What makes FourFiveSeconds by Kanye West notable?

'FourFiveSeconds' was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in multiple countries and becoming a defining track of early 2015. It also highlighted the crossover potential of hip-hop and pop, influencing subsequent collaborations in the industry. Released as a single at the start of 2015, 'FourFiveSeconds' marked a significant collaboration between Kanye West, Rihanna, and Paul McCartney. This track came just after West's ambitious 'Yeezus' in 2013, showcasing a shift towards more accessible pop sensibilities while still embodying his innovative spirit.

How many songs are on FourFiveSeconds?

FourFiveSeconds has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

FourFiveSeconds

Kanye West · 2015

3 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

A soulful blend of minimalist production and heartfelt lyrics, merging pop and hip-hop with a sense of vulnerability.

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Top tracks — play these first

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FourFiveSeconds — The title track embodies the album's emotional weight, featuring raw vocals from Rihanna and introspective lines that reflect on resilience amidst uncertainty. Its unique blend of genres showcases a bold artistic direction for all three collaborators.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The track's minimalist production and vocal interplay create a memorable blend of pop and hip-hop.

What we noticed

The song features a minimalist arrangement, primarily driven by acoustic guitar and sparse percussion.
Vocals are shared between Kanye West and Rihanna, with Paul McCartney providing backing vocals and instrumentation.
The structure is straightforward, relying on repetitive choruses and verses that emphasize emotional delivery.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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: Breakthrough — This single marked a significant collaboration, enhancing Kanye's mainstream appeal.
Themes: collaborative artistry· post-Beatles exploration· minimalist acoustic intimacy
Career context: Released as a single at the start of 2015, 'FourFiveSeconds' marked a significant collaboration between Kanye West, Rihanna, and Paul McCartney. This track came just after West's ambitious 'Yeezus' in 2013, showcasing a shift towards more accessible pop sensibilities while still embodying his innovative spirit.
Stylistic neighbors: Kid Cudi· Chance the Rapper· Travis Scott