Album Review: ‘Views From The 6’

Album: Views From The 6

Artist: Drake

Record Label: Cash Money Record

Rating: 4/5

*Editor’s note: not every song on the album was reviewed.

I am honestly not a big fan of rap music. It has never really caught my attention and I am not too sure why.  For the past few months, I have heard people talking about Drake and his recent album. No matter how many I have tried to ignore it, the conversations kept coming up over and over again.

When his album Views From The 6  dropped at the end of April, it was over. It was the only thing that people were talking about. I have debated whether if I wanted to give his album a try, in spite of me not liking rap. I was working out with my buddy one day and he talked nonstop about the album and how good it was. After that moment, I decided to give it a try and see for myself.

Here’s a little background on the album.  The title has some sort of meaning behind it. During an interview on Jimmy Fallon, Drake said the title and album cover has some Canadian origins (for those who may not know, Drake is from Toronto.) The building that he is sitting on is the CN building, which is said to be once considered the tallest building in the world. He views his city, the 416, from the top of the building. That’s kind of unique.

Now, on to the actual review. Let me start first by saying the album surprised me in a really positive way. Whenever I would hear Drake on the radio, it always seemed like he was just screaming into his mic and was rapping about his failed love life. Views From The 6  incorporates many musical elements, ranging from a hard hip-hop beat of Grammys  to a smooth jazz and pop melody that is One Dance.

Throughout the album, there was one thing that profound me. The collaboration songs that he performed stood out more to me than his solo songs. One Dance is by far my number one favorite song off of there.  A song that has a soft, Latin feel and vocals featuring Wiz Kid and Kyla, it’s no wonder the song is huge on the charts.

Too Good, featuring Rihanna, is second on the list. The entire song is a conversation between her and Drake. Drake’s too good for her; he doesn’t need a woman like that in his life. Rihanna has to constantly fight for his attention; she is tired of being neglected. The lyrics flow naturally throughout the song and their dynamic is the major key that makes the song enjoyable.

As far as his solo songs go, you can never forget the notorious Hotline Bling. It’s the song that started it all. It’s the song that sparked memes and vines all across the Internet. The song is as good as Drake’s dance skills. Let me take that back. It’s a little bit better than his dancing skills. Don’t believe me? See for yourself and let me know what you think.

Overall, Drake’s new album is worth taking a few minutes to listen to. Not every song on the album is a masterpiece. However, you will find a song or two that you will enjoy and listen to time and time. The tracklist includes:

1. Keep The Family Close
2. 9
3. U With Me?
4. Feel No Ways
5. Hype
6. Weston Road Hype
7. Redemption
8. With You – feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR
9. Faithful – feat. Pimp C, dvsn
10. Still Here
11. Controlla
12. One Dance – feat. Wiz Kid, Kyla
13. Grammys – feat. Future
14. Childs Play
15. Pop Style
16. Too Good – feat. Rihanna
17. Summers Over Interlude
18. Fire & Desire
19. Views
20. Hotline Bling

Like I said, I am not a big fan of rap music. However, Drake’s new album brought a unique style that I enjoyed and would not listening to over and over again. I give the album a 4 out of 5.