International rap superstar Drake released his much anticipated fourth studio album on April 29th. Prior to it’s release very little was known about the album, aside from the two leaked tracks, and were all but ready for some new Drizzy. This is evident, as the album sold 630,000 copies on the very first day of release, but did VIEWS really live up to all of the hype around it?
VIEWS was largely produced by 40, Drake’s long time friend and go-to producer. 10 out of the 20 songs on VIEWS were produced by 40, but other big names like: Kanye West, Metro Boomin, and Boi1da are also had production credits. While the album features many different producers the album still has that classic Toronto/Drake sound, which I am a huge fan of. Overall the album has a very relaxing and laid back vibe, but that’s not to say the album is low energy. There are a number of songs high energy songs on VIEWS. Take Hype for example, the song is high energy and features some explosive drums.
Lyrically this is a very interesting album. Of course you have the classic sad Drake songs like Redemption, where Drake reminisces about old girls, and of course you have the obligatory shots at Meek Mill and Tory Lanez throughout the album (most notable on Hype). Drake’s maturity and self awareness on this album really shocked me though. On U With Me Drake drops a funny, yet serious line about how he has made a career off of reminising, and on Weston Road Flows he makes reference to the fact that he is going to have to retire eventually. He specifically says he will retire when he’s 35, which gives us another 2 or 3 Drake albums to listen to.
“That’s for sure though, I made a career of reminiscin’
Time got a funny way of tickin’, things are so much different
I’ll admit it, I’ve admitted to a lot of things“
In all likelihood this is the peak of Drake’s career. This is by far the most put together and focused album Drake has ever put out. VIEWS is flat out beautiful. While I wish I could say that Drake is going to be on top forever, I can’t. He’s already thinking about retirement, and honestly what other rapper has had this level of success as long as Drake has (other than Kanye West who’s the most hated man in America). All we can do now is kick back, listen to VIEWS, and wait and see if Drake’s next album can top VIEWS. He has his work cut out for him.
Favorite Songs: 9, Feel No Ways, Weston Road Flows, Redemption, Faithful, Views
Least Favorites Songs: None
Grade: A
