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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Donda

Streaming on Spotify

More than a year after Kanye West first announced his plan to release a new album—a delay long enough to include a failed presidential bid and a high-profile file for divorce—Donda, his 10th, is finally available to stream. Named after the artist’s late mother, the 27-track album clocks in at 108 minutes. West includes many friends—from Jay-Z to The Weekend to Young Thug to his sister-in-law’s baby daddy, Travis Scott. Critics and fans were worried that he would continue his post-Life of Pablo trajectory: after that acclaimed 2016 album, his style veered towards self-aggrandizing gospel music. But Donda is a welcome return to his Life of Pablo style. Although he isn’t finished with biblical themes, this album is more balanced. One particularly great lyric: “It’s a lot to digest when your life always movin’ / Architectural Digest, but I needed Home Improvement.” —J.D.