Flashing Lights (Kanye West song)

File:Dwele_2.jpg, who first featured West on a 2004 remix of "Hold On".]]

Dwele first met West when the rapper appeared on a remix of his song "Hold On" in 2004. The two also worked on about four songs together in 2010, including West's single "Power".{{cite web | url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/dwele-album-kanye-west/ | title=Dwele on His New Album, Tour and Kanye West | magazine=Essence | last=Crosley | first=Hillary| date=June 29, 2010 | access-date=April 25, 2023 | archive-date=October 24, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024184401/https://www.essence.com/celebrity/dwele-album-kanye-west/ | url-status=live }} In June 2008, Eric Hudson, who co-wrote and produced "Flashing Lights" with West, recalled to XXL that he did not realize the song would "be as big as it was" until he listened to the "hot record" after release.{{cite magazine | author=Scratch | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/qa-with-flashing-lights-producer-eric-hudson/ | title=Q&A With 'Flashing Lights' Producer Eric Hudson | magazine=XXL | date=June 4, 2008 | access-date=March 5, 2024 | archive-date=November 16, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116202129/https://www.xxlmag.com/qa-with-flashing-lights-producer-eric-hudson/ | url-status=live }} Hudson felt great about the collaboration and joked that he wants to make 10 more songs like it, while he had completed the beat when he played it to West. The song's recording took place in 2007 and during the process, West added a live string section with Hudson over the synth strings. West wrote the lyrics the same night and Hudson's process began with the strings, then he used his MPC to sequence the drums and experimented with these elements alongside a loop, adding the bassline next that he saw as significant. Hudson later received more requests for collaborations from famous artists, who asked him for "the 'Flashing Lights' feel", which he tried to avoid since he did not want to duplicate his work on the song and become synonymous with a particular musical sound.

The song includes additional vocals from Connie Mitchell of Australian dance group Sneaky Sound System; the collaboration happened when West met Mitchell's bandmates Angus McDonald and Daimon Downey at a casual diner in Sydney.{{cite AV media notes |others=Kanye West |title=Graduation |year=2007 |publisher=Roc-A-Fella Records }} In need of musical inspiration, West asked McDonald for ideas, who responded by suggesting that he be introduced to Mitchell and he requested her to sing over a vocal track after they met. Mitchell thought the studio team held her to a low standard and McDonald considered the vocal track a challenging assignment, yet her vocals were included in the track. She contributed to six tracks on the album and acknowledged gaining recognition through working with West, after not having known who he was, and also became more interested in hip hop.{{cite web | url=https://www.news.com.au/news/sneaking-their-way-to-the-top/news-story/1aec4b0b6ddcedd57fd5bb9f23886e41 | title=Sneaky Sound System Sneaking Their Way To The Top | publisher=news.com.au | last=Koha | first=Nui Te | date=August 3, 2008 | access-date=June 6, 2018 | archive-date=June 13, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613005425/https://www.news.com.au/news/sneaking-their-way-to-the-top/news-story/1aec4b0b6ddcedd57fd5bb9f23886e41 | url-status=live }}

"Flashing Lights" marked West's first instance of using a version of the term "light" in a song title and he continued to do so in future song titles. West references flashing lights directly on the former, similarly to how he referred to lights on the other releases.{{cite news |last=Fleischer |first=Adam |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2741205/kanye-west-songs-named-after-lights/ |title=A History Of Kanye West's Obsession With Songs Named After 'Lights' |publisher=MTV |access-date=March 1, 2024 |date=February 17, 2016 |archive-date=December 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219213410/http://www.mtv.com/news/2741205/kanye-west-songs-named-after-lights/ |url-status=dead }} The cover art for the single was designed by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. On the artwork, a girl is shown surrounded by flashing lights that also display the title and the names of the performing artists.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rap-up.com/2007/10/30/kanye-wests-flashing-lights-single-cover/ | title=Kanye West's 'Flashing Lights' Single Cover | magazine=Rap-Up | author=Devin | date=October 30, 2007 | access-date=March 14, 2024 | archive-date=March 14, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314210402/https://www.rap-up.com/2007/10/30/kanye-wests-flashing-lights-single-cover/ | url-status=live }} Accompanying artwork for the album's other singles was also created by Murakami, alongside him overseeing the art direction of Graduation.{{cite news |author=Martin, Francesca |title=Kanye West Mixes Manga and Music With the 'Warhol of Japan' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2007/aug/01/art.popandrock |newspaper=The Guardian |date=August 1, 2007 |access-date=March 16, 2024 |location=London |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204152534/http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2007/aug/01/art.popandrock |archive-date=December 4, 2013 }}

{{Listen|

|filename=Flashinglightskanye.ogg

|title="Flashing Lights"

|description=A 25-second sample of the opening verse to "Flashing Lights". The song's "stirring strings" and "jittering synths" are accompanied by "house-thump drums", orchestral instrumentation, and a chopped vocal sample intoning the song's title. West begins the verse by characterizing his lover's materialistic personality, narrating that she lacks interest in romance with a preference for shoes and cars over shooting stars.

|format=Ogg}}

Musically, "Flashing Lights" is a hip hop, electro rap, and R&B song, with elements of Euro-club, French house, and pop music. The disco production was noted by numerous commentators, including Nathan Brackett of Rolling Stone, who compared it to hip hop before the 1980s group Run-DMC.{{cite book |last=Beaumont |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Beaumont (journalist) |title=Kanye West: God & Monster |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-y3aBwAAQBAJ&q=flashing+lights |date=2015 |publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=9781783233946 |via=Google Books |access-date=March 11, 2024 |archive-date=April 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427145154/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=-y3aBwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=flashing+lights&f=false |url-status=live }} According to the sheet music on Musicnotes.com, the song is set in the time signature of common time. It is composed in the key of F♯ minor with a moderate tempo of 90 beats per minute and the vocal range spans a tenth, from C₄ to E₅.{{cite web |title=Kanye West 'Flashing Lights' Sheet Music in F# Minor | date=February 25, 2008 |url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0063406 |publisher=Musicnotes.com |access-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303101946/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0063406 |url-status=live }} The song relies on strings from the beginning,{{cite news|last=Lynskey|first=Dorian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/sep/07/urban.shopping|title=Kanye West, Graduation|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|date=September 7, 2007|access-date=March 6, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005183219/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/sep/07/urban.shopping|archive-date=October 5, 2014}}{{cite web| last=Pytlik| first=Mark| title=Kanye West: Graduation Album Review| url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/10658-graduation/| website=Pitchfork| date=September 11, 2007| access-date=March 12, 2024| archive-date=September 29, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929162018/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/10658-graduation/| url-status=live}} which were arranged by Larry Gold and described as moving by both Highsnobiety and Stylus Magazine. The strings are accompanied by drums and a bassline, while bright synths are included throughout. Staccato sounds and chopped-up vocal samples are incorporated, alongside the keys that are chopped too. An orchestra contributes violin, viola, and cello to the song.

In the lyrics of "Flashing Lights", West raps about a complicated relationship with a girl who holds power over him. He tells the tale of the lover's focus on materialism in the first verse, narrating how she prefers shoes and cars over shooting stars. West also acknowledges trying to bolster public opinion of him, which he links to the theme of press intrusion. He complains about being flashed by the paparazzi, asserting that he hates them more than Nazis.{{cite web | last=Heaton |first=Dave | title=Kanye West Graduation – Music Review | url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/kanye-west-graduation | work=PopMatters | date=September 10, 2007 | access-date=September 12, 2007 | archive-date=December 16, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216022235/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/kanye-west-graduation | url-status=live }} Following West's alleged antisemitism in November 2022, former associates of him noted in a letter to TheWrap that the context of the reference demonstrates his growing obsession with Adolf Hitler.{{cite web | last=Gazzar | first=Brenda | url=https://www.thewrap.com/kanye-ye-west-spouted-antisemitic-lyrics-comments/ | title=Kanye 'Ye' West Has Spouted Antisemitic Lyrics, Nazi Comments Since 2005 {{!}} Special Report | website=TheWrap | date=November 14, 2022 | access-date=March 6, 2024 | archive-date=February 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203135848/https://www.thewrap.com/kanye-ye-west-spouted-antisemitic-lyrics-comments/ | url-status=live }} The chorus is performed by Dwele, who questions: "But what do I know?" Afterwards, West narrates breaking up with his lover in the second verse, comparing how he felt to "Katrina with no FEMA".{{cite web| last=Henderson| first=Eric|title=Kanye West: Graduation| url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/kanye-west-graduation/1170| website=Slant Magazine| date=September 7, 2007| access-date=March 11, 2024| archive-date=June 6, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100606115918/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/kanye-west-graduation/1170| url-status=live}} He fantasizes that she is on the opposite side of the glass in his memory's museum, equating her with Mona Lisa.

