Kanye West is undoubtedly one of the most influential musicians of our time. From his early days as a producer for Jay-Z and other artists, to his tough but quick rise as a solo artist, he has always pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music. His discography is a testament to his creative genius, and each album tells a story of his growth and evolution as an artist.

West’s debut album, “The College Dropout,” was released in 2004 and was an instant classic. The album was a mix of soulful beats and introspective lyrics, showcasing West’s unique perspective on life and the world around him. The album was a commercial success and earned West several Grammy nominations, including Best Rap Album.

West’s second album, “Late Registration,” was released in 2005 and was a departure from the sound of his debut album. The album featured orchestral arrangements and a more polished sound, thanks in part to West’s collaboration with Jon Brion. The album was another commercial success and earned West several more Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year.

In 2007, West released “Graduation,” which was a departure from his previous two albums. The album featured electronic and synth-heavy beats, with West experimenting with new sounds and styles. The album was a commercial and critical success and is often cited as one of the best albums of the 2000s. This is my second favorite album of his, in large part to his uplifting style in these tracks.

West’s fourth album, “808s & Heartbreak,” was released in 2008 and was a major departure from his previous work.  The album featured minimalistic beats and heavy use of Auto-Tune, with West singing rather than rapping on many of the tracks. The album was a commercial success but was met with mixed reviews from critics. Some of the tracks on this album I absolutely loved, while some of the tracks were hard to push through.

In 2010, West released “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” which is often cited as his GOAT album. The album featured an vast mix of genres and styles, with West collaborating with several high-profile artists such as Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kid Cudi. The album was a commercial and critical success, earning West several Grammy nominations and topping several year-end lists. This album is my all-time favorite Kanye West album due to his lyrical style that cannot be matched in comparison to his others.

West’s next few albums, including “Yeezus” and “The Life of Pablo,” continued to showcase his experimentation with new sounds and styles. “Yeezus” was a minimalist album that drew inspiration from industrial and electronic music, while “The Life of Pablo” was a more upbeat and charismatic album that featured several high-profile collaborators. TLOP is my third favorite Kanye West album, again due in large part to the very creative lyrical style and production he puts forth.

In 2018, West released “Ye,” which was a more personal and introspective album than his previous work. The album was met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising West’s vulnerability and honesty while others criticized the album for its lack of cohesion.

West’s most recent album, “Donda,” was released in 2021 and was dedicated to his late mother. The album features a mix of genres and styles, with West collaborating with several high-profile artists such as Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, and The Weeknd. The album was a commercial success but was met with mixed reviews from critics.

Throughout his career, Kanye West has shown a willingness to take risks and experiment with new sounds and styles. His discography tells a story of his growth and evolution as an artist, with each album showcasing a different aspect of his creative genius. While some of his albums have been more commercially successful than others, each one has contributed to his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of our time. Although some of his decisions he has made in the media are questionable, I still consider Kanye West as one of the most influential artists of our time, and is sure to stay that way for years to come.