Jersey on Drake VIEWS

Drake’s Views is a twenty track ride through his hometown of Toronto. Although Views went Gold overnight I wasn’t so sure at the first listen that I would have the same excitement I did from his past work. As a fan, you have expectations of what you want from a specific artist. I guess I was looking for Thank Me Later/Take Care but it is clear that Aubrey Graham has moved on. The OVO frontman didn’t hold anything back on this body of work, however it felt more like a mixed bag. Which was genius because that is what makes everywhere we are from special and different.

Views takes us on a seasonal trip through the city. The sounds of the crisp winter winds is the perfect setting for the heartbreaking track Keep the Family Close. The track most definitely gives me an Issac Hayes feel. The sympathetic sounds of the background strings and the hard hitting drums allows the listening ear to understand the pain over his tortured melodic tones. The song expresses hurt, dismay, and disbelief. I believe Drake was trying to show his audience more of his vocal range.

Redemption is yet another track that speaks of unresolved emotions from a broken relationship. Although, this record has more of a Drake feel it still felt a little different to me. He does his typical singing and then rapping but it just felt raw. It was almost like he wished these conflicted feelings had a different outcome. These songs for the listener always seem the most personal as it is easy to find your old/new life in them. The music makes you think, if I’d changed and would things be different?

Not to worry, the whole album isn’t slow beats. Songs like With You featuring Partynextdoor will make you break out a smooth two-step where ever you are. It is a care-free record that makes you feel good. Other feel good songs on this album are One Dance, Controlla, and Too Good featuring Rihanna. Too Good is one Calypso joint that will have you grinding away on the dance floor. This is the type of song that makes you want to wrap your arms around your boo and get carried away. This is one of my favorite tracks on the entire album.

He also gave us some Trap joints like Hype, Still Here, Pop Style, and Grammy’s featuring Future. Grammy’s is a record for reckless club couch jumping and bottle popping. I know the dabbing will be on 100 when this record is played on a DJ’s set.

Feels No Way was probably the most different track on the album but it reminded me of Going Home. The Pet Shop Boys/Tears for Fears vibe reminds me of driving music. Drake also paid homage to 90’s giants Mary J. Blige with Weston Road Flows and DMX with U With Me. I love that Drake still gets so much inspiration from the music titans before him. DMX is still the only hip hop artist to ever have two number one albums come out within the same year. Mary J. Blige in my opinion is the only Queen of Hip Hop Soul.

As the album ends the summer in Toronto, the self-titled track steals the show. Views is most definitely a Jay Z record. I could easily see mega producer Premo doing this beat and Jay Z coming to rip this thang DOWN. Allowing the track to bleed with powerful R&B vocals was so reminiscent of Song Cry. Drake did do the record some justice but it was basically homage to the old Hov. The Jay Z we would roll our windows down in the winter to hear. 

Overall, Views is an album you need to listen to a few times to understand its contribution. The record isn’t terrible but it will not grab you at first listen. I listened to the album six times before offering a musically opinion. I give Drake’s Views a 4.5 out 5 stars. I would have said 5 but the album is quite long. I think we would have understood his Toronto ting in 15 tracks eh?

I love you for reading,

Jersey