West unveiled the track during a listening session for the album at Manhattan's New World Stages on August 28, 2007.{{cite web |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |title=Kanye's Graduation: Inside The NYC Listening Party For West's So-Called 'Comeback' |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/ct0c64/kanyes-graduation-inside-the-nyc-listening-party-for-wests-so-called-comeback |publisher=MTV |date=August 29, 2007 |access-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425092419/https://www.mtv.com/news/ct0c64/kanyes-graduation-inside-the-nyc-listening-party-for-wests-so-called-comeback |url-status=dead }} On September 11, 2007, "Flashing Lights" was included as the ninth track on West's third studio album Graduation.{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/graduation-mw0000484496|title=Graduation – Kanye West|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=March 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326172545/https://www.allmusic.com/album/graduation-mw0000484496|archive-date=March 26, 2019|url-status=live}} West later shared the song as part six of the album's listening experience to his blog on April 4, 2008.{{cite web | author=West, Kanye | title=Graduation Album Listening Experience Videos Pt. 6 – Flashing Lights | url=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=193167_-1__0_~0_-1_11_2007_0_0&ugcp=0 | publisher=Kanye West Blog | date=April 4, 2008 | access-date=April 4, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100723173432/http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/2008/04/graduation-album-listening-experience-videos-pt-6-flashing-lights/ | archive-date=July 23, 2010 | url-status=dead }} The song was sent to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations as the album's fourth single on November 20, 2007, through West's labels Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam.{{cite web | title=Available For Airplay Archive| url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=74389| work=FMQB| access-date=March 14, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228114954/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=74389| archive-date=December 28, 2007}} It was later made available for digital download by the labels in various countries on January 1, 2008.Citations regarding the digital release of "Flashing Lights":

• {{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/flashing-lights-single/1444576787|title=Flashing Lights (feat. Dwele) – Single by Kanye West|publisher=Apple Music (AU)|access-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314140625/https://music.apple.com/au/album/flashing-lights-single/1444576787|archive-date=March 14, 2024}}
• {{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/de/album/flashing-lights-single/1444576787|title=Flashing Lights (feat. Dwele) – Single von Kanye West|publisher=Apple Music (DE)|language=German|access-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314140429/https://music.apple.com/de/album/flashing-lights-single/1444576787|archive-date=March 14, 2024}}
• {{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/flashing-lights-single/1444576787|title=Flashing Lights (feat. Dwele) – Single by Kanye West|publisher=Apple Music (GB)|access-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118115916/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/flashing-lights-single/1444576787|archive-date=November 18, 2022}}

Mercury released the song as a CD single in Japan on April 14, 2008, while a 12" vinyl was issued for it by West's labels in the United States on June 20.{{cite web|url=https://www.hmv.co.jp/en/artist_Kanye-West_000000000234849/item_Flashing-Lights_2710846|title=Flashing Lights : Kanye West|publisher=HMV|access-date=March 14, 2024|archive-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314141633/https://www.hmv.co.jp/en/artist_Kanye-West_000000000234849/item_Flashing-Lights_2710846|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Flashing-Lights-Vinyl-Kanye-West/dp/B001BBH6AO|title=Flashing Lights [Vinyl] by Kanye West|publisher=Amazon|asin=B001BBH6AO|access-date=March 14, 2024|archive-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314135746/https://www.amazon.com/Flashing-Lights-Vinyl-Kanye-West/dp/B001BBH6AO|url-status=live}}

"Flashing Lights" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics, who often commended the production, particularly the synths.{{efn|Reviewers include Digital Spy, PopMatters, RapReviews, and Stylus Magazine}} At RapReviews, Jesal 'Jay Soul' Padania identified the song as a highlight of Graduation that prevents oblivion in its middle.{{cite web| last=Padania| first=Jesal 'Jay Soul'| title=RapReview Of The Week – Kanye West:: Graduation| url=http://www.rapreviews.com/feature3.html| website=RapReviews| date=September 11, 2007| access-date=March 13, 2024| archive-date=February 28, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228123500/http://www.rapreviews.com/feature3.html| url-status=live}} Alex Fletcher of Digital Spy awarded the song four stars out of five, feeling confident that it proved "why West is the hottest property in US music at the moment" and noted how the electro and hip-hop elements are combined for "a sumptuous track that grows more intriguing with every listen".{{cite web | last=Fletcher |first=Alex | title= Single Reviews – Kanye West: 'Flashing Lights'| url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/a82802/kanye-west-flashing-lights.html| url-access=limited | publisher=Digital Spy | date=April 18, 2008 | access-date=May 17, 2009}} AllMusic's Andy Kellman noted that the bright synths may be "one of the most glaring deal-breakers in hip-hop history", while Stylus Magazine music reviewer Jayson Greene described the "gorgeously airy" track as "one of the most unabashedly graceful things" included on a mainstream rap record for years, with its "slithering house backbeat".{{cite web |author=Greene, Jayson |title=Kanye West Graduation – Music Review |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/kanye-west/graduation.htm |work=Stylus Magazine |date=September 10, 2007 |access-date=September 10, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929172650/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/kanye-west/graduation.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2007 }}

Some reviewers focused on other aspects of the production. Writing for Rolling Stone, Brackett stated that within the song, "West single-handedly takes hip-hop back to its pre-Run-DMC disco days."{{cite magazine|last=Brackett|first=Nathan|title=Graduation : Kanye West : Review|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/16233118/review/16256602/graduation|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|date=September 4, 2007|access-date=September 6, 2007|archive-date=September 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070915133440/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/16233118/review/16256602/graduation|url-status=dead}} Mark Pytlik of Pitchfork named the song as an instant highlight that "marries a Bond-worthy coda to staccato sounds and cut-up vocal samples". In Billboard, Hillary Crosley was satisfied with the song for "reintroducing Miami Vice-esque keys".{{cite magazine|author=Crosley, Hillary |title=Graduation |url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/albums/e3ibe8ec7c980d6765c46225c438690a813 |magazine=Billboard |date=September 15, 2007 |access-date=September 15, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014192400/http://billboard.com/bbcom/content_display/reviews/albums/e3ibe8ec7c980d6765c46225c438690a813 |archive-date=October 14, 2007 |url-status=dead }} For Slant Magazine, Eric Henderson offered that it would be hard to find a campus library with enough depth to annotate the song and highlighted "the swooping drama queenery". In a less glowing review, Chet Betz of Cokemachineglow believed that it works off the production, which could have had a lot more impact due to "the glissando chop 'n key melds dazzling but suffering from a distinct lack of knock".{{cite web|last=Betz|first=Chet|url=http://www.cokemachineglow.com/reviews/kanyewest_graduation2007.html|title=Kanye West: Graduation|publisher=Cokemachineglow|date=September 15, 2007|access-date=March 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013041515/http://www.cokemachineglow.com/reviews/kanyewest_graduation2007.html|archive-date=October 13, 2007|url-status=dead}} Dorian Lynskey from The Guardian praised the strings for invoking Bernard Herrmann, yet found comparing the paparazzi to Nazis to be "simply imbecilic".

"Flashing Lights" was listed as the 31st best song of 2007 by Stylus Magazine and received the same ranking on a list by Idolator; jharv wrote that he felt more comfortable with the disco style as a "Kanye-matchmaking hook-up between hip-hop and techno" than fellow Graduation single "Stronger".{{cite web| author=Stylus Staff| title=Top 50 Songs of 2007| url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/pop_playground/top-50-songs-of-2007.htm| work=Stylus Magazine| date=October 31, 2007| access-date=September 23, 2008| archive-date=November 1, 2007| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071101134307/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/pop_playground/top-50-songs-of-2007.htm| url-status=live}}{{cite web |author=jharv |title=No. 31: Kanye West (Flash) Lights Up Our List |url=https://www.idolator.com/331953/no-31-kanye-west-flash-lights-up-our-list |website=Idolator |date=December 10, 2007 |access-date=March 14, 2024 }} It was voted joint 70th on The Village Voice{{'}}s Pazz & Jop poll for that year, earning seven mentions.{{cite news| title=Pazz and Jop 07| url=http://www.villagevoice.com/pazzandjop07/winners.php?type=single| newspaper=The Village Voice| access-date=March 11, 2024| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209100429/http://www.villagevoice.com/pazzandjop07/winners.php?type=single| archive-date=February 9, 2008}} The song was listed at number 13 on "The 100 Best Tracks of 2008" list by Pitchfork, whose Tom Breihan described it as "a tweak on pop conventions evocative enough that its sticky bad feelings will linger on" until the relief of having been forgotten can be held, comparing it to Flo Rida's 2007 track "Low".{{cite web|last=Breihan|first=Tom|title=The 100 Best Tracks of 2008|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7572-the-100-best-tracks-of-2008/9/|work=Pitchfork|date=December 15, 2008|access-date=February 9, 2009|archive-date=March 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317230808/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7572-the-100-best-tracks-of-2008/9/|url-status=live}} MTV named the song the second best hip-hop single of 2008.{{cite web |author1=Shaheem Reid |title=Lil Wayne's 'A Milli' And More Top Hip-Hop Songs of 2008 |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1601236/lil-waynes-a-milli-and-more-top-hip-hop-songs-of-2008-50-cent-pledges-loyalty-to-eminem-mixtape-monday/ |publisher=MTV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708224311/http://www.mtv.com/news/1601236/lil-waynes-a-milli-and-more-top-hip-hop-songs-of-2008-50-cent-pledges-loyalty-to-eminem-mixtape-monday/ |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |date=December 12, 2008 |url-status=dead}} At the 2009 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, "Flashing Lights" was one of the Award Winning Songs.{{cite web |title=BMI Honors George Clinton, T-Pain, Lil Wayne and Many More at Urban Awards in New York |url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/urban_awards_news_placeholder |publisher=BMI |access-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108233901/https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/urban_awards_news_placeholder |archive-date=November 8, 2019 |date=September 10, 2009}}

