Ok, you know I had to write a review on Drake's new album 'Thank Me Later' because SOME people (i.e. Gillyboy :p) have been dissing my love for him and you all know what happens when someone attacks something I like - I defend it...in blog form. Ha. So what do I personally think about the Drake album?
Well I was a bit slow on the uptake; it leaked on the internet about four days before I actually had a minute to cop it so I was reading everyone's reactions on Facebook. Everyone was saying it was pretty amazing so I had great expectations, more than I already had for the dude who's created some of my favourite tracks in the last year ("Best I Ever Had", "Successful") . On first listen I liked it. On second listen I loved it. I've had it on repeat ever since and I'm still not sick of it a week later. So yeah, thanks Drake :)
Now I should say I wrote this review without having read any other reviews, so this is my honest opinion, without being influenced. Also, I'm missing one track off the album called "Fancy" cuz for some reason, it wasn't included :(
First, here's what I like about Drake:
His beats and melodies have a dream-like quality. Characteristic to a Drake song is a floating, rolling melody, slow tempo, a hypnotising feel. This I dig. If you take away the vocals and just played the instrumental, it's just chilled out ish. His style is so distinctive which makes songs sound similar in a way, which is why the album sounds good played from start to finish as each song kinda rolls into the next.
As for the vocals, Drake's singing voice isn't exactly a powerhouse, but that's why it sounds perfect on his tracks. It's maximum mellow-nesssss. His voice is smooth as fuck, he got a sexy tone to him, it sounds effortless. This is opposed to someone like Usher who can really sing the shit out of a song, in a good way of course, it's just different. His rhymes are honest and he isn't afraid to talk about relationships and admit he's been played. He talks about fucking chicks but he also talks about loving chicks, and he isn't acting like he's from the hood. So track by track, here's the lowdown...
Fireworks - The sound of fireworks is nice huh. Cuz it makes you think of celebrations, memorable events and moments. Choosing this as the opening track is kinda interesting because you would expect fireworks to be at the end of something. But it kinda works because it sets the tone of the album, linking it to those ideas of something to be celebrated and remembered.
The beautiful piano chord progression seems fitting for the track considering Alicia Keys features, but is also characteristic of the Drake style. Interestingly, the song implements the drum beat as a backing to the verses where Drake is rhyming, but in the chorus the beat is removed and Alicia just sings over backing vocal and the sound of fireworks. It gives the effect of a suspension in time every time we hear the chorus; time stops for a few bars and we're mesmerised by Alicia's voice. By the way, apparently the second verse is about Drake's fling with Rihanna at Lucky Strike, a bowling arena: "Who coulda predicted Lucky Strike would have you stuck with me...I'll never forget it baby, what an experience...there was smoke in the air before, now it's me clearing it".
Karaoke - This song is about Drake's failed relationship with a girl and how she can't handle his fame: "the spotlight makes you nervous". Probably my least fave track on the album though, it's just not as strong melody and beat wise.
The Resistance - This one's about Drake's struggle with fame and the pressures of people around him to stay grounded. I really like this song. I think it has the realest lyrics of all the tracks. He talks about his realisation that the fame has changed him; its this awareness that is endearing. It has a tragic kinda feel to it when he says in the last line, "ain't no turning back for me, I'm in it til it's over". There's no escape, even if he wanted out.
Over - One of my faves. It's track four and the tempo is building. His first official release from this album is more upbeat; it gets you nodding your head and Drake's rhymes have an urgency to them. My favourite line is when Drake sings, "I know way too many people here right now that I didn't know last year, who the fuck are y'all"; I love the honesty in his lyrics!
Show Me a Good Time - I think this should be released as his next single. The beat uses an awesome sample, it's fiyahhhh! Again, it's upbeat like Over and basically says Drake is in this for the long haul and isn't apologising for makin' that cash. "Feels like when you get into that paper hip hop hates ya/They would do it just like I do if they could it's in our nature". (Edit: Found out this track was produced by Kanye; no wonder the beat is good).
Up all Night - "Niggas with no money act like money isn't everything". Haha. It's funny cuz it's true! Continuing the theme of Show Me a Good Time, this time Drake employs Nicki Minaj from his Young Money crew to show how they do it and celebrate their success. Love Nicki's verse!
Shut it Down - After three songs of "I'm famous and I don't give a fuck what you think", Drake decides to turn his attention to the ladies. This is like Drake's version of David Guetta's Sexy Bitch, it's saying the same thing in a much classier way! One of my faves on this album. Drake and The Dream are a perfect match on this song cuz they have the same kinda style. The way Drake sings slightly off beat gives this slow motion kind of effect to all his songs. I can't help but love this track cuz what girl doesn't wanna hear "these girls ain't got nothin' on you...you'd be the baddest girl around...together we shut it down". Awwww. Then it's like Drake realises he sounds like a pussy or something and then adds an extra few minutes to the track where he changes "shut it down" to "lay you down", just to remind us that he has a dick. Hey, I'm with it if you with it...HAHA.
Unforgettable - Young Jeezy lends his voice to this track which is alright, adds a different feel. It also samples Aaliyah's "At Your Best" which is a nice little homage to her. Cool track.
Light Up - My third fave track on this album. Drake once again talks about his success. Jay Z is dope on this, but when is he not, right? He gives Drizzy advice on how to handle the haters and shit. Aww how nice of him. Best line comes from Hova: "Sorry mama, I promised it wouldn't change me but I woulda went insane had I remained the same me". Seems there are some sacrifices to being famous.
Miss Me - Of course, I love it when Drake talks about Nicki Minaj in this one. It really sounds like he's hoping Nicki is gonna hear this track and be like, "yeah, let's hook up" HAHA. Weezy is funny as usual with all his little similes and shit.
Cece's Interlude - Ok who is this Cece chick? Cuz she got Drake open. Damn. He sounds like The Dream at the start of this song, he is singing kinda high but then we hear that familiar tone as we listen further in. A nice little love song with a guitar solo at the end. It's cool cuz we get to listen to Drake sing a bit more. Dreamy.
Find Your Love - I must admit, I didn't like this song when I first heard it a few months ago. I thought it sounded generic and wasn't a fan of the samples it used for the beat. But I guess it grew on me! Maybe that's why they released it because it sounds a lot more commercial than his other tracks. I do like the idea of giving it a dancehall feel though which makes it a little different to the regular pop tracks out at the moment.
Thank Me Now - Drake sounds playful on this one, the way he says "oh-KAY!" haha. Nice track to end the album.
All in all, it was two parts self-congratulation, two parts romance and a little tribute to his peoples on the side. Underlying it all are the smooth melodies and beats I love about Drake, always staying true to his style. Those guest appearances were valuable but didn't steal the show. The haters will always have something to say about this album but I think it's an amazing effort from a dude of 23 years of age. It's original and introspective. People may hate because it seems Drake is "soft" but at least he's talking about shit that actually is relevant to him rather than spitting about how he got shot nine times or how he's goon affiliated. You have to admit that his shit is different and it's unfair to compare him to dudes who have been in the game for years longer than him, who aren't even the same kind of style, and who have totally different experiences to draw inspiration from. Drake is a self-confessed r&b lover and has never claimed to be making music for tough cunts. My review is coming from a girl's perspective which makes a difference because us women are a little biased to Drake's emotional ish; we like to hear a guy talking about his feelings! Either way, I am loving this album. What do you all think?
