One staff writer at Rolling Stone described this effect as ''More Life' on molly.' Another popular tweet compared it to the groovy jellyfish music from 'SpongeBob SquarePants.' Both are compliments, and both are correct. This is an album for feral summer nights, dancing and sweating at Lot 45 in Bushwick. There aren't any Drake-isms, quippy lyrics, or unfortunate outliers. Especially as a surprise drop, this makes for a fascinating change of pace. Indeed, 'Honestly, Nevermind' is remarkably cohesive, a focused package of tropical beats and atmospheric production. Secondly, with 14 songs spanning just 52 minutes, this is Drake's shortest album since 'What a Time To Be Alive.' After the absolute slog of 'Certified Lover Boy,' the world deserves that. This weakened the risk of New Drake Hype eclipsing the album itself, which several of its predecessors fell victim to.

I was primed to enjoy 'Honestly, Nevermind,' partly because its release was announced mere hours in advance.

'Honestly, Nevermind' was released on June 17, 2022. Save for 'Know Yourself' and perhaps 'Jungle,' it lacks that intimate translation of memories and emotions that make people feel connected to Drake the artist, rather than Drake the brand. 'If You're Reading This,' by contrast, is uncharacteristically and unceasingly paranoid, aggressive, and single-minded. I mean, this is a man who actually said, 'Got so many chains, I feel like chain-ing Tatum.'ĭrake can deliver bars, to be sure, but he's at his best when he blends those bars with moody R&B, decadent production, and melodic vocals - when he blends his narcissism with his jealousy, longing, melancholy, and regret, confronting many moods in a way that feels universal. It sees him at his most forceful and certainly his most boastful, rapping over minimal beats and industrial sounds for 17 straight songs.īut Drake didn't become Drake because he's a great rapper. Cash Money Recordsįor those who worship Drake as a rapper, rather than a pop star, 'If You're Reading This It's Too Late' is the holy grail. 'If You're Reading This It's Too Late' was released on February 13, 2015.

Thank me later album drake