"Flashing Lights" was cited as the 52nd best song of the 2000s decade by Pitchfork in 2009; Ryan Dombal called it "classic Kanye-- self-possessed, superfluously art-ridden, probably too clever by half" and said in his "post-everything museum, da Vinci sidles up next to a bust of Julius; a Karen O-repping blog post follows one dedicated to 10-ft. tall 'Chewing Gum Sculptures'", and French house music is combined with stadium rap.{{cite web|author=Dombal, Ryan|title=The Top 500 Tracks of the 2000s: 100-51|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7691-the-top-500-tracks-of-the-2000s-100-51/5/|work=Pitchfork|date=August 19, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2009|archive-date=August 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822115324/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7691-the-top-500-tracks-of-the-2000s-100-51/5|url-status=live}} Complex named "Flashing Lights" the sixth best song of their decade, which ran from when the magazine founded in 2002 up to 2012.{{cite web|title=The 100 Best Songs of The Complex Decade|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2012/04/the-100-best-songs-of-the-complex-decade/|work=Complex|date=April 18, 2012|access-date=March 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420235358/https://www.complex.com/music/2012/04/the-100-best-songs-of-the-complex-decade/|archive-date=April 20, 2012}} A year later, it was voted as West's fourth best song in a poll of Rolling Stone readers.{{cite magazine|title=Readers' Poll: The Ten Best Kanye West Songs|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/readers-poll-the-ten-best-kanye-west-songs-23790/|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|date=June 26, 2013|access-date=March 11, 2024|archive-date=March 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311214712/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/readers-poll-the-ten-best-kanye-west-songs-23790/|url-status=live}} In 2018, Complex listed the song as West's sixth best release, with writers for the magazine affirming he was correct to rap about flashing lights after continuous experiences with them on "this electronic-tinged monster".{{cite web|last1=Barber|first1=Andrew|last2=Klinkenberg|first2=Brendan|last3=Scarano|first3=Ross|title=The Best Kanye West Songs|url=https://www.complex.com/music/the-best-kanye-west-songs/|work=Complex|date=January 5, 2018|access-date=March 11, 2024|archive-date=June 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609063342/https://www.complex.com/music/the-best-kanye-west-songs/|url-status=live}} Highsnobiety crowned it as West's second best song five years later; Donov Barnett noted the full presence of "the best elements of a classic Ye song" in the strings, "archetypal bars about luxury and lust", and the hook.{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Donovan |title=The 40 Best Kanye West Songs, an Official Ranking |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/best-kanye-west-songs/ |work=Highsnobiety |access-date=March 11, 2024 |date=2023 |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211213090744/https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/best-kanye-west-songs/ |url-status=live }}

In January 2008, West announced a music video for "Flashing Lights" at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City (NYC). The official music video was unveiled before an audience of 200 guests at the Entertainment Weekly after-party for the 2008 Grammy Awards on February 10, projected on a large wall.{{Cite web |last=Reid |first=Shaheem |title=Grammy Party Report: Kanye West Debuts New Video; Jay-Z, Beyonce, Usher, Chris Brown Rock Until Dawn |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1581324/20080211/west_kanye.jhtml |publisher=MTV |date=February 11, 2008 |access-date=February 12, 2008 |archive-date=February 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213044226/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1581324/20080211/west_kanye.jhtml |url-status=dead }} It was intended to premiere on BET on February 13, 2008, but was subsequently pulled from schedule.{{Cite magazine|last=Kreps |first=Daniel |title= News Ticker: Mariah Carey, The Replacements, Kanye West |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/02/12/news-ticker-mariah-carey-the-replacements-kanye-west/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=February 12, 2008|access-date=February 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214024244/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/02/12/news-ticker-mariah-carey-the-replacements-kanye-west/ |archive-date=February 14, 2008 |url-status=dead }} At the premiere, West felt like "a brand-new artist that just signed yesterday" and expressed that every aspect of the video "is me, what I represent now". He also posted the video on his blog the same day.{{cite web | author=West, Kanye | title=Flashing Lights | url=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=192475_-1__0_~0_-1_2_2008_0_0 | publisher=Kanye West Blog | date=February 13, 2008 | access-date=January 13, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216035733/http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=192475_-1__0_~0_-1_2_2008_0_0 | archive-date=February 16, 2008 | url-status=dead }} The video was co-directed by Spike Jonze with West himself, with Susan Linss serving as executive producer and production also contributed by Jonathan Becker.{{cite web |last=Gottlieb |first=Steven |title=New Release: Kanye West 'Flashing Lights' |date=February 14, 2008 |url=https://www.videostatic.com/content/new-release-kanye-west-flashing-lights |publisher=VideoStatic |access-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316155321/https://www.videostatic.com/content/new-release-kanye-west-flashing-lights |url-status=live }}

Model Rita G stated that she was contacted to collaborate by West, who had mentioned her previously in a Playboy interview and she flew to the set of the music video. The model found the set to be sparse and only saw West with two female wardrobe stylists; he picked her outfit with accessories and envisioned her role. Shooting of the video took under four hours and Rita G mentioned continuous changes in the lead-up, expressing that all she knew was West maintained at the time when their contrast was him with "five levels of clothes on shivering, me naked". She thought it was entertaining how the video "will go over a lot of people's heads — and it's supposed to", describing West as ahead of his time in a way that others would not understand.

File:Dülmen, Automeile auf dem Kartoffelmarkt, Ford Mustang -- 2019 -- 9897.jpg car in the song's music video, trapping West in the trunk and assaulting him.|alt=Ford Mustang at the potato market in Germany]]

The music video is shown in slow motion and set in an empty Nevada desert, beginning with Rita G arriving in a damaged Ford Mustang and getting out the car.{{cite web | last=Kim | first=Ashleigh | url=https://hypebeast.com/2015/11/kanye-west-flashing-lights-grand-theft-auto-gta-v-video | title=Kanye West's 'Flashing Lights' Music Video Gets a 'Grand Theft Auto V' Remake | publisher=Hypebeast | date=November 21, 2015 | access-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-date=March 16, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316155325/https://hypebeast.com/2015/11/kanye-west-flashing-lights-grand-theft-auto-gta-v-video | url-status=live }} She walks a few yards then takes her fur coat off and sets it alight, leaving her in lingerie.{{cite magazine | last=Vozick-Levinson | first=Simon | url=https://ew.com/article/2008/02/14/kanye-flashing/ | title=Snap Judgment: Kanye West's 'Flashing Lights' video | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=February 14, 2008 | access-date=March 16, 2024 | archive-date=March 16, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316155321/https://ew.com/article/2008/02/14/kanye-flashing/ | url-status=live }} Rita G re-approaches her car and unveils the trunk, where West is bound-and-gagged, following a storyline of her taking out her frustrations harshly on him. She behaves in a loving manner towards West and takes a shovel from the trunk, using this to attack him. Evidence is burned by Rita G and after the assault, the camera pans out as the scene abruptly cuts to the words "Flashing Lights" against a black screen, ending earlier than the song's runtime.{{cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Jayson |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1581721/20080215/id_0.jhtml |title=Kanye West's Latest Video Vixen Defends 'Flashing Lights' Clip: 'It's Whatever You Want It To Be' |publisher=MTV |date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=February 20, 2008 |archive-date=February 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225165424/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1581721/20080215/id_0.jhtml |url-status=dead }}

Simon Vozick-Levinson from Entertainment Weekly saw the music video as "yet another fantastic voyage" into West's internal darkness, finding it to be more outgoing than other popular artists' videos and "some sort of metaphoric self-punishment for the standard rap-video objectification of the female character's body". VideoStatic's Steven Gottlieb questioned if the visual was West's version of the 1953 play Waiting for Godot or a prank; he similarly believed it will both confound and enrapture, assuring to simply appreciate the story with Rita G and the rapper. noah of Idolator felt that the closure of the shovel assault is not the real ending and while this "looks gorgeous", the clip seemingly "has to be some sort of attempt to bring serialization" to music videos.{{cite web |author=noah |title=Kanye West's 'Flashing Lights' Video: What Happens Next? |url=https://www.idolator.com/356389/kanye-wests-flashing-lights-video-what-happens-next |website=Idolator |date=February 14, 2008 |access-date=March 16, 2024 }}

