It is that time of year again. Drake released his highly anticipated album today "Views" and everyone is already calling it a classic. The 20 song album has been said to blend the sounds of his earlier works such as "Take Care" and "Thank Me Later." Everyone's favorite introspective rapper sticks to the same formula as far as reminiscing about his life, but the sound of his songs have become more abstract and more soulful.
The opening track "Keep the Family Close" is more of a sentimental ballad, using sounds of Jazz, Orchestra, and Blues. The recordings are so crisp and clear that it is hard to tell whether or not real instruments were used. The second track goes by the title "9" and it takes a heavy electronic turn. Most of the song uses synthesizer sounds, with a laid-back trap beat and visceral bass drum. The blending of these give the song a very futuristic sound. Keep in mind that these are only the first two songs on the album. The third song by the title of "U With Me?" sounds like what the average listener would expect from Drake.The beat is simple hip-hop, with an excellent array of samples used throughout the song. Later on, the song comes to a climax that slows the beat down and lets Drake finish his reminiscing on a high note. The fourth track on the album titled "Feel No Ways" takes an entirely different turn from all of the previous songs. This song has heavy use of electric piano, lo-fi 808 drums, and synthesizers. This song is nothing short of an homage to the electronic music of the 80's and 90's. The fifth track called "Hype" goes crazy, to say the least. The beat hits hard, and Drake injects fast paced rap lines right into the beat. The song gives him a point to not-so-humbly brag. Further in the album, Drake seems to have created three dance songs that all have a heavy Latino influence. The three songs are "One Dance", "Too Good (ft. Rihanna)", and "Controlla." Finally the album comes to a dramatic close with the song "Views", which opens up with a sampled Gospel song full of soul, and then transitions right into a slow jam soul/hip-hop fusion loaded with lyrics that have heavy themes about being yourself and the animosity that comes with embracing your own individuality.
Drake is among the greats in music because he uses a level of emotion that most rappers would never use, and most of which is really inspirational to the listener. Overall all the album has the unparalleled sound quality that most mainstream pop/hip-hop albums have, while creating an incredible amount of diverse sound. Lyrically, the album has many relatable verses and themes which most of Drake's work is known for. "Views" is a great album and has universal appeal because of its diversity as well as its sentiment. Millions will be talking about this album for the entire summer and will continue to listen to it until Drake's next album is released.
