Kanye West Albums, Ranked

2010's near-universally acclaimed masterpiece, earning a rare Pitchfork 10.0 and topping countless 'best of the decade' lists.

His 2004 debut sold over 3 million in the US and reframed hip-hop with chipmunk-soul production and 'Jesus Walks.'

2005's Jon Brion-assisted follow-up won the Grammy for Best Rap Album and cemented his critical standing.

2007's arena-rap turn beat 50 Cent in a landmark first-week sales duel (957k) and gave him 'Stronger.'

2008's sparse, melancholic Auto-Tune experiment influenced a decade of emotive rap from Drake to Kid Cudi.

2013's minimalist, aggressive left turn drew wide critical praise for its uncompromising sonic risk-taking.

2016's constantly-updated 'living' album was messy but rich, and became one of the first #1 records driven by streams.

The 2011 collaboration with Jay-Z topped the Billboard 200 and delivered the ubiquitous 'N----s in Paris.'

The tight 2018 Kid Cudi project (part of the Wyoming sessions) was among the best-reviewed of that prolific run.

The 2018 album debuted at #1 but its rushed 23-minute runtime drew mixed notices as slight.

2021's 27-track tribute to his mother had highlights but was widely faulted as overlong and unfocused.

The 2024 ¥$ collaboration with Ty Dolla Sign hit #1 but earned lukewarm reviews amid off-record controversy.

The 2019 gospel album topped the chart but was among his lowest-rated, criticized as underwritten and preachy.

The 2022 sequel released only on his $200 Stem Player in unfinished form, widely panned and ineligible for charts.

The chaotic 2024 rollout and undercooked material made it the least-praised entry of the Vultures run.