The clip was voted as the 11th best video of 2008 by readers of Rolling Stone.{{Cite magazine|title=Readers' Rock List: The 20 Best Music Videos of 2008 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/25280754/readers_rock_list_the_20_best_music_videos_of_2008/6|magazine=Rolling Stone |date=December 25, 2008|access-date=January 3, 2009|archive-date=February 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202081246/https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/25280754/readers_rock_list_the_20_best_music_videos_of_2008/6|url-status=dead}} Pitchfork listed the visual as the 15th best music video of the 2000s decade.{{cite web|author=Plagenhoef, Scott|title=The Top 50 Music Videos of the 2000s|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7695-the-top-50-music-videos-of-the-2000s/4/|work=Pitchfork|publisher=Pitchfork Media Inc|date=August 31, 2009|access-date=August 31, 2008|archive-date=September 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903082056/http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7695-the-top-50-music-videos-of-the-2000s/4|url-status=live}} Slant Magazine named it the 17th best music video of the decade, with a writer noting the "glorious, slow-motion tracking shot" and that the "fetishized violence" is better than any of Quentin Tarantino's work.{{cite web |title=The 50 Best Music Videos of the Aughts |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/best-of-the-aughts-music-videos/4/ |website=Slant Magazine |access-date=November 30, 2019 |date=January 20, 2010 |archive-date=November 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130162358/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/best-of-the-aughts-music-videos/4/ |url-status=live }} In 2016, Billboard identified the video as West's third best visual and Dan Weiss said in comparison to the song, the "desolate clip is appropriately barren and haunting to match". Weiss highlighted the scenes with West and Rita G, concluding the music video is both "a self-deprecating fever dream" and one of his "disturbing conflations of sex and death" that foresaw "the beautiful dark twisted fantasies to come".{{cite magazine |last=Weiss |first=Dan |title=Kanye West's Top 10 Music Videos |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-top-10-music-videos-monster-bound-2-7633105/ |date=December 26, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604180814/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-top-10-music-videos-monster-bound-2-7633105/ |url-status=live }} The music video was awarded Best Narrative Video at the 2008 Antville Music Video Awards, where it was also nominated for Best Urban Video.{{cite web|title=Antville Music Video Awards 2008|url=http://videos.antville.org/stories/1864093/|publisher=Antville|access-date=March 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409163957/http://videos.antville.org/stories/1864093/|archive-date=April 9, 2016|date=December 15, 2008}} At the 2008 HipHopDX Awards, it received a nomination for Video of the Year.{{cite magazine |title=2008 HipHopDX Awards |url=https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.1281/title.2008-hiphopdx-awards |magazine=HipHopDX |access-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612184420/https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.1281/title.2008-hiphopdx-awards |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |date=December 30, 2008}} By November 19, 2015, the music video had amassed over 41 million views on YouTube.

On August 6, 2010, West named the music video as his favorite of his career.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/06/kanye-west-talks-album-next-single-racism-in-first-ustream-session/ | title=Kanye West Talks Album, Next Single, & Racism in First Ustream Session | magazine=Rap-Up | date=August 6, 2010 | access-date=March 16, 2024 | archive-date=April 1, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401064935/https://www.rap-up.com/2010/08/06/kanye-west-talks-album-next-single-racism-in-first-ustream-session/ | url-status=live }} On November 19, 2015, I Can't Even Productions shared a remake of the video using footage from the 2013 video game Grand Theft Auto V, edited with Premiere and Rockstar Video Editor. It copies the original with slight alterations, including the female protagonist destroying the car with a rocket launcher.{{cite magazine |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |title=Kanye West's 'Flashing Lights' Video Gets a 'Grand Theft Auto V' Makeover |url=https://www.inverse.com/article/8340-kanye-west-s-flashing-lights-video-gets-a-grand-theft-auto-v-makeover |magazine=Inverse |access-date=March 16, 2024 |date=November 19, 2015 |archive-date=February 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204045930/https://www.inverse.com/article/8340-kanye-west-s-flashing-lights-video-gets-a-grand-theft-auto-v-makeover |url-status=live }}

On May 24, 2008, the second music video that was recorded leaked online. Stop motion was handled by Bill Pollock for the visual, which casts British model Charlotte Carter-Allen. She becomes overwhelmed with the lifestyle, flashing lights, and nightlife of NYC, including her having breakfast at 3 a.m. and smoking cigarettes.{{cite news |last=Lapatine |first=Scott |url=https://www.stereogum.com/10010/new_kanye_west_video_flashing_lights_2nd_version/news/ |title=New Kanye West Video – 'Flashing Lights' (2nd Version) |website=Stereogum |url-access=subscription |date=May 24, 2008 |access-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316170644/https://www.stereogum.com/10010/new_kanye_west_video_flashing_lights_2nd_version/news/ |archive-date=March 16, 2024 }} Carter-Allen and West make out to the Police's "Wrapped Around Your Finger" (1983), before her purse is stolen when she gets drunk. The model then travels home alone on the NYC Subway, while West looks on at her as he is surrounded by mist.{{cite web |last=Roberts |first=Steve |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1588387/20080530/west_kanye.jhtml |title=Kanye West Blogs About Newly Leaked Videos For 'Flashing Lights' |publisher=MTV |date=May 30, 2008 |access-date=May 30, 2008 |archive-date=September 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928123249/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1588387/20080530/west_kanye.jhtml |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine| url=https://www.thefader.com/2024/03/15/yung-lean-bars-up-on-shadowboxing | title=Video: Kanye West, 'Flashing Lights'" (Alternative Version)| magazine=The Fader | date=May 27, 2008 | access-date=March 16, 2024 }} On May 29, 2008, the first music video experienced a leak, set at a dinner party in a haunted house. The video resembles a murder mystery and shows West eat soup, follow a female servant's chalk line, and float upwards after being thrown from a window.

Following the releases, West clarified on his blog he did not release the two videos. He wrote that he shot the official clip with Jonze after not liking these videos, noting his Glow in the Dark Tour collaborator Sam i handled a remix of "the scary one 2 make {{sic}} the music fit" as he planned to share on a DVD. West insisted that rather than a rant, he was offering justification "of why yall [sic] getting those other vids" without his approval nor any release and concluded whoever did the leaks will only receive attention for them.{{cite magazine |title=Kanye West releases a third music video for 'Flashing Lights' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-goes-a-haunting-in-latest-flashing-lights-video-102880/ |date=May 30, 2008 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020061445/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-goes-a-haunting-in-latest-flashing-lights-video-102880/ |url-status=dead }} Upon release, the first version was listed at number two on The Guardian{{'}}s Viral Video Chart on May 30, 2008.{{Cite news|author=Kiss, Jemima|title=Guardian Viral Video Chart|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/pda/2008/may/30/guardianviralvideochart68|newspaper=The Guardian|date=May 30, 2008|access-date=July 24, 2009|archive-date=April 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409015057/http://www.theguardian.com/media/pda/2008/may/30/guardianviralvideochart68|url-status=live}}

Prior to its release as a single, "Flashing Lights" reached number 12 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/Kanye-West/chart-history/bubbling-under-r-b-hip-hop-songs/|title=Kanye West Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 5, 2024|archive-date=January 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104134205/https://www.billboard.com/music/kanye-west/chart-history/bubbling-under-r-b-hip-hop-songs|url-status=dead}} The song debuted at number 61 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for the chart week of November 10, 2007.{{cite magazine| title=Top Hip-Hop/R&B Songs Chart – November 10, 2007| url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2007-11-10/| magazine=Billboard| access-date=November 29, 2007| archive-date=November 7, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107073655/http://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2007-11-10| url-status=live}} The next week, the song moved down to number 62.{{cite magazine| title=Top Hip-Hop/R&B Songs Chart – November 17, 2007| url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2007-11-17/| magazine=Billboard| access-date=November 29, 2007| archive-date=May 7, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507044547/http://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2007-11-17| url-status=live}} It rebounded to number 47 on the chart issue dated November 24, 2007.{{cite magazine| title=Top Hip-Hop/R&B Songs Chart – November 24, 2007| url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2007-11-24/| magazine=Billboard| access-date=November 29, 2007| archive-date=July 3, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703093234/http://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2007-11-24| url-status=live}} Around a month later, on December 29, the song peaked at number 12 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song reached this position again on the chart issue dated February 2, 2008, remaining there for two consecutive weeks.{{cite magazine| title=Top Hip-Hop/R&B Songs Chart – February 2, 2008| url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2008-02-02/| magazine=Billboard| access-date=March 5, 2024| archive-date=April 30, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430055114/https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2008-02-02/| url-status=live}}{{cite magazine| title=Top Hip-Hop/R&B Songs Chart – February 9, 2008| url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2008-02-09/| magazine=Billboard| access-date=March 5, 2024| archive-date=December 3, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203081008/https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2008-02-09/| url-status=live}} "Flashing Lights" entered the US Hot Rap Songs chart at number 25 on the issue dated November 11, 2007, where it stayed for two weeks.{{cite magazine| title=Top Rap Songs Chart – November 24, 2007| url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/rap-song/2007-11-24/| magazine=Billboard| access-date=March 5, 2024| archive-date=August 1, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801131903/https://www.billboard.com/charts/rap-song/2007-11-24/| url-status=live}} By the issue dated January 26, 2008, the song had climbed up to peak at the chart's third position.

