Kanye West really only has four proper albums; the first three, which could be referred to as the College trilogy, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which could be considered his magnum opus. The others come across as oddball concept albums. This Jesus set is no exception.

It’s the Kanye West gospel album, though, at a mere 27 minutes, it’s barely an album at all. Ye, his previous release, is the same way; a short set with short songs. The former “short” bit is forgivable. Songs matter more than albums, which are basically just a way to group songs. It’s the latter that irks.

These songs aren’t bad; Hands On and Closed On Sunday actually sound good; but they’re held back by time restraints. Imagine if On God ended with an uplifting choir chorus or if the one on Selah played again after the second verse. This is like the rough demo version of a good Kanye West album.

His voice is grating on God Is and Use This Gospel is led by what sounds like the noise my car makes when I open the door with the key in the ACC position, but it’s cool to hear Kenny G on a rap album and Water sounds like an updated version of the Endolude from MC Eiht’s We Come Strapped.

my rating : 3 of 5

2019

audio review : Jesus Is Born ( album ) … Sunday Service