closing time : saint pablo by kanye west
The second part of a five part series deep diving into the songs that finish your favorite album.
The intricacies surrounding "The Life of Pablo” as an album make it a compelling subject for discussion. From the project's eventful release, commencing at the Yeezy Season 3 event held at Madison Square Garden, to its journey from exclusivity to availability on the emerging streaming platform "Tidal," the album rollout unveils numerous layers essential for comprehending the creative chaos of Kanye West. But with “Saint Pablo,” the song, a different type of layers are unveiled. It's less about creative chaos, and solely about the trials, tribulations, and rejuvenation of a man on a mission.
“Saint Pablo”, a closing track that was added to the album exactly 4 months after the album's original release, capped off a flurry of updates, remixing and mastering, and just overall project reworking. Saint Pablo was the much-needed recap on a very chaotic era of being a Kanye fan and supporter. On the track through its evocative lyricism, captivating musical arrangement, and profound themes, "Saint Pablo" beckons listeners to a voyage of self-exploration, renewal, and spiritual enlightenment alongside West himself.
Many listeners interpret "Saint Pablo" as a message of hope or redemption, particularly in the face of adversity or personal challenges. As an album closer, it can leave listeners with a sense of optimism or encouragement, even if the album as a whole has explored darker themes. It serves as that pat on the back, that hug, that “it's all going to be okay” at the tail end of such a polarizing project like “The Life of Pablo”. It's a testament to the power of music to inspire, to uplift, and to resonate with the deepest parts of the soul. Truly, "Saint Pablo" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of not only one of music's most innovative and influential eras but also one of music’s most innovative and influential artists.