The Year 2018 Kanye West Albums Phenomenon: Why Do They Often Contain Only Seven Songs?
2018 gave birth to a series of intriguing album releases from Kanye West, each one sparking conversation and curiosity. Notably, each of these albums contained only seven songs, a stark contrast to the expansive and album-heavy output we were accustomed to from the iconic artist. This phenomenon has left fans and observers alike perplexed. So, why did Kanye West choose to produce albums with such a limited song count in 2018? This article explores the possible reasons behind this unusual format and its implications on the music industry.
Understanding Kanye West’s Music Catalog
Kanye West, often hailed as one of the prodigies in the music industry, has a storied career characterized by innovative production, lyrical dexterity, and a relentless pursuit of artistic perfection. His discography is a testament to these qualities, featuring albums like emMy Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy/em, emYeezus/em, and emThe Life of Pablo/em, all of which span multiple tracks and often take listeners on a comprehensive musical journey.
The 2018 Release: A Teaser or a Trend?
In 2018, Kanye West released a series of albums, each containing only seven songs. This limited tracklist format raised several questions among the fanbase and critics. The immediate reaction was to wonder if these albums were merely teasers or if they represented a new trend in music production. Let's delve into the possible reasons behind this decision.
Artistic Expression and Focus
One key reason why artists like Kanye West might opt for a seven-song album is their desire for focused and expressive songwriting. Unlike a longer album, which can spread an artist's creative energy over a broader range of songs, a shorter album allows an artist to craft each track with meticulous precision. This format can result in a higher concentration of artistic merit, as each song is honed to perfection.
Example: The 2018 installment of Kanye West’s solo career, emJesus is King/em, contained only seven tracks, each meticulously designed to convey a specific message or emotion. This limited approach can create a more powerful and profound musical experience for the listener.
Marketing and Hype
Another factor to consider is the impact of marketing and hype. A shorter album can generate a sense of exclusivity and FOMO (fear of missing out) among fans. When an artist releases an album with a highly limited tracklist, it can create a buzz that lingers and drives people to purchase and stream the album. This strategy can be particularly effective for an artist like Kanye West, who has a significant following and a reputation for releasing provocative and innovative work.
Collaborative Efforts and Scope
The seven-song format in 2018 can also be seen as a reflection of collaborative projects and specific thematic focuses. Each album might represent a thematic collection of songs, such as work featuring different collaborators or focusing on a particular lyrical theme. These albums can be seen as standalone entities, each with its own unique identity and direction.
Example: The album emKanye West Pusha T: Only True/em and emKanye West Wyclef Jean: Jesus, Mary, and Baby/em embody this collaborative approach. Each album brought together distinct voices and stories, creating a cohesive yet highly concentrated body of work.
Impact on the Music Industry
The release of seven-song albums by Kanye West and other artists in 2018 had a significant impact on the music industry. It challenged traditional notions of what an album should be and prompted discussions about the value and quality of music in a digital age.
The industry is now dealing with the reality of shorter album formats. Streaming services and playlists, which have become dominant in the music listening experience, can accommodate these smaller collections more easily. This may lead to a shift in how artists view their output and how listeners consume music.
Conclusion
The release of seven-song albums by Kanye West in 2018, while perplexing at first glance, speaks volumes about artistic expression, marketing strategies, and the changing landscape of the music industry. As we continue to navigate the digital age of music consumption, the significance of these releases will undoubtedly persist, inspiring further discourse and innovation.