The Newest Rant goes to the music store.

Now for some music reviews. Click behind the cut for my thoughts on the newest by Kanye, John Legend, and Cee Lo. Spoiler Alert: They're all good.


Kanye West: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
 I'm sorry, he may act like a jerk but I love the music of Kanye West. This album is quite possibly his best work since his debut, "The College Dropout," which I don't think he will ever be able to top, but damn if this isn't hot.
 From pseudo-gospel opening of "Dark Fantasy" to "Devil in a New Dress" the smashing, "Runaway," and the heart-breaking, "Blame Game," this album is full of certified bangers--as the kids today say. Even if you hate Mr. West personally, you've got to at least give this album a lesson. It's just amazing.
5 out of 5 stars.
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy [Explicit]  if you want it from Amazon, I say you should buy it right away.

John Legend and the Roots: Wake Up
Describe by the headlining artist as a protest album for our times, this album both is thoughtful and fun. I would say the standout track is the popular jam and closing song, "Shine," featured in the film "Waiting for Superman," which I have yet to see but have heard good things about. The rest of the album is enjoyable too, but nothing else sticks out as much to me. The songs sort of blend together in a good way to make a cohesive listening experience that should bring a smile to your face. In other words, not amazing but good nonetheless.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Wake Up! should you desire it. You might prefer to buy specific songs after previewing it though.

Cee Lo Green: The Ladykiller
Let's get this out of the way, yes this is the album with the hit song, "Fuck You," but it's got so much more. I've been following Green since Goodie Mob and his other solo albums, of which it has been six years since he's had one--of course much of this time was spent making 2 albums with Danger Mouse as the psychedelic "Gnarls Barkley". Compared to his earlier solo work which has a neo-soul and funk feel, this stuff is almost reminiscent of doo-wop mixed with techno and 1950's style pop. It's as strange as it is enjoyable and probably Cee Lo's most commercial album yet--but not in a bad way, in a my-God-it's-catchy-way. I'd especially recommend, "It's Okay" "Bright Lights, Bigger City," Satisfied," and, yes, "Fuck You." 
4 out of 5 stars.
The Lady Killer [Explicit] if you want to buy it, I would recommend doing so.