11.25.2008

popularity and perceived quality.

I've listened to the new Kanye West album, 808's and Heartbreaks, a couple of times now, and I actually enjoy it.  But it's a massive departure, and not one that will easily be accepted by existing fans.  That said, I think it will be interesting to watch how the album sells.


808's is for Kanye the equivalent of Common's Electric Circus: a huge step away from what he has done before, and a huge step away from what anyone who is considered a contemporary is doing.  But, there's something interesting to point out here; that the album preceeding Kanye's big departure (Graduation) has sold three times as many copies in a little over one year than Common's pre departure record (Like Water for Chocolate) did in it's first five.

The question is, how big will the effect of popularity be?  It's impossible to measure, because you can't compare quality, and the music industry is a far different beast now than it was then, but it's still sticking in the back of my mind.  Is Kanye popular enough that he can still sell an admittedly odd record to a notable portion of his massive audience?  Will people be more willing to give the record the multiple listens it may need?

Either way, the more popular someone is, generally the kinder the perception of their work.  It will be interesting to see how far one of the most popular artists currently making music can push the envelope before it all falls apart.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Using Kanye West and Common makes album sales irrelevant. I think Kanye knows it.

Every year Forbes releases a list, "Hip Hop's Cash Kings", after Kanye outsold 50 Cent, 50 still comes out on top.

Kanye will do enough through Glow In The Dark tour and co-signing everything, knowing that good music isn't (necessarily) his brand. I even read that 'Ye is looking to be a fashion intern.

Common knows this too, appearing on the list for the first time this year, tied at #12, he'll stay in Hollywood.

Just don't tell me you like Universal Mind Control.