For most artists who are discovered behind the mixing boards, making the transfer from producer to MC proves a daunting task. Fortunately for Kanye West, his verbal skills more than rise to the challenge of his consistently superior beats. A sprawling concept record that tackles issues of everyday life with wisecracking humor and unexpected honesty, THE COLLEGE DROPOUT confirms West’s status as one of hip-hop’s most refreshing voices.

The leadoff single, “Through the Wire,” perfectly exemplifies West’s distinct vision. Recorded while his jaws were still wired shut after a near-fatal car accident, West hilariously reflects upon his predicament over a sped-up Chaka Khan sample. Other songs address potentially somber topics–ghetto life (“We Don’t Care”), religion (“Jesus Walks”), and family turmoil (“Family Business”)–yet somehow retain a truly hopeful spirit. Although THE COLLEGE DROPOUT features top-notch cameos from Talib Kweli, Common, Mos Def, Freeway, Jay-Z, Ludacris, and Twista, it’s clearly West’s show.

1. Intro
2. We Don’t Care
3. Graduation Day
4. All Falls Down - (Featuring Syleena Johnson)
5. I’ll Fly Away
6. Spaceship - (Featuring Glc/consequence)
7. Jesus Walks
8. Never Let Me Down - (Featuring Jay-z/j-ivy)
9. Get Em High - (Featuring Talib Kweli/common)
10. Workout Plan
11. New Workout Plan, The
12. Slow Jamz - (Featuring Twista/jamie Foxx)
13. Breathe in Breathe Out - (Featuring Ludacris)
14. School Spirit Skit 1
15. School Spirit
16. School Spirit 2
17. Lil Jimmy Skit
18. Two Words - (Featuring Mos Def/freeway/harlem Boys Choir)
19. Through the Wire
20. Family Business
21. Last Call