Kanye West, ‘All of the Lights’ – Song Spotlight

Kanye West's new single 'All of the Lights' from his recent release, 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' tackles universal struggles while confidently sounding pivotal moments in his life.

It's a bittersweet tune, with a hopeful message and melody sung primarily by Rihanna, whose vocals lift the emotional spirit of the song like she did on recent collaborations 'Love The Way You Lie,' 'Live Your Life' and 'Run This Town.' The collaborations don't end there however, as West employed several other artists for the single: Elly Jackson of La Roux, Kid Cudi, Fergie, Alicia Keys, Elton John, The-Dream, John Legend, Ryan Leslie, Tony Williams, Charlie Wilson, Drake, Alvin Fields, Ken Lewis. The song even appears as a segment in the now-iconic 'Runaway' video.

Following Rihanna’s uplifting, opening hook and the blast of the trumpets, Kanye gets to business with a concept that hits home for many around the world:

"Something wrong / I hold my head / MJ gone, our n---- dead."

The opening line sets the song up to be a tribute to fallen stars, but it's more than that. Told through stories of struggle, it channels the inspiration of those who have passed. Sonically, it's almost like a harder version of Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men's collaboration 'One Sweet Day' meets Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s 'Tha Crossroads.' Kanye captures the speed of life in the flickering lights he describes while he alludes to the overwhelming realities of fame:

"All of the lights / Cop lights, flash lights, spot lights / Strobe lights, street lights / All of the lights, all of the lights / Fast life, drug life / Thug life, rock life / Every night, all of the lights."

The bottom line is 'Lights' is about making all of the moments in life count. Kanye West is at his best -- sharing a vulnerable side in his songwriting and taking a humble approach to his celebrity status with the help of beautifully layered guest vocals.

Listen to Kanye West, 'All of the Lights'