"Flashing Lights" first appeared on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart at number 22 for the issue date of November 24, 2007.{{cite magazine| title=Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles – November 24, 2007| url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/bubbling-under-hot-100-singles/2007-11-24/| magazine=Billboard| access-date=November 29, 2007| archive-date=November 23, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123183259/https://www.billboard.com/charts/bubbling-under-hot-100-singles/2007-11-24/| url-status=live}} The next week, the song climbed 19 places in its last week on the chart.{{cite magazine| title=Kanye West Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)| url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/hbu/| magazine=Billboard| access-date=March 3, 2024| archive-date=February 7, 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207044500/https://www.billboard.com/music/Kanye-West/chart-history/bubbling-under-hot-100/song/786072| url-status=live}} "Flashing Lights" debuted at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the highest entry for the week of November 29, 2007.{{Cite magazine |last=Cohen |first=Jonathan |title=Keys Keeps Cruising Atop Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/keys-keeps-cruising-atop-hot-100-1047186/ |magazine=Billboard |date=November 29, 2007 |access-date=November 30, 2007 |archive-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428103915/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/keys-keeps-cruising-atop-hot-100-1047186/ |url-status=live }} After three weeks on the chart, the song had climbed to number 50.{{cite magazine| title=Music: Top 100 Songs – December 22, 2007| url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2007-12-22/| magazine=Billboard| access-date=March 3, 2024| archive-date=March 3, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303215521/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2007-12-22/| url-status=live}} Within two weeks, it had reached number 36.{{cite magazine | title=Music: Top 100 Songs – January 5, 2008 | url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-01-05/ | magazine=Billboard | access-date=March 3, 2024 | archive-date=March 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303215510/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-01-05/ | url-status=live }} On the Hot 100 issue date of January 12, 2008, "Flashing Lights" descended to number 49.{{cite magazine | title=Music: Top 100 Songs – January 12, 2008 | url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-01-12/ | magazine=Billboard | access-date=March 3, 2024 | archive-date=January 16, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116140446/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-01-12/ | url-status=live }} The song experienced a rebound the next week, rising 14 spaces.{{cite magazine | title=Music: Top 100 Songs – January 19, 2008 | url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-01-19/ | magazine=Billboard | access-date=March 3, 2024 | archive-date=March 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303215512/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-01-19/ | url-status=live }} The song then rose further on the Hot 100, reaching number 30.{{cite magazine | title=Music: Top 100 Songs – January 26, 2008 | url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-01-26/ | magazine=Billboard | access-date=March 3, 2024 | archive-date=March 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303215523/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-01-26/ | url-status=live }} "Flashing Lights" peaked at the number 29 spot on the issue date of February 2, 2008, spending a total of 20 weeks on the chart. At the end of 2008, the song was ranked as the 90th most popular release on the Hot 100. On August 22, 2023, "Flashing Lights" was awarded a sixtuple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for amassing 6,000,000 certified units in the US.

In Canada, the song debuted at number 88 on the Canadian Hot 100 issue dated February 23, 2008.{{cite magazine | title=Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs – February 23, 2008 | url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2008-02-23/ | magazine=Billboard | access-date=February 23, 2008 | archive-date=July 23, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723144703/http://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2008-02-23 | url-status=live }} The next week, it climbed to number 67.{{cite magazine | title=Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs – March 1, 2008 | url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2008-03-01/ | magazine=Billboard | access-date=March 4, 2024 | archive-date=March 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304141408/https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2008-03-01/ | url-status=live }} On March 8, 2008, "Flashing Lights" peaked at number 54 on the chart. In Europe, the song experienced its strongest performance, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Turkey Türkiye Top 20. In Ireland, the song reached number 21 on the Irish Singles Chart. It charted similarly in the UK, peaking at number 29 on the UK Singles Chart. The song lasted for 15 weeks on the chart and as of October 24, 2019, it stands as West's 28th biggest hit of all time in the UK.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/kanye-west-ft-dwele-flashing-lights/|title=Flashing Lights – Kanye West ft Dwele|publisher=Official Charts|access-date=March 5, 2024|archive-date=January 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127231239/https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/kanye-west-ft-dwele-flashing-lights/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=White|first=Jack|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kanye-wests-official-top-40-biggest-songs-in-the-uk__27335/|title=Kanye West's Official Top 40 biggest songs in the UK|publisher=Official Charts|date=October 24, 2019|access-date=March 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024092356/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kanye-wests-official-top-40-biggest-songs-in-the-uk__27335/|archive-date=October 24, 2019|url-status=live}} On November 4, 2022, "Flashing Lights" received a platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for totalling 600,000 units in the country. The song was awarded the same certification by IFPI Danmark for shipments of 90,000 units in Denmark on March 20, 2024.

File:MoMa NY USA 1.jpg in New York City, where West performed a medley including the song in May 2011.]]

West was a surprise appearance at a concert held by Kid Sister on January 25, 2008, where he performed "Can't Tell Me Nothing," "Good Life" and "Flashing Lights".{{cite magazine |author= Concepcion, Mariel|title=Kid Sister / Jan. 25, 2008 / New York (Museum of Natural History)|url=http://www.billboardmagazine.com/bbcom/reviews/live_review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003707581|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729064331/http://www.billboardmagazine.com/bbcom/reviews/live_review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003707581|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 29, 2012|date=February 6, 2008 | magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 26, 2009}} He performed "Flashing Lights" live for the opening of Murakami's exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum on April 4, accompanied by blue lights.{{cite magazine |author=Checkoway, Laura |title=Kanye West Gets the Art Crowd High at Intimate Brooklyn Gig |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/04/04/kanye-west-gets-the-art-crowd-high-at-intimate-brooklyn-gig/ |date=April 4, 2008 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 19, 2008 |archive-date=April 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407235616/https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/04/04/kanye-west-gets-the-art-crowd-high-at-intimate-brooklyn-gig/ |url-status=dead }} He included "Flashing Lights" within the setlist of his Glow in the Dark Tour (2007-08).{{Cite web |last=Sarah |first=Wilson |title=Kanye West Tells A Story With His Biggest Hits, At The Glow In The Dark Tour's L.A. Stop |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586127/20080423/west_kanye.jhtml |publisher=MTV |date=April 23, 2008 |access-date=May 12, 2008 |archive-date=May 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501022157/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586127/20080423/west_kanye.jhtml |url-status=dead }} In the space opera storyline of the conceptual concert, West attempts to escape from a planet devoid of creativity with a talking computer named Jane by using the shooting stars mentioned in the song. However, the plan fails and the ship plummets from the sky, crashing back to the ground to the tune of "All Falls Down".{{cite magazine|author=Crosley, Hillary|title=Kanye West / May 13, 2008 / New York (Madison Square Garden)|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-may-13-2008-new-york-madison-square-garden-1045399/|url-status=live|date=May 14, 2008|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 26, 2009|archive-date=February 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204133409/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-may-13-2008-new-york-madison-square-garden-1045399/}} West walked across the stage and performed the song during the final night of Lollapalooza 2008 during August, which he co-headlined in his hometown of Chicago.{{cite news |author=Hasty, Katie |title=Kanye West, NIN Bring Lollapalooza To A Close |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-nin-bring-lollapalooza-to-a-close-1044590/ |date=August 4, 2008 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=September 14, 2008 |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316005113/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-nin-bring-lollapalooza-to-a-close-1044590/ |url-status=live }} That same month, West played "Flashing Lights" at the Exdo Event Center in Denver for a private show held for Bono's humanitarian organization One. During his performance, he produced a freestyle that included improvised lines touching on Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and his late mother.{{cite magazine |author=Knopper, Steve |title=Kanye West, Rage Against the Machine Energize DNC Crowds |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/08/28/kanye-west-rage-against-the-machine-energize-dnc-crowds/ |date=August 28, 2008 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=November 15, 2008 |archive-date=November 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081112023129/http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/08/28/kanye-west-rage-against-the-machine-energize-dnc-crowds/ |url-status=dead }} West performed the song during his appearance at the Knitting Factory in NYC on September 9, 2008.{{cite web| author=Wete, Brad| title=Kanye West Steals Another Show| url=http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2008/09/kanye_west_steals_another_show/| work=Vibe| date=September 10, 2008| access-date=September 10, 2008| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913115645/http://www.vibe.com/news/online_exclusives/2008/09/kanye_west_steals_another_show/| archive-date=September 13, 2008}}

