Length

Length

From end to end.

Although Kanye has had a notably difficult time being relatable, his seven song albums display a nuanced understanding of the sort of project that is groomed for modern success. Concision is paramount in a world where skips cost the customer money and stories are told in 15-second intervals. Even a flawless 17-song album will tug-of-war with the tortured attention span of listeners. Condensing this experience into bite-sized pieces doesn’t ensure the commercial success, but it does guarantee that every song gets played.

Length

The limits one goes to.

In the summer of 2006, a sullen Cristiano Ronaldo exited Allianz Arena after an emotional semi-final defeat to France. Some 400 miles away, Serie A powerhouse Juventus was making their own exit—despite having 27 league titles in their trophy case, La Vecchia Signora had been fixing matches, and their punishment was a one-way ticket to the Italian second division. Two years later, Juve was back in the Champions League and Ronaldo was hoisting his first Ballon d’Or. Despite incessant success since, both parties have refused to stop grinding, and this year, they get to do so together.