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Drake is the man about town in every town.
His sound is the median.
Its a stage play of familiar faces and solvable problems.
The only question is how.
Inside Drake songs, these troubles fade away.
Whats true of Drake releases that run over 20 cuts,More Lifenotwithstanding, is still true here.
There are too many songs, too many beat changes, too many competing ideas.
In spite of the sprawl, there isnt very much growth from the last release.
Every sound is crisp, expensive.
Every guest is accomplished and well-rehearsed.
But it still feels predictable.
Drakes rapping is impactfully tight.
Everyone youd expect to be here is here.
Day-ones who miss late-album R&B asides like Brias Interlude and Ceces Interlude will appreciateLover Boys Yebbas Heartbreak.
As Drake revisits scenes from his musical past, he slips into familiar patterns.
You Only Live Twice sells Bond-film excess and nods to the motto from The Motto.
This is also the sensibility in Fair Trade: Ive been losing friends and finding peace.
A close reading of the sultriest songs onCertified Lover Boydoesnt turn up much in the way of affection.
(Whyis this notstackedwith duets like Fountains?)
OnCertified, the Boys truest loves are family, wealth, and self.
On a surface level, it is gorgeous.
On a technical level, it is impressive.
It is a trip through a world we already know.
There are no surprises in its landscapes.
Maybe this is the source of its appeal.
Amusement parks add and update the rides.
Blockbuster film sequels introduce new characters.
Video games sell new maps.
But onCertified Lover Boy, hes just tending to his garden.
You could conjure it from memory.
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