Certified Lover Boy

Drake

Released on 02/09/2021 by OVO
Main artists: Drake
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

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After a long run-up that included videos with impressive cameos, fancy hairstyles, and knee surgery, when Drake's Certified Lover Boy was released, it came in at an epic length of 21 songs and was packed with a glittering array of guest stars from across the rap spectrum, including Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, Future, Young Thug, Travis Scott, and Jay-Z. As with most of his releases since he discovered trap, a majority of the songs plod along slowly while Drake weaves tales of his own greatness; his prowess as a lover, father, and athlete; and how people are doing him dirty, all in a voice that wavers between laid-back vibes and played-out boredom. Only a few stand out from the grind. The album opener, "Champagne Poetry," contrasts a sped-up Beatles sample ("Michelle") with an off-kilter bassline, then segues into a joyous gospel sample as Drake revs up his flow and actually sounds invested in the song. The first half of "N 2 Deep" forgoes trap clichés for some metallic guitar riffing and twinkling synths before it succumbs to the inevitable slow-motion beats; "Pipe Down" is a strong R&B groove with swirling vocal samples, rumbling drum fills, and orchestra hits; and "Race My Mind" is a trippy late-night electro-soul ballad and a reminder that Drake is a better singer than he is a rapper. The sunny "Fountains" adds some African funk to the mix and ends up being one of the album's highlights, thanks to some help from vocalist Tems. The record's most exciting song is the throwback jam "You Only Live Twice," which blasts away like a Bad Boy classic and features hugely entertaining verses from Rick Ross and Lil Wayne that overshadow Drake's predictable rhymes. This dynamic repeats throughout the record as guests pop by and raise the stakes. Jay-Z swoops in for a swaggering verse on "Love All," 21 Savage adds some grit to the otherwise cartoonish "Knife Talk," Young Thug's yearning vocals add some soul to "Get Along Better," and Travis Scott gives a lesson on how to sound intense without raising your voice on "Fair Trade." It's no shame for Drake to be outclassed by some of the best rappers around, but it is a shame that one starts to dread the songs without features because then all that's left is Drake and his far-too-familiar lyrical concerns and mostly tedious style. Boil the record down to a handful of Drake solo cuts -- making sure to include the one or two that break the trap mold -- and the best of the features, and Certified Lover Boy would get a passing grade. As it stands, the album is an overlong, undercooked, and clichéd listen that will no doubt appeal to the Drake fans who can't get enough of him, but will leave anyone looking for something new sadly out of luck.

© Tim Sendra /TiVo

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Certified Lover Boy

Drake

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Champagne Poetry