Rank: 3/5
After years of buildup, Toronto rapper Drake, finally released his much anticipated album “VIEWS”.
His fourth studio album follows up his release of two No. 1 albums, Grammy nominations his hit record “Hotline Bling” nearly topped the Billboard 100 list, and a rumored $20 million deal with music streaming service Apple Music.
This album was supposed to be Drake’s magnum opus in the eyes of the people.
In one week since its release, the album is already platinum and has been streamed over 250 million times according to Billboard.
While Drake sticks to roots on this project, singing and rapping about past relationships and friendships, the album barely shows us anything different from the Toronto rapper.
According to an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1, Drake said The subject matter of the album is supposed to represent the change the “harsh” winter season in Toronto and the “hot” summer seasons.
The first half of the 20 track project reflects that theme, with songs like “Keep the Family Close” and “U With Me” show Drake rapping about a love interest that has disappeared from his life and leaves him wondering if she’ll come back.
“Redemption” the album’s seventh track, is where Drake sounds most comfortable on this project. Reflection, deep emotional verses and melodic singing over a slow R&B sample is when Drake is at his best.
Most of the album continues with the shadowy approach until it switches up with “Still Here” produced by frequent collaborator and best friend Noah “40” Shebib and local Toronto producer Mannesh.
Two standout tracks, “Controlla” and “One Dance” are arguably the most experimental tracks on the project, which are an ode to dancehall genre music.
“Controlla” shifts the album, sampling Jamaican “dancehall king” Beenie Man, which gives off a summer vibe with Drake’s melodic tone and Caribbean style drums.
Where the self-proclaimed “Six God” comes up short is with his lyrics and length of the project.
Cringe-worthy lines such as, “You toyin’ with it like Happy Meal” or “Got so many chains they call me ‘Chaining’ Tatum” come off as lazy, especially since this project has been in the works for about three years.
There were also a few filler tracks, which hurts the replay value of the album. “Fire and Desire” and “Views” sound nearly the same and could have ended the album.
The album also lacked quality features. Only one rapper, Future, has a guest verse on the project. Future delivers a strong verse over a trap beat on “Grammys.” Drake also sounds out of place on the beat, rapping about having to pay “boat fines”, while Future sounds in his element rapping about his progression from the “coke house” to rap stardom.
OVO labelmate Partynextdoor, who is featured on “With You” delivers a weak vocal performance. Drake also links back up with Rihanna for “Too Good”, but the fails to be as good as their past collaborations.
“VIEWS”is just another attempt for Drake to top “Take Care,” his last undisputed classic album, but he again falls short. While the album is still very much enjoyable, it ultimately disappoints or shows much growth or progression.