West and a backing band provided a live rendition of "Flashing Lights" in February 2009 for his live album VH1 Storytellers (2010), featuring him apologizing for initially not revealing information and then alluding to the death of his mother.{{cite web | last=Young | first=Alex | title=Kanye West {{!}} VH1 Storytellers {{!}} Album Reviews | url=https://consequence.net/2010/01/album-review-kanye-west-vh1-storytellers/ | date=January 20, 2010 | work=Consequence | access-date=July 12, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330205239/https://consequence.net/2010/01/album-review-kanye-west-vh1-storytellers/ | archive-date=March 30, 2019 | url-status=live }} "Flashing Lights" was performed while West headlined the Met Gala on May 5, 2009.{{cite web|author=Odell, Amy|title=Morley Safer Asks Whether Anna Wintour Really Is 'Darth Vader in a Frock'|url=http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/05/morley_safer_tries_to_determin.html|date=May 17, 2009|work=New York|url-access=limited|access-date=May 19, 2009|archive-date=May 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521125213/http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/05/morley_safer_tries_to_determin.html|url-status=live}} West performed the song for his headlining set at the 2011 Coachella Festival.{{cite news |last=DiMeglio |first=Mary J |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/bk6rsf/coachella-festival-kanye-west |title=Kanye West Slays Coachella Festival's Last Night |publisher=MTV |date=April 15, 2011 |access-date=February 29, 2024 |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229133931/https://www.mtv.com/news/bk6rsf/coachella-festival-kanye-west |url-status=dead }} In May of this year, he performed it as part of a song medley at the annual party in the Garden for NYC's Museum of Modern Art, wearing a gray sweatshirt with a hood, a white T-shirt, light blue jeans, and black sneakers.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/complex/video-kanye-west-jay-z-ham-live-at-moma | title=Video: Kanye West & Jay-Z 'H.A.M.' Live At MoMA | magazine=Complex | date=May 11, 2011 | access-date=February 29, 2024 | archive-date=February 29, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229133931/https://www.complex.com/music/a/complex/video-kanye-west-jay-z-ham-live-at-moma | url-status=live }}{{cite news | last1=Caramanica | first1=Jon | author-link=Jon Caramanica | url=https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/kanye-west-moma-show-review/ | title=Kanye West Turns Melodious and Moody at MoMA | newspaper=The New York Times | date=May 11, 2011 | access-date=February 29, 2024 | archive-date=February 29, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229133930/https://archive.nytimes.com/artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/kanye-west-moma-show-review/ | url-status=live }} On July 29, 2011, West performed the song for his headlining set at the Australian festival Splendour in the Grass.{{cite news |last=Lapatine |first=Scott |url=https://www.stereogum.com/774032/kanye-west-splendour-in-the-grass-72911/photo/ |title=Kanye West @ Splendour In The Grass 7/29/11 |website=Stereogum |date=August 1, 2011 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301164111/https://www.stereogum.com/774032/kanye-west-splendour-in-the-grass-72911/photo/ |url-status=live }} West delivered a faithful take on the song at the 2013 Governors Ball, with backing from a modest DJ setup.{{cite magazine |last1=Anderson |first1=Stacey |title=Kanye West Performs 'Yeezus' Songs at Governors Ball |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-performs-yeezus-songs-at-governors-ball-114131/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=March 1, 2024 |date=June 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428093802/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-performs-yeezus-songs-at-governors-ball-114131/ |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |url-status=live }} On October 19, 2013, West moved from a performance of the song into one of his 2010 single "All of the Lights" towards the end of his kickoff show on The Yeezus Tour (2013-14) in Seattle, performing from atop a mountain.{{cite web |url=https://consequence.net/2013/10/kanye-wests-yeezus-tour-opener-featured-27-song-setlist-giant-mountain-jesus-christ-look-alike/ |title=Kanye West's Yeezus tour features 27-song setlist, giant mountain, Jesus Christ look-alike |website=Consequence |date=October 20, 2013 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301135350/https://consequence.net/2013/10/kanye-wests-yeezus-tour-opener-featured-27-song-setlist-giant-mountain-jesus-christ-look-alike/ |url-status=live }} For Big Boy's 92.3 FM show in Los Angeles on June 3, 2016, West rapped the song on karaoke.{{cite magazine |last=Mitchell |first=Chris |title=Kanye West Regrets Nothing He's Said |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.39086/title.kanye-west-regrets-nothing-hes-said |magazine=HipHopDX |access-date=March 1, 2024 |date=June 5, 2016 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301212422/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.39086/title.kanye-west-regrets-nothing-hes-said |url-status=live }}

West performed "Flashing Lights" from a flying stage at downtown Indianapolis' Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the Saint Pablo Tour's kickoff show on August 25, 2016.{{cite news| last=Yoo| first=Noah| title=Kanye Has a Flying Stage on the Saint Pablo Tour| url=https://pitchfork.com/news/67803-kanye-has-a-flying-stage-on-the-saint-pablo-tour/| website=Pitchfork| date=August 25, 2016| access-date=March 1, 2024| archive-date=November 17, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117094914/https://pitchfork.com/news/67803-kanye-has-a-flying-stage-on-the-saint-pablo-tour/| url-status=live}} During a stop at Madison Square Garden in NYC for the tour on September 5, he transitioned from a performance of the song into one of his 2016 track "Highlights".{{cite web |last=Jenkins |first=Craig |url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/kanyes-floating-stage-is-the-star-of-his-tour.html |title=Kanye's Floating Stage Is the Star of the Saint Pablo Tour |website=Vulture |url-access=limited |date=September 6, 2016 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301135357/https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/kanyes-floating-stage-is-the-star-of-his-tour.html |url-status=live }} West performed the song for the wedding of D'Estree founder Geraldine Guiotte and Tiffany & Co. Executive Vice President Alexander Arnault in Venice on October 16, 2021, with a black mask obscuring his face.{{cite news |last=Daly |first=Rhian |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-kanye-west-perform-runaway-flashing-lights-italian-wedding-3072579 |title=Watch Kanye West perform 'Runaway' and 'Flashing Lights' at Italian wedding |website=NME |date=October 17, 2021 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301135350/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-kanye-west-perform-runaway-flashing-lights-italian-wedding-3072579 |url-status=live }} On December 10, West delivered a performance of the song for a benefit concert with Drake at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for Larry Hoover's jail sentence.{{cite magazine | last1=Frank | first1=Allegra | url=https://slate.com/culture/2021/12/kayne-west-drake-concert-livestream.html | title=Kanye West's livestream concert with Drake was a reminder of why we can't quit him. | magazine=Slate | date=December 10, 2021 | access-date=March 1, 2024 | archive-date=March 1, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301135350/https://slate.com/culture/2021/12/kayne-west-drake-concert-livestream.html | url-status=live }}

File:R. Kelly Performing 2011.png|alt=R. Kelly performing at the Colonial Life Arena in 2011]]

In September 2007, hip hop duo Clipse shared their remix of "Flashing Lights".{{cite magazine | last=Diep | first=Eric | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/eric-diep/a-history-of-pusha-t-and-kanye-wests-creative-connection | title=A History Of Pusha T And Kanye West's Creative Connection | magazine=Complex | date=July 3, 2012 | access-date=March 14, 2024 | archive-date=March 14, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314210402/https://www.complex.com/music/a/eric-diep/a-history-of-pusha-t-and-kanye-wests-creative-connection | url-status=live }} On January 18, 2008, the song's official remix was released, featuring R&B singer R. Kelly. The remix features no new verses from West, only adding a verse from R. Kelly.{{cite web |last=Harvell |first=Jess |title=R. Kelly Is Kanye's New Strobelite Honey |url=https://www.idolator.com/347619/r-kelly-is-kanyes-new-strobelite-honey |website=Idolator |date=January 22, 2008 |access-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-date=March 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316205757/https://www.idolator.com/347619/r-kelly-is-kanyes-new-strobelite-honey |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rap-up.com/2008/01/18/new-music-kanye-west-f-r-kelly-flashing-lights-remix/ | title=New Music: Kanye West f/ R. Kelly - 'Flashing Lights (Remix)' | magazine=Rap-Up | author=Devin | date=January 18, 2008 | access-date=March 14, 2024 | archive-date=March 14, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314210402/https://www.rap-up.com/2008/01/18/new-music-kanye-west-f-r-kelly-flashing-lights-remix/ | url-status=live }} The singer assures that any violations of the law are non-narcotic, outside of his weed usage. He also encourages, "Stand up and be accountable."

Devin of Rap-Up considered after R. Kelly's call for accountability that the singer "should take his own advice". Idolator{{'}}s Jess Harvell saw R. Kelly's verse on the remix as low effort, feeling that referencing his non-narcotic behaviour is the only highlight of "a mixtape-worthy-but-little-more guest spot" in the "Romulus-transfusion" and it merely extends the song's lifespan longer. The staff of The Fader admitted to hoping that the singer will appear on remixes of songs "until the end of time".{{cite magazine | url=https://www.thefader.com/2024/03/08/rap-blog-daemoney-and-babyface-rays-reliable-excellence | title=Audio: Kanye West f. R Kelly, 'Flashing Lights' Remix | magazine=The Fader | date=January 22, 2008 | access-date=March 14, 2024 | archive-date=March 14, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314210402/https://www.thefader.com/2024/03/08/rap-blog-daemoney-and-babyface-rays-reliable-excellence | url-status=live }} The remix was placed on MTV's "'Hood's Heavy Rotation: Bubbling Below The Radar" list for the week of January 29, 2008.{{Cite web|author1=Reid, Shaheem|author2=Rodriguez, Jayson|title=Mixtape Monday: Game Gets A Special Delivery From Dr. Dre; Prodigy Takes A Tip From 50 Cent|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580524/20080129/game__3_.jhtml|publisher=MTV|date=January 29, 2008|access-date=January 29, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718213932/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580524/20080129/game__3_.jhtml|archive-date=July 18, 2009}} On November 30, 2010, singer Charlie Wilson posted a video to YouTube of him and West working in the studio with collaborators on an alternate version of "Flashing Lights", featuring the rapper delivering lines about "running from the flashing lights".{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Charlie |author-link=Charlie Wilson (singer) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uohsXA0VadU |title=Charlie Wilson & Kanye West In The Studio: Flashing Lights |publisher=P Music Group, Inc. |via=YouTube |date=November 30, 2010 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301164110/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uohsXA0VadU |url-status=live }}

