Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is time to add yet another chapter to the storied career of the walking enigma that is Kanye West.

This time around, Mr. West is joined by his friends from his record label, G.O.O.D. (Getting Out Our Dreams) Music. _Cruel Summer_, released Sept. 18, is one of the most widely anticipated albums of the year. It makes sense, seeing as West’s last two albums, _My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy_ and _Watch the Throne_ (with Jay-Z), were widely praised and critically acclaimed. _Fantasy_ even won a few Grammys. So how does _Cruel Summer_ deliver in the face of monster expectations?

The first thing fans and listeners must realize is this is not an exclusive Kanye West production. In fact, the album focuses more on the guest artists than West himself. Of course, Kanye makes his way onto most of the tracks, both as a rapper and producer.

As a rapper, he delivers characteristically humorous (his line about his private jet on “Mercy” is a classic), yet meaningful rhymes with the same grace and passion that makes him so magnetic in the first place. As a producer, he’s just as creative and daring as ever, delivering bold beats driven by hard bass and nods to elements of the classical genre.

However, an overriding feeling of disappointment hovers over this album. Lord knows it isn’t Kanye’s fault. It isn’t due to a lack of great songs — “To The World,” “Clique,” “Mercy” and “The Morning” are all unforgettable. And it certainly isn’t due to a lack of big-name cameos, as Jay-Z, R. Kelly, Kid Cudi and Big Sean all make appearances.

Maybe the disappointment comes from the lack of perfectionism that seems to be a trademark of all Kanye West products. There are many tired, unnecessary performances, most notably The Dream on “Higher.” On a separate note, the album as a whole seems to lack direction. There’s no theme to be heard except maybe the voice of all the unknown artists saying, “Look at us, we’re with Kanye West! That makes us good!” The sum of these two factors equals an effort that, at times, seems hurried and confused.

No one is perfect. In fact, Kanye West’s tireless pursuit of perfection is what makes him the musical giant he is. He isn’t going to drop a groundbreaking LP every time. However, _Cruel Summer_ falls short of his usual standards even if it isn’t exactly his project. It is worth picking up if you’re a fan of Yeezy (West’s self-proclaimed nickname), though. If you aren’t, do it anyway. It might be the best disappointing piece of work you ever purchase.