For this year's reviews of the album of the year nominees, I simplified my grading. I grade each song (not any interludes or preludes) out of 10, coming up with a final score out of 100.
"Donda" - Kanye West
1) "Donda Chant" ft/ Syleena Johnson
This acts as a meditative opening track.
2) "Jail" ft/ Jay-Z
Jail depicts Kanye amidst crisis in regards to his public image and marriage. Overall this track is rather repetitive, and not very creative in dealing with that reflection.
3) "God Breathed" ft/ Vory
He's imploring the listener to trust God. The writing is just awful, I mean; "God, the father like Maury". Vory's verses on their own would make for a better song.
4) "Off The Grid" ft/ Flvio Foreign & Playboy Carti
There are mixed messages among the verses.
5) "Hurricane" by Kanye West & The Weeknd ft/ Lil Baby
There's a nice flow from The Weeknd; "Father hold me close, don't let me drown". Kanye gets really personal.
6) "Praise God" ft/ Baby Keem & Travis Scott
This track deals with raising awareness.
7) "Jonah" ft/ Lil Durk & Vory
This is a tribute to Jonah Ware; "I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone".
8) "Ok Ok" ft/ Lil Yachty & Rooga
'Ok Ok' is a reflection on betrayal and demonization in the public eye, but the track is yawn-inducing.
9) "Junya" ft/ Playboi Carti
This is a tribute to designer Junya Watanabe. The writing doesn't provide much.
10) "Believe What I Say"
This is another track on reflection; "people say tweeting gonna make you die early".
11) "24"
'24' is a dedication to Kobe Bryant and about the fragility of life.
12) "Remote Control" ft/ Young Thug
Another reflection on faith, Kanye is saying that God has a plan laid out.
13) "Moon" ft/ Don Toliver & Kid Cudi
A very tranquil track; "Angels, they say I'm not ever weak".
14) "Heaven & Hell"
Opening with a distorted sounding intro, it follows with a staccato flow.
15) "Donda" ft/ Stalone & The World Famous Tony Williams
The title track acts as a sort of interlude, featuring Kanye's late mother.
16) "Keep My Spirit Alive" ft/ Conway the Machine & Westside Gunn
Dealing with past reflections, the first verse isn't very pleasing to listen to.
17) "Jesus Lord" ft/ Jay Electronica
This track lays out a story, saying those on tough times need to listen to their faith.
18) "New Again"
This track is about a spiritual rebirth, but has a cluttered intro.
19) "Tell The Vision" ft/ Pop Smoke
This acts as a tribute to Pop Smoke.
20) "Lord I Need You"
Kanye reflects on his relationship to Kim K.
21) "Pure Souls" ft/ Roddy Ricch & Sheneseea
'Pure Souls' reflects on challenges, and rising up without selling one's soul.
22) "Come To Life"
Kanye desires for another life, wishing he had listened more.
23) "No Child Left Behind" ft/ Vory
This references the children of God.
24) "Jail Pt. 2" ft/ DaBaby & Marilyn Manson
A controversial track due to this collaboration, especially Manson and the sexual assault allegations levied against him.
25) "Ok Ok pt 2" ft/ Rooga & Shenseea"
26) "Junya Pt. 2" ft/ Playboi Carti & Ty Dolla $ign
27) "Jesus Lord Pt. 2" ft/ Jay Electronica & the Lox
I'll be honest, "Donda' was a sludge to get through. There are some good things there (mainly in the back-half and the solo tracks), but this album is so muddled. If the track list had been halved, then maybe 'Donda' would be worthy of the grammy nomination, but as it is, it felt like a chore to listen to. (61)
Lil Nas X "Montero" - 85
Kanye West "Donda" - 61
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