In 2008, Canadian indie pop musician Colin Munroe remixed the song under title of "I Want Those Flashing Lights", posting a music video on YouTube. Monroe decided to record the remix after the original stood out on Graduation in a manner that brought out his creative spirit, wanting to experiment and see if he could do something different. He expressed that the experiment went overboard and he "didn't really expect it to turn into what it", yet felt positive about the attention. Munroe shot the music video with a friend from a local art school, setting out to innovate against big budget storylines.{{cite web |last=Watkins |first=Grouchy Greg |title=Get To Know: Dallas Austin's Latest Recruit Colin Munroe and His Remake of Kanye West's 'Flashing Lights' |url=https://allhiphop.com/alternatives/get-to-know-dallas-austins-latest-recruit-colin-munroe-and-his-remake-of-kanye-wests-flashing-lights/ |publisher=AllHipHop |date=May 25, 2008 |access-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303101946/https://allhiphop.com/alternatives/get-to-know-dallas-austins-latest-recruit-colin-munroe-and-his-remake-of-kanye-wests-flashing-lights/ |archive-date=March 3, 2024}} The video went viral and caught the attention of West, who posted it to his blog.{{cite web | author=West, Kanye | title=Colin Munroe – 'Flashing Lights' Video | url=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=192247_-1__0_~0_-1_1_2008_0_0 | publisher=Kanye West Blog | date=January 22, 2008 | access-date=January 22, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080124073429/http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=192247_-1__0_~0_-1_1_2008_0_0 | archive-date=January 24, 2008 | url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last=Rubenstein |first=Jenna Hally |title=New Song: Colin Munroe Featuring Pusha T, 'The Fight Of My Life' (Alternate Version) |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/5r5ftm/colin-munroe-pusha-t-the-fight-of-my-life |publisher=MTV |date=August 9, 2012 |access-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-date=March 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314210402/https://www.mtv.com/news/5r5ftm/colin-munroe-pusha-t-the-fight-of-my-life |url-status=dead }}

Styles P released a freestyle over the song's instrumental on October 10, 2007.{{cite magazine |title=Styles P – Flashing Lights Freestyle |url=https://hiphopdx.com/singles/id.3275/title.styles-p-flashing-lights-freestyle |magazine=HipHopDX |access-date=July 27, 2019 |date=October 10, 2007 |archive-date=July 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727190118/https://hiphopdx.com/singles/id.3275/title.styles-p-flashing-lights-freestyle |url-status=live }} "Flashing Lights" was included on the compilation album Now That's What I Call Music 27, released on March 11, 2008.{{cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |title=Now That's What I Call Music! 27 - Various Artists |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/now-thats-what-i-call-music%21-27-mw0000751549 |publisher=AllMusic |date=March 11, 2008 |access-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302215546/https://www.allmusic.com/album/now-thats-what-i-call-music!-27-mw0000751549 |url-status=live }} Later that year, the song was included as part of the Grand Theft Auto IV in-game radio station The Beat 102.7.{{cite magazine |last=Saponara |first=Michael |title=Kanye West Goes Full-On 'GTA' In Supposed YZY Gap Promo Video |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.73619/title.kanye-west-grand-theft-auto-gta-yzy-gap-video-watch |magazine=HipHopDX |access-date=March 2, 2024 |date=September 21, 2022 |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302215546/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.73619/title.kanye-west-grand-theft-auto-gta-yzy-gap-video-watch |url-status=live }} On the station, DJ Green Lantern introduces it as a song that will not stop being played despite people being fed up. In January 2009, it was used in an FX advert for the sixth season of Nip/Tuck.{{cite web |last=Hoven |first=Matt Van |title=Irony 101: Kanye's Mom and the Nip Tuck Teaser |url=https://www.adweek.com/agencyspy/irony-101-kanyes-mom-and-the-nip-tuck-teaser/ |website=Adweek |date=December 10, 2008 |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302215551/https://www.adweek.com/agencyspy/irony-101-kanyes-mom-and-the-nip-tuck-teaser/ |url-status=live }} A month later, the song was set to be included within the setlist of the turntable music video game Scratch: The Ultimate DJ, which ultimately went unreleased.{{cite magazine|author=Kreps, Daniel|title=Mix Up Kanye West, Beastie Boys, Run-DMC Tracks on 'Scratch: The Ultimate DJ'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2009/02/10/mix-up-kanye-west-beastie-boys-run-dmc-tracks-on-scratch-the-ultimate-dj/|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 10, 2009|access-date=February 10, 2009|archive-date=February 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212042002/http://www.rollingstone.com//rockdaily//index.php//2009//02//10//mix-up-kanye-west-beastie-boys-run-dmc-tracks-on-scratch-the-ultimate-dj//|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |title=Scratch: The Ultimate DJ |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/game/scratch-the-ultimate-dj |website=GameRevolution |access-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303101946/https://www.gamerevolution.com/game/scratch-the-ultimate-dj |url-status=live }}

In February 2010, Gil Scott-Heron sampled the string loop from the song on both parts of his poem "On Coming from a Broken Home".{{cite web|last=Jurek|first=Thom|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/im-new-here-mw0001955822|title=I'm New Here – Gil Scott-Heron|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=March 3, 2024|archive-date=December 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209011524/https://www.allmusic.com/album/im-new-here-mw0001955822|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Molner|first=Chris|url=http://www.cokemachineglow.com/record_review/5105/gilscottheron-imnewhere-2010|title=Gil Scott-Heron: I'm New Here (XL; 2010)|publisher=Cokemachineglow|date=January 25, 2010|access-date=March 3, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128114640/http://www.cokemachineglow.com/record_review/5105/gilscottheron-imnewhere-2010|archive-date=January 28, 2010|url-status=dead}} Later that year, "Flashing Lights" was featured in a Yahoo! commercial.{{cite web |last=Lippert |first=Barbara |title=Yahoo's Lip Service |url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/yahoos-lip-service-102509/ |website=Adweek |date=June 6, 2010 |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302215546/https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/yahoos-lip-service-102509/ |url-status=live }} A remix of singer Beyoncé's single "Drunk in Love" that features Jay-Z was released on February 14, 2024, with a guest verse from West. The remix samples the song's titular phrase, after Beyoncé sings about flashing lights.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.factmag.com/2014/02/15/kanye-west-remixes-beyonces-drunk-in-love/ | title=Kanye West, The Weeknd and more remix Beyoncé's 'Drunk in Love' | magazine=Fact Magazine | date=February 15, 2014 | access-date=March 3, 2024 | archive-date=March 3, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303101946/https://www.factmag.com/2014/02/15/kanye-west-remixes-beyonces-drunk-in-love/ | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | last=Lee | first=Ashley | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/audio-beyonces-drunk-love-kanye-681039/ | title=[Audio] Beyonce's 'Drunk in Love': Kanye West, The Weeknd Release Remixes | magazine=The Hollywood Reporter | date=February 18, 2014 | access-date=March 3, 2024 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223907/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/audio-beyonces-drunk-love-kanye-681039 | url-status=live }} "Flashing Lights" was used during a scene in the 2016 animated film Sing.{{cite web |author1=Amid Amidi |title=A Complete List of Every Song in Illumination's 'Sing' |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/c |website=Cartoon Brew |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103174947/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/complete-list-every-song-illuminations-sing-147042.html |archive-date=January 3, 2018}} It was played as a portrait was displayed of Charlize Theron in a 2018 J'Adore television commercial, titled: The New Absolu: The Film.{{cite news |title=Charlize Theron, a triumphant muse in the new campaign for J'adore Absolu by Parfums Christian Dior |url=https://www.lvmh.com/news-documents/news/charlize-theron-a-triumphant-muse-in-the-new-campaign-for-jadore-absolu-by-parfums-christian-dior/ |publisher=LVMH |access-date=March 2, 2024 |date=November 9, 2018 |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302222550/https://www.lvmh.com/news-documents/news/charlize-theron-a-triumphant-muse-in-the-new-campaign-for-jadore-absolu-by-parfums-christian-dior/ |url-status=live }} In September 2021, West collaborator and Scottish producer Hudson Mohawke named the song as his fourth favorite from West, while British rapper Tinie Tempah placed it at number three on his list.{{cite magazine | last=Kryza | first=Andy | url=https://www.timeout.com/music/best-kanye-west-songs | title=25 best Kanye West songs, from 'Gold Digger' to 'Ghost Town' | magazine=Time Out | date=September 22, 2021 | access-date=March 11, 2024 | archive-date=March 11, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311214712/https://www.timeout.com/music/best-kanye-west-songs | url-status=live }} On October 7, 2022, American rapper G Herbo interpolated the song on "Flashbacks" for his album Survivor's Remorse.{{cite magazine |last1=Braboy |first1=Mark |title=Review: G-Herbo's 'Survivor's Remorse' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/g-herbo-survivors-remorse-1234596501/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=March 3, 2024 |date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112021014/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/g-herbo-survivors-remorse-1234596501/ |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |url-status=live }}

