What makes Fade by Kanye West notable?

'Fade' gained significant attention for its innovative production and was praised for its bold sampling choices. The song debuted at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying West's influence in the music industry amid ongoing discussions about artistry and mental health. In 2016, Kanye West was navigating a tumultuous period marked by personal struggles and public scrutiny following the release of his polarizing album 'The Life of Pablo'. 'Fade' stands out as a powerful track from his eighth studio album, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist while blending genres and pushing boundaries in hip-hop.

How many songs are on Fade?

Fade has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Fade

Kanye West · 2016

3 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

A pulsating blend of house, R&B, and hip-hop layered with ethereal vocals and hypnotic beats that captivates the dancefloor.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Fade — This track embodies the album's exploration of identity and resilience, merging hypnotic house rhythms with introspective lyrics that reflect West's artistic journey.
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Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1 — This song features a striking contrast between gospel-inspired melodies and candid reflections on West's life, establishing a deeply personal tone throughout the project.
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Waves — 'Waves' captivates listeners with its lush production and emotional depth, showcasing collaborations that highlight the synergy of diverse musical influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track's innovative production and sampling create a captivating sound, though its structure limits depth.

What we noticed

The track features a repetitive structure with a driving beat that maintains energy throughout its duration.
Vocals are layered and processed, creating an ethereal quality that complements the pulsating instrumental backdrop.
The song incorporates samples from multiple sources, blending them seamlessly into the overall production.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — 'Fade' showcases innovative production but is not a primary album in the discography.
Themes: dancefloor resilience· personal struggle· hypnotic identity
Career context: In 2016, Kanye West was navigating a tumultuous period marked by personal struggles and public scrutiny following the release of his polarizing album 'The Life of Pablo'. 'Fade' stands out as a powerful track from his eighth studio album, showcasing his continued evolution as an artist while blending genres and pushing boundaries in hip-hop.
Stylistic neighbors: Kid Cudi· Chance the Rapper· Travis Scott