The 10 best Kanye West songs of all time

Kanye West, born June 8, 1977 in Atlanta, Georgia, is an American rapper, producer, designer, and entrepreneur. He first rose to prominence in the early 2000s through his innovative production work on Jay-Z’s *The Blueprint* and his own debut album *The College Dropout* (2004). West is known for pushing boundaries in music and fashion and has released influential albums such as *Late Registration* (2005), *Graduation* (2007), and *My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy* (2010). His work often blends hip hop with various genres and is known for its experimental approach.

West is also known for his outspoken personality and ventures outside of music, including his fashion brand Yeezy and various business ventures. Despite controversy and public criticism, he remains a significant and influential figure in contemporary culture.

1. Stronger

“Stronger” is a song by Kanye West, released on July 31, 2007 as the first single from his third studio album, Graduation. The track features a prominent sample from Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”, giving it a distinctive electronic and upbeat sound. The lyrics of “Stronger” emphasize themes of resilience and self-empowerment, with West emphasizing his strength and perseverance in the face of challenges.

The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of West’s most recognizable hits. Its innovative production and motivational message were well received, and the music video, featuring futuristic and visually striking imagery, further enhanced the song’s impact.

2. Gold diggers

“Gold Digger” is a song by Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx, released on August 30, 2005 as the second single from his album *Late Registration*. The track features a prominent sample from Ray Charles’ “I Got a Woman” and is known for its catchy chorus and upbeat production. The lyrics address themes such as materialism and financial motivations in relationships, with West addressing the dynamics of a relationship where financial gain is a major factor.

“Gold Digger” was a huge commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the charts in several countries. The song was praised for its clever lyrics and engaging production, and the music video, which features a humorous narrative and a nod to classic Hollywood, complemented its lively and playful tone.

3. Heartless

“Heartless” is a song by Kanye West, released on November 4, 2008 as the first single from his fourth studio album *808s & Heartbreak*. The track is characterized by its minimalist production and use of Auto-Tune, creating a cold, emotional sound that complements the lyrical content. The song deals with themes of heartbreak and emotional distance, with West reflecting on a turbulent relationship and the pain of abandonment.

Well-received due to its innovative production and West’s soulful performance, “Heartless” was a commercial success, peaking in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video, which features a dark and surreal animation aesthetic, further reinforces the song’s themes of emotional turmoil and isolation.

4. All lights

“All of the Lights” is a song by Kanye West that features a number of artists, including Rihanna, Kid Cudi, and a number of other guest contributions. Released on February 22, 2011 as a single from West’s album *My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy*, the track is characterized by its expansive, orchestral production and complex, layered sound.

The song deals with themes of fame, excess, and the consequences of a celebrity lifestyle. Its energetic, upbeat production includes a powerful horn section and a chorus sung by Rihanna. “All of the Lights” received widespread acclaim for its sophisticated production and impressive list of collaborators. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its music video, with its vibrant, multifaceted visual style, complements its dynamic and intense feel.

5. Jesus goes

“Jesus Walks” is a song by Kanye West, released on March 31, 2004 as the first single from his debut album *The College Dropout*. The track features a distinctive beat and gospel-influenced production, with West rapping about faith, spirituality, and the difficulties of living a righteous life in a challenging world. The song’s lyrics address themes of personal redemption and the role of religion in West’s life and career.

“Jesus Walks” received critical acclaim for its bold subject matter and innovative production, and became a major hit, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s music video, which features powerful imagery and narrative around the themes of faith and perseverance, further enhanced its impact and message.

6. Performance

“Power” is a song by Kanye West, released on August 24, 2010 as the first single from his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The track is known for its dramatic, intense production and its exploration of themes surrounding authority, fame and self-empowerment.

The song features a striking, haunting sample from King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man,” combined with West’s powerful vocals and a dynamic beat. The lyrics reflect on the corrupting influence of power and the personal struggles that come with it. “Power” was widely praised for its bold production and thought-provoking content, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video, directed by West and featuring striking, symbolic imagery, further emphasizes the song’s themes of dominance and introspection.

7. Outliers

“Runaway” is a song by Kanye West, released on October 4, 2010 as the second single from his album *My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy*. The track features contributions from Pusha T and is known for its innovative production and emotionally raw content.

The song’s production features a minimalist piano melody, distorted vocals, and an atmospheric soundscape. The lyrics address themes such as regret, self-awareness, and the consequences of failed relationships. West uses the track to address his personal mistakes and the impact they have on those around him.

Widely praised for its ambitious and experimental approach, “Runaway” was a critical and box office success. The music video, with its surreal and visually striking imagery, complements the introspective and melancholic tone of the song. The track is often considered one of the standout pieces from *My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy*.

8. Tied up 2

“Bound 2” is a song by Kanye West, released on November 18, 2013 as the second single from his album *Yeezus*. The track contains a soulful sample from “Bound” by Ponderosa Twins Plus One and is known for its eclectic mix of hip hop and vintage soul influences.

The song’s production combines a repetitive, soulful sample with West’s distinctive rapping style and raw, emotional lyrics. The lyrics tackle themes of love, desire, and personal reflection, with West’s delivery conveying both intensity and vulnerability.

“Bound 2” received positive reviews for its innovative production and West’s performance. The music video, which features West and Kim Kardashian in a highly stylized and controversial portrayal of their relationship, garnered considerable attention and discussion. The track is known for its unique approach and is often highlighted as a standout on the *Yeezus* album.

9. Black Skinhead

“Black Skinhead” is a song by Kanye West, released on July 8, 2013 as the first single from his album *Yeezus*. The track features a powerful industrial beat with aggressive, punk-inspired elements and a driving rhythm. Its production includes a combination of raw, distorted sounds and heavy percussion, creating an intense and confrontational atmosphere.

The song’s lyrics address themes of race, identity and social injustice, with West using provocative language and imagery to express his frustration with societal issues and personal struggles. “Black Skinhead” has been praised for its bold, innovative approach and commentary on race and identity.

The music video, with its strong, monochromatic aesthetic and powerful imagery, complements the song’s themes and adds to its striking presentation. “Black Skinhead” was well received for its bold experimentation and became a notable track from *Yeezus*.

10. Touch the sky

“Touch the Sky” is a song by Kanye West feat. Lupe Fiasco released on May 16, 2006 as the third single from his second studio album “Late Registration”. The track has a dynamic and catchy beat, samples Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” and is known for its energetic and motivational tone.

The song’s lyrics are about ambition, perseverance and achieving your dreams, and find West and Fiasco reflecting on their personal journeys and successes. “Touch the Sky” has been praised for its inspirational message and the seamless blend of West’s production with Mayfield’s soulful sample.

The music video, directed by Rishi Rajani and Kanye West, features vibrant and visually appealing scenes that reflect the song’s themes of overcoming obstacles and celebrating success. “Touch the Sky” is often highlighted as one of *Late Registration*’s most outstanding tracks due to its positive message and catchy production.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.