This isn't fantasy

“My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” this album is not.

Anyone who expected a repeat performance of Kanye West’s magnum opus might be disappointed by his label’s “Cruel Summer.”

This album is a compilation of artists on West’s G.O.O.D. Music, a fact many seem to have forgotten when they lament its dissimilarity from “Fantasy.”

Because this isn’t “Fantasy Pt. 2” doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s just different.

“Cruel Summer” is actually pretty genius when viewed as a collection of singles rather than a cohesive album. With the exception of a few duds, each track confidently stands out on its own.

The uniting force behind “Cruel Summer” isn’t the cohesiveness of the songs or even the rappers’ flows, which often aren’t remarkable. Rather, it’s the quality of the production.

G.O.O.D. Music took a chance on relatively new Scottish producer Hudson Mohawke, who gives “Cruel Summer” a far more interesting sound than most radio hip-hop right now.

Getting Mohawke was, in typical West style, a way of proving he is one step ahead of the game.

Particularly outstanding is “To The World.” It features a soaring hook by R. Kelly that will stay in your head for days.

“The One” probably sounds the most like it belongs on “Fantasy” with its sincere, earnest beat ironically paired with West’s signature braggadocio.

“Bliss” is the least Top-40 ready, but it is certainly the most daring song on the compilation. The track’s divisive song is true to HudMo’s production style.

West himself takes up the producer role on a few tracks, the most notable of which is the vaguely threatening “The Morning.”

With its sinister samples, rumbling bass and undeniable swag, it will probably make you want to either beat someone up or cruise around slowly in your car, looking threateningly at anyone who stares too long.

The Hit-Boy-produced “Clique” is definitely the most obvious standout of the album with its epic opera chorus and supremely danceable groove.

Jay-Z makes a solid appearance and makes everyone else sound pretty stupid in comparison, although you might laugh out loud when you catch West rhyming during the song about his girl being a “superstar all from a home movie.” Classy, Ye.

Although “Cruel Summer” has a few duds — avoid clunkers like the Kid Cudi solo track “Creepers” — and the rapping is inconsistent, it’s definitely worth a download.

The next time you pregame, just start the album from the beginning and let it play through. By the end, I promise you, everyone will be much more hyper than they were before.

By Kelly Fritz