my mind up on. Many of my friends have turned away, and I sometimes find myself alone in his corner. At the end of the day, my decision is to support his music but not his character. These may be one in the same, but that's my justification.
Kanye's newest album Jesus Is King represents the change in his music and persona. He has found Jesus and is spreading the word of God. Using what he calls "Sunday Service" he tours the country at churches and venues. He performs Gospel hymns with renditions of some of his older music (i.e. Jesus Walks). I actually was happy for him. Much of his original sound was Gospel inspired, and finding Christ (or anything to believe in) would be good for his character. Then I heard his interview with Zane Lowe On Beats 1 Radio. Listening to Kanye talk, I realized he is still the same person: self-centered, egotistical, and arrogant. The 2hr piece became near insufferable. It almost seems as if he considers himself chosen by God, rather than blessed. Although I don't see myself as a stout Christian, I do believe in God and I do feel I have awareness of religion. Everyone is entitled to worship in their own way, and the Bible is up for many interpretations; Kanye's was just different anything I've seen/heard. This does not mean it's wrong, but also not completely right.
Now to his album. An album that was delayed many times, and seemed like it may never arrive. Sonically, Jesus is King confirms Kanye still has amazing production skills. The way he is able to blend sounds and simplify music is masterful. We may never see one like him again. However, it is not close to his best. Being far too short (<25min), his latest work appeared unfinished at times. I found myself wanting more, and just being left disappointed. Lyrically, there is not much content, and the powerful Gospel hymns he brings to Sunday Service were absent. For someone who is a perfectionist, and usually makes it worth the wait; this certainly was not.
Kanye's newest album Jesus Is King represents the change in his music and persona. He has found Jesus and is spreading the word of God. Using what he calls "Sunday Service" he tours the country at churches and venues. He performs Gospel hymns with renditions of some of his older music (i.e. Jesus Walks). I actually was happy for him. Much of his original sound was Gospel inspired, and finding Christ (or anything to believe in) would be good for his character. Then I heard his interview with Zane Lowe On Beats 1 Radio. Listening to Kanye talk, I realized he is still the same person: self-centered, egotistical, and arrogant. The 2hr piece became near insufferable. It almost seems as if he considers himself chosen by God, rather than blessed. Although I don't see myself as a stout Christian, I do believe in God and I do feel I have awareness of religion. Everyone is entitled to worship in their own way, and the Bible is up for many interpretations; Kanye's was just different anything I've seen/heard. This does not mean it's wrong, but also not completely right.
Now to his album. An album that was delayed many times, and seemed like it may never arrive. Sonically, Jesus is King confirms Kanye still has amazing production skills. The way he is able to blend sounds and simplify music is masterful. We may never see one like him again. However, it is not close to his best. Being far too short (<25min), his latest work appeared unfinished at times. I found myself wanting more, and just being left disappointed. Lyrically, there is not much content, and the powerful Gospel hymns he brings to Sunday Service were absent. For someone who is a perfectionist, and usually makes it worth the wait; this certainly was not.
Rating: 3/5
Best Songs: Follow God, Everything We Need, Water, Use This Gospel
Favorite Song: Use This Gospel
Comments
Post a Comment