The Bottom Line
Kanye West previews his 808s and Heartbreak album with one of the most stunning pop singles of the year. A minimalist production heightens the emotional impact of romantic fear and dread. Kanye West has created some of the most stunning singles of the decade, and "Love Lockdown" is a worthy addition to the list.
Pros
- Minimalist production enhances emotional impact
- Daring vocals from Kanye
- Use of Japanese taiko drums
Cons
- This one is close to perfect
Description
- Written by Kanye West
- Produced by Kanye West
- Released September 2008 by Roc-a-Fella
Guide Review - Kanye West - "Love Lockdown"
In 2005 Kanye West unleashed the single "Gold Digger" from the Late Registration album. Last summer the song "Stronger" previewed Graduation. Now "Love Lockdown" is our first introduction to the upcoming 808s & Heartbreak. All 3 are stunning efforts.
The first surprise of "Love Lockdown" is that it's a singing, not rapping, Kanye West all the way through. He is not a stunningly gifted singer, but the use of Auto-Tune technology helps create a vocal that is impressive in its electronic precision and drama. Minimalist pounding bass line from the classic 808 drum machine effectively represents the pounding heart in love which continually races into restless overdrive delivered by taiko drums.
For those interested in how the simple but powerful recording of "Love Lockdown" is pieced together, Kanye West has made available for download the basic elements of the song via his blog. "Love Lockdown" represents well Kanye West's restlessly creative musical mind always reaching in new directions. Listen to the song more than once and it will soon be haunting the back corners of your mind.
