So I’ve been seeing a lot of complaints with the album and it not being cohesive, but after giving it a dozen+ full listens, I disagree with the argument that it’s not cohesive. I actually think there’s a full on concept being presented here.

My argument is broken up into 2 parts. I’ll start with the most simple evidence for cohesion (1), then an actual in depth a***ysis (2)

1. MUSICAL ELEMENTS

• A lot of the tracks have organs.
• Most of the tracks have the same drums

This all adds to the feeling that this album takes place in the same area or headspace. So while the emotion and topics may vary, the musical elements remain fairly consistent (aside from a few songs)

2. THE OVERALL THEME

TL;DR: Donda is a concept album about Kanye in an underground church trying to channel / summon the spirit of his mother. He requires the help of his “Donda Army” for protection and guidance along the way (hence all the features). Donda, effectively, is not only his mother, but his army (remember LP3 with everyone wearing the Donda vests?) Read below for the full explanation.

This is my main argument. And it will be kind of long.

Donda is a concept album. This album, in my opinion, is about him in some makeshift underground questionable church (kind of like the church in Saints Row 1 if you ever played that) trying to channel / summon the spirit of his mother, Donda.

The intro track with Donda being repeated over and over is not by accident. There is a lot of talk about repetition in religion about how it can have healing powers, or manifest things you want to happen.

The first few tracks that are harder and darker are like him summoning the Donda army: Donda is not only his mother, but his squad of protection (hence all the features). Also, remember that “army” of people masked up wearing Donda vests at LP3? Coincidence?

The songs up until the Donda skit represent either dark or sinful themes (for the most part), up until right before the skit where he comes to acceptance and repentance (24, Remote Control, Heaven and Hell).

Then, during the Donda skit, she finally is “summoned” (As evident in the lyrics: “it feels good to be home” / “i thank you for your support”). The haunting keys and singing is almost like the soundtrack to someone risen from the netherworld walking up slowly to the alter to speak for the first time in years.

And after that skit is when the album takes a smoother turn - mission accomplished.

From this point on, themes of acceptance and repentance are fully realized. The songs take a softer, more smooth turn. In the context of all of this, even “Tell the Vision” makes sense where it is. It’s almost like a chaotic ascendence into Heaven (“we made it”/“i thank god that we made it”). Ironically it appears right after New Again, perhaps the most repentant song on the album. Makes total sense.

CONCLUSION

I’ll probably expand on this as I listen more, but for now, I’m happy with where I’m at and I honestly think I’m onto something. If you’ve read this far, or just want to discuss, I’d be happy to hear your thoughts!

Agree it’s album of the life

I agree it is definitely the album of the life

Okay this hard

Very very good read. Deadass read all of it. Super well written & your formatting is very great write up totally agree

@op goat

Donda is the army, better yet the navy

I fw this theory

I kinda like the idea but your a***ysis doesn’t include anything about the theme of jail/imprisonment running throughout the album that I think is really important

I’d love to see an English professor a***yze this album because I feel like the concept of the album is a lot deeper than it seems on the surface, I just don’t really know how to say it myself

Op got one

you’re right. definitely something i can expand on as well

this was just my initial / raw thoughts put together and formatted but i do have ideas pertaining to that as well, will try and expand on them later on

glad you enjoyed fam!!

gonna work on expanding as well once in off work and can fully focus!

who said it wasn't?

Looking forward to it

Ppl been comparing it to TLOP even tho they sound nothing alike, ppl think it’s Similar to TLOP cause the album isn’t cohesive

Which OP is proving is wrong

People hating it use "it's too gospel" or "every song sounds the same" as excuses. It's one of his most cohesive albums imo

Totally agree

I could see it

i honestly feel bad for those people, who can't let themselves have an open mind and be able to enjoy this excellent body of work

Album of the life

Not sure how I feel about this theory but the tonal shift is definitely there. Gonna need to let it sit for a little lol

idk about summoning but i agree that Tell the Vision lowkey fits and has grown on me in the tracklist

@hotpancakes spazzing positively, we love to see it

Great post