It's one of those albums that is an acquired taste, and when you listen to as much alternative/rap/rock music as I do, then it's just "aight". But if you are a true rap fan, then you may not enjoy Kanye's new direction in music.

I totally respect an artist that pushes the envelope. But when it comes to singing, you must be able to carry a tune. If you can 't carry a tune then let somebody else carry that tune for you and make them blow up. I mean spread the wealth, ya dig. Shoot we are in a recession and Kanye could have done a Chronic album where he introduces a gang of people. But no, his inner superstar, no Lupe, wanted to sing in a T-Pain-esq way that is at times brutal to listen to.

Now other recording artists are going to follow. A matter of fact, you don't have to carry a note anymore. All you need is autotune/vocoder and you are set. But with this particular album, to the critical ear, it's a bit too much. I think the best way to characterize the autotune/vocoder phenomenon is that a little bit is just right. But too much is not a good thing and I feel that Kanye's newest effort had more misses than hits.

Kanye basically did this album to expand his base. He is not worried about the true Kanye fans because they will ride or die with him no matter what. But his thinking is, "Let me do what's hot right now and let me go left field with it (i.e. Andre 3000) while everybody goes right." Some would say that's genius. Others would say, "Don't mess with what got you here."

Overall, there are some gems - Welcome to Heartbreak, Amazing ft. Jeezy, and Love Lockdown - and if you want someone that does a pretty good imitation of T-Pain with a pinch of depression then this is the CD for you.

If Kanye read this he would spazz out. He would argue that it is a masterpiece. He would probably post on his blog, "HE JUST DOESN'T GET IT." (For some reason, he posts everything in caps on his blog.) Kanye I get it. You want to play in stadiums and fill them up and not go perform for hole in wall clubs. You want to win grammys and not just be nominated. You want a larger audience and a more ecletic sound. I get it Kanye.. I GET IT! But the fact of the matter is.. I am not feeling it.