Graduation [PA] (CD - 2007)

Personnel: Connie Mitchell, Tanya Herron (vocals); Young Jeezy (rap vocals); Mike Dean (guitars); Gloria Justen, Luigi Mazzocchi, Eric Gorfain, Igor Szwec, Daphne Chen, Emma Kummrow, Olga Konopelsky, Charles Parker (violin); Alexandra Leem, Peter Nocella, Leah Katz, Alma Fernandez (viola); Richard Dodd, John Krovoza (cello); Wired Strings (strings); Omar Edwards (Fender Rhodes piano); La Mar 'Mars' Edwards, Andy Chatterly, Darryl Beaton, Jon Brion, Chris Rob (keyboards); Tim Resler, Vincent 'Biggs' James (bass guitar); Timbaland (programming); Jehireh Williams, Jalil Williams, John Legend, Ne-Yo (background vocals); Eric Hudson, Tony 'Penafire' Williams, Jay-Z, Jennie Lorenzo, Section Quartet.

Additional personnel: Chris Martin (vocals); DJ Premier (scratches); Dwele, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, T-Pain.

Given the remarkable critical and commercial success of 2005's LATE REGISTRATION, Kanye West's rich, rewarding sophomore release, expectations were high for 2007's GRADUATION. Ever savvy, West flouts those expectations by delivering a record that delivers curveballs while staying true to his sharply sculpted, commercially minded m.o. West's rapping, never his greatest strength, is still entertaining. He delivers witty, smart, sometimes absurd rhymes (he seems to take more lyrical chances on GRADUATION) that fit nicely with the overall feel of his tracks.

As usual, it's West's productions that stand out. While there are examples of his style-defining use of classic R&B samples and background choirs (as on the feel-good highlight "I Wonder"), West streamlines his sound to center on synth-driven lines, giving many of the tracks a retro-electro new wave feel. "Stronger," for example, another standout, is powered by a vocoder-drenched vocal sample courtesy of French dance superstars Daft Punk, which finds West again more comfortable in hip-hop's uncharted waters. The overall results make for a fun, inventive album that offers proof that West still has tricks up his sleeve. minimize