BULLY by Kanye West: Album Review

After being delayed seven times, Kanye West has finally dropped his new album titled BULLY. The album has 18 songs with five features from various artists. Along with most of the other Kanye albums, the rollout for BULLY was underwhelming. Kanye had several listening parties across the world, where many songs were first heard by some of the public. BULLY contains no AI, as stated in Kanye's Instagram post a day before the album was released. 

Every Song Ranked

18. Last Breath (featuring Peso Pluma)

Kanye raps in a mix of Spanish and English, and the production is good. However, it doesn't compare to most other songs on the album. 5/10

17. White Lines (featuring Andre Troutman)

This track uses a ton of autotune that isn't really needed. Many songs on the album have the same vibe as “White Lines,” so another wasn't really needed on the album. 5.5/10

16. This is a Must

This song conveys the same electric production used on Yeezus, which is awesome; however, the lyrics are not great, and it seems like a filler song on the album. 6/10

15. I can't wait

Good, not great production feels very filler, doesn't seem as though Kanye put much effort into this track. 6/10

14. This One Here

Good way to end the album, great sample for the hook, Kanye's verses are pretty weak, production is very College Trilogy-esque. 6.5/10

13. Damn

“Damn” was released as one of the lead singles for BULLY. Kanye improved the song by trashing the AI and long intro, still very repetitive and heavy autotune use. 6.5/10

12. Mama's Favorite

Kanye becomes super emotional on this song with references to his mom, who passed away nearly 20 years ago. The conversation between the two at the end of the track shows the incredible relationship they had. If the song had a little less autotune, it would be amazing. 6.5/10

11. Sisters and Brothers

All songs from here on out are great. “Sisters and Brothers” is no exception; the mix of soul and boom bap is amazing, and the sample gives the song a dark vibe, showing Kanye's ability to shape samples to fit the mood of the song. 8/10

10. Whatever Works 

The old Kanye is released on this song, with major chipmunk soul production that Kanye got famous for. I love the minimal use of autotune, and it felt like Kanye was being himself on this song, which was quite enjoyable to hear. 8/10

9. Beauty and the Beast 

Originally, “Beauty and the Beast” was released as one of the lead singles for BULLY. The song was already good, and Kanye got rid of the AI and refined the production, making the track super enjoyable. 8.5/10

8. All the Love 

The 808s and Heartbreak type of production and party-sounding autotune make this song spectacular. After being debuted in Mexico at a concert, everyone was excited for this track; it did not disappoint. 8.5/10

7. King

The symbolism of Kanye waking up to a new dawn and leaving his notorious past behind him is a great way to start the album. Additionally, the Yeezus style production starts the album on a spectacular note. Kanye delivers great verses as well. 9/10

6. Circles (featuring Don Toliver)

The production makes you float on this song with the same sample that MF DOOM famously used on his song “One Beer.” This song was leaked almost a year ago, and Don Toliver does a great job, having a larger role than Kanye on the song. 9/10

5. Bully (featuring Ceelo Green)

Probably the best-produced song on the project, it encapsulates the word “bully” perfectly. If the hook was slightly better, this would be the best song on the album. 9.5/10

4. Preacher Man 

When Kanye released this track as one of the lead singles for BULLY, it was incredible. Kanye stopped using AI and made the song sound finished. The end of the song sounds like jumping into the water on a warm summer day. This is a nearly perfect song. 9.5/10

3. Father (featuring Travis Scott) 

Kanye and Travis will always be a great duo; the switch between gospel and boom bap production pairs so well together. Travis has a great verse, and this is an amazing song. 9.5/10

2. Highs and Lows 

The best lyrical song on the album as Kanye writes an ode to his fans who have been through the highs and lows. The production is absolutely amazing, with at least 2 great samples. 10/10 

1. Punch Drunk

The best song on a great album, absolutely amazing production. I can't believe Kanye was able to flip this sample so well. The lyrics fit the beat perfectly, and this is maybe the best song Kanye has ever produced. 10/10

Overall thoughts 

Kanye is back! The mix of production and Kanye seeming alive in songs is so refreshing to hear. Through the first couple of listens, BULLY is better than Donda and is Kanye's best album of the 2020s. The year-long wait was very worth it, with most tracks leaving you floating in the air due to soul samples that emulate the old Kanye. Couldn't ask for a better album out of a 48-year-old. Overall, this is an 8.5/10 album, with 9 songs better than 8/10.