Kanye West

After months of speculation, West's latest album reveals itself as a trim, 10-song, 40-minute effort that's heavy on electronic and industrial influences. It's also another piece of the puzzle to one of pop music's most compelling — and frustrating — figures.

It's hard to know in the present what the future will sound like. History tells us that the most popular musicians don't always survive their era, but tiny gestures and innovations often influence the next generation.

Carly Rae Jepsen and Kanye West both released albums today that double down on their summer success.