Written by Jessica Shelburne
On Oct. 25, Kanye West finally released the long-awaited album ‘Jesus is King.’ The album missed two initial release dates in Sept. and Nov. of 2018, followed by an indefinite delay. In late Sept. of this year, the album was reintroduced as “Jesus is King” and set to release on the 29 but didn’t until about a month later.
It was worth the wait. This album offers a completely refreshed version of Kanye both as an artist and as a believer. The songs are complete with heavy beats and light instrumental supplements, thick harmonies, and thought-provoking lyrical composure and biblical references. Previous albums included highlights of his Christian faith, but this album in its entirety illuminates his belief in the Highest, along with nods to his past and a glimpse at his future.
Kanye meshes gospel and rap, sultry choral tones and spoken word, and bass and saxophone in a way that feels altogether uplifting in a unique structure that Kanye repeatedly achieves. Concept albums are typically underwhelming, but this album inspires a consuming message of fellowship and spiritual health. Kanye claims that the purpose of the album is to encourage conversion of non-believers, but it is really just a stepping stone for that journey, as nothing except the mercy of the Lord can bring a human to glory.
