Aubrey Graham, otherwise known by his stage name Drake, released his eighth studio album on Friday, Oct. 6. “For All the Dogs” was highly anticipated, with the release date being pushed back several times.
Before I begin this review, I must preface by saying I am a self-proclaimed Drake fan and attended his concert in Inglewood back in August. That being said, as an individual who has listened to much of Drake’s discography, by the end of this 23-song album, I was exhausted.
Similar to much of Drake’s other music, the theme of “women only love me because I’m rich” is exhausted by the end of the album. In one of my favorite tracks, “Calling For You” (feat. 21 Savage), the song is interrupted by the voice of a woman further cementing the money and clout hungry image of women Drake effortlessly paints. Although many fans didn’t enjoy that interlude, I think it made the song what it was. However, it may be time for him to change the location or age range on his Tinder profile so he can get inspiration for different music.
Although this album definitely pads his own ego, there are some great songs on this album. Stacked with features ranging from J-Cole to Bad Bunny and Sexyy Red, the album is one of the best releases this year. My personal favorites are “Virginia Beach”, “Calling For You” (feat. 21 Savage), “Daylight”, “7969 Santa” and “Rich Baby Daddy” (feat. Sexyy Red & SZA). I appreciate his unserious lyricism juxtaposed with lyrics with darker undertones.
Overall, I’d give the album an eight out of ten, and you should definitely give it a listen, regardless of whether you are a Drake fan or not. In the future, I would love to hear Drake talk about something other than the women who are gold-diggers and the grown men he beefs with. Then again, that is Drake’s niche so can the audience expect something outside of that?