A HBCU Marching Band delivered a performance of "Flashing Lights" at the Georgia Dome Battle of the Bands on January 26, 2008, which West shared to his blog.{{cite magazine|author=Odell, Amy|title=Arctic Monkey Does the Work of At Least Three Strokes|url=http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/01/arctic_monkey_does_the_work_of.html|date=January 29, 2008|magazine=New York|url-access=limited|access-date=February 14, 2008|archive-date=February 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212134414/http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/01/arctic_monkey_does_the_work_of.html|url-status=live}} On June 22, 2012, hip hop band Kids These Days released a revamped cover version of the song with live instrumentation. The cover adds new lyrics, delivered by the lead rapper Vic Mensa.{{cite magazine | last=Isenberg | first=Daniel | url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/daniel-isenberg/listen-kids-these-days-flashing-lights | title=Listen: Kids These Days 'Flashing Lights' | magazine=Complex | date=June 22, 2012 | access-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315143630/https://www.complex.com/music/a/daniel-isenberg/listen-kids-these-days-flashing-lights | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Adrian | url=https://earmilk.com/2012/06/30/kids-these-days-flashing-lights-video/ | title=Kids These Days – 'Flashing Lights' [Video] | website=Earmilk | date=June 30, 2012 | access-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315143116/https://earmilk.com/2012/06/30/kids-these-days-flashing-lights-video/ | url-status=live }} An accompanying music video was shared by the band on June 29, 2012, depicting a dark setting with flashing lights that change colors throughout.{{cite magazine | author=Joyce | url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/a/joyce/video-kids-these-days-flashing-lights-pnp | title=Video: Kids These Days - 'Flashing Lights' | magazine=Complex | date=June 29, 2012 | access-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315143116/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/a/joyce/video-kids-these-days-flashing-lights-pnp | url-status=live }}{{cite web | last=Swayer | first=Jonathan | url=https://hypebeast.com/2012/6/kids-these-days-flashing-lights-kanye-west-cover-2 | title=Kids These Days - Flashing Lights (Kanye West Cover) | publisher=Hypebeast | date=June 29, 2012 | access-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315143116/https://hypebeast.com/2012/6/kids-these-days-flashing-lights-kanye-west-cover-2 | url-status=live }}

File:Lorde Lollapalooza 2014 (3).jpg, Lorde delivered a performance of the song, which was well-received by critics, who highlighted her creativity.|alt=Lorde performing live in 2014]]

On September 5, 2014, New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde performed a short rendition of "Flashing Lights" at her first concert in Philadelphia on the Pure Heroine Tour (2013–14), which included her crooning.{{cite news |last=Menyes |first=Carolyn |title=Lorde Covers Kanye West's 'Flashing Lights', Bon Iver's 'Heavenly Father' on U.S. Tour [Watch] |url=https://www.musictimes.com/articles/10085/20140915/lorde-covers-kanye-west-flashing-lights-bon-iver-heavenly-father-tour-watch.htm |date=September 15, 2014 |newspaper=Music Times |access-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-date=October 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007200947/http://www.musictimes.com/articles/10085/20140915/lorde-covers-kanye-west-flashing-lights-bon-iver-heavenly-father-tour-watch.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine|last=Reed|first=Ryan|title=Lorde Covers Kanye West, Bon Iver Onstage|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-lorde-perform-gothic-kanye-west-bon-iver-covers-82204/|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|date=September 15, 2014|access-date=March 15, 2024|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112030202/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-lorde-perform-gothic-kanye-west-bon-iver-covers-82204/|url-status=live}} Lorde set a gothic theme for the performance, where she wore a full-length white hooded coat.{{cite web | last=Donnelly | first=Erin | url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2014/09/74483/lorde-kanye-west-flashing-lights | title=Lorde Cover Kanye West Bon Iver Music | publisher=Refinery29 | date=September 15, 2014 | access-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315143630/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2014/09/74483/lorde-kanye-west-flashing-lights | url-status=live }} The cover combines alt-rock, pop, and hip hop, accompanying synths and strings. For Slate, Sharan Shetty wrote that Lorde delivered "a short, thrilling rendition".{{cite magazine | last=Shetty | first=Sharan | url=https://slate.com/culture/2014/09/lorde-covers-kanye-west-watch-the-flashing-lights-cover-video.html | title=Lorde covers Kanye West: Watch the Flashing Lights cover (Video). | magazine=Slate | date=September 15, 2014 | access-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-date=May 30, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530043400/https://slate.com/culture/2014/09/lorde-covers-kanye-west-watch-the-flashing-lights-cover-video.html | url-status=live }} Carolyn Menyes from Music Times opined that the singer merged "her world of alt-rock, pop and hip-hop with an oddly sensual and straightforward take" on the song. On a similar note at Rolling Stone, Ryan Reed commented that Lorde made the song suit her "gothic electro-pop wheelhouse" as she delivered "her seductive croon". On a 2021 list of her best cover songs, Ali Shutler from NME said that the rendition "proved there was more to Lorde" than had been seen previously.{{cite news |last=Shutler |first=Ali |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/lorde-her-best-cover-songs-from-nirvana-to-sheryl-crow-2971061 |title=Lorde: her best cover songs, from Nirvana to Sheryl Crow |website=NME |date=June 16, 2021 |access-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224095923/https://www.nme.com/blogs/lorde-her-best-cover-songs-from-nirvana-to-sheryl-crow-2971061 |url-status=live }}

On February 8, 2016, French electronic collective Point Point reinterpreted the song with their ballad "F+L". The ballad begins with strings setting a darker tone, which progress to synths and elements of French house. Hip hop elements are incorporated too and towards the end, the strings re-appear.{{cite web |last=Genosa |first=Wendel |title=Point Point release epic reinterpretation of Kanye classic in 'F+L' |url=https://earmilk.com/2016/02/08/point-point-release-epic-reinterpretation-of-kanye-classic-in-fl/ |website=Earmilk |date=February 8, 2016 |access-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303101946/https://earmilk.com/2016/02/08/point-point-release-epic-reinterpretation-of-kanye-classic-in-fl/ |url-status=live }} In 2020, Italian band Studio Murena released a cover version of the song. The cover was arranged by BadBadNotGood and attracted the attention of other Italian artists.{{cite magazine | last=Battezzati | first=Marco | url=https://www.recovery-magazine.com/2020/10/02/fuori-eclissi-il-nuovo-singolo-degli-studio-murena/ | title=Fuori Eclissi, il nuovo singolo degli Studio Murena | magazine=Recovery Magazine | date=October 2, 2020 | access-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-date=March 15, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315205305/https://www.recovery-magazine.com/2020/10/02/fuori-eclissi-il-nuovo-singolo-degli-studio-murena/ | url-status=live }}

Digital single

1. "Flashing Lights" – 3:57

UK CD single

1. "Flashing Lights" – 3:57
2. "Stronger" (Andrew Dawson Remix) – 4:45

UK 12" single

1. "Flashing Lights" – 3:57
2. "Flashing Lights" (Instrumental) – 3:57
3. "Stronger" (Andrew Dawson Remix) – 4:45

Information taken from Graduation liner notes.

Recording

• Recorded at Chalice Studios (Los Angeles, CA) and Chung King Studios (NYC)
• Mixed at Chung King Studios (NYC)

Personnel

{{Div col|colwidth=23em}}

• Kanye West{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, producer
• Eric Hudson{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, producer, other instruments
• Andrew Dawson{{spaced en dash}} recorder, mix engineer
• Anthony Kilhoffer{{spaced en dash}} recorder
• Matty Green{{spaced en dash}} assistant mix engineer
• Anthony Palazzole{{spaced en dash}} assistant mix engineer
• Andy Marcinkowski{{spaced en dash}} assistant mix engineer
• Emma Kummrow{{spaced en dash}} violin
• Igor Szwec{{spaced en dash}} violin
• Gloria Justen{{spaced en dash}} violin
• Olga Konopelsky{{spaced en dash}} violin
• Luigi Mazzocchi{{spaced en dash}} violin
• Charles Parker{{spaced en dash}} violin
• Peter Nocella{{spaced en dash}} viola
• Alexandra Leem{{spaced en dash}} viola
• Jennie Lorenzo{{spaced en dash}} cello
• Tim Ressler{{spaced en dash}} bass
• Larry Gold{{spaced en dash}} string arranger, conductor
• Connie Mitchell{{spaced en dash}} additional vocals

{{Div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Flashing Lights"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|title=Flashing Lights|refname="Den"|artist=Kanye West|type=single|award=Platinum|id=13639|relyear=2007|certyear=2024|access-date=April 13, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|title=Flashing Lights|artist=Kanye West feat. Dwele|type=single|award=Gold|refname="Italy"|id=11645|relyear=2007|certyear=2023|access-date=December 9, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=2024|title=Flashing Lights|artist=Kaney West|accessdate=June 7, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Flashing Lights|artist=Kanye West ft Dwele|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|refname="Silver"|relyear=2007|certyear=2025|id=15169-4752-1|access-date=March 7, 2025}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Flashing Lights|artist=Kanye West|type=single|award=Platinum|refname="Riaa"|number=6|certyear=2023|digital=true|access-date=August 22, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|33em}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090308104610/http://mtv.com/lyrics/west_kanye/flashing_lights/19668575/lyrics.jhtml "Flashing Lights" lyrics] at MTV

{{Kanye West songs}}

{{authority control}}

Category:2007 singles

Category:2007 songs

Category:Kanye West songs

Category:Dwele songs

Category:Music videos directed by Kanye West

Category:Music videos directed by Spike Jonze

Category:Song recordings produced by Kanye West

Category:Songs written by Kanye West

Category:Roc-A-Fella Records singles

Category:Songs written by Eric Hudson

Category:Song recordings produced by Eric Hudson