Kanye West is ready to drop new material after wild success with “Yeezus” in 2013. Previously titled “Swish,” the upcoming album is now called “Waves,” a change that caused some Twitter beef with Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose. The tracklist, posted by Kanye via a picture on Twitter, is ever-changing, but it seems we have a solid release date—Feb. 11. The new album is rumored to feature Chance the Rapper, Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar, but nothing is certain. While you wait for the highly anticipated album, listen to a mix of Kanye’s top 10 songs (in no specific order) from previous years.
“Heartless,” 808s & Heartbreak (2008)
Numerous artists, including Denver band The Fray, have covered this dark, minimalistic track, and for good reason. “Heartless” is a powerful narrative crafted by West, one that nearly everyone knows even though it was released eight years ago.
“Gold Digger,” Late Registration (2005)
There’s nothing better than a Kanye song featuring Jamie Foxx. “Gold Digger” is one of Kanye’s best songs due to its hard-hitting beat and sampling of “I Got A Woman” by Ray Charles.
“Through the Wire,” The College Dropout (2004)
“Through the Wire” is arguably one of the most important songs West has ever created. It’s a recollection of a car accident which left West’s jaw wired shut, and is generally regarded as the single that launched him to widespread success.
“Monster,” My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
The sheer scale of this track is daunting—Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver, Jay Z and Rick Ross are featured on top of West’s strong lyrical content and intense beat. “Monster” is scary good with its in-your-face verses.
“Runaway,” My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
Filled with sultry soul and melancholy tones, “Runaway” is one of the best tracks off of the highly successful album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” The song is also a central focus in “Runaway,” a short film by West, which features narration by Minaj.
“Jesus Walks,” The College Dropout (2004)
“Jesus Walks” is one of the strongest songs on West’s debut album, in addition to “Through the Wire.” He takes on a large range of topics in this song, including religion in general, faith and the media and personal struggle.
“Blood on the Leaves,” Yeezus (2013)
“Blood on the Leaves” opens with a beautiful combination of a sample of “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday and an opening verse from West. The dropping beat and dark lyrical content make this the best song on West’s 2013 album “Yeezus.”
“All of the Lights,” My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
Both West and Rihanna shine on this track—West’s verse hits smoothly over a beautiful horn section, while Rihanna’s chorus adds a club-ready feel to the song.
“Stronger,” Graduation (2007)
Let’s be real, we’ve all listened to this song and had a somewhat embarrassing dance break to it at one point or another. “Stronger,” appearing on West’s third studio album, was an instant classic due to its catchy, electronic layers.
“POWER,” My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
Characterized by repeating soul riffs and a return to hip-hop, “POWER” details West’s career after his VMA controversy regarding Taylor Swift.
