âBut unlike his earlier solo efforts, Sign “O” the Times wasnât a record by an ambitious kid trying to make impression. At 28, Prince had already made himself into a pop superstar  (and movie star too), and he easily sold out arenas. In one sense, he had nothing to prove. Yet Sign “O” the Times is the most varied, accomplished record of his prime 1980s period, a testament to the range of his gifts and the bold artistic ambition that gave his music shape.â ~ Pitchfork
The reason why itâs not STARBOY is because Drake isnât sounding like Michael Jackson in the future, heâs sounding like Drake in the future. The reason why itâs not The Life of Pablo is because Views is easier to listen to. The reason why it’s not LEMONADE is because Views is easier to listen to. Drake is, if you want to listen to it that way, furious throughout for sure. Just like Pablo and Bey, Drake is terrified and at the end of his rope and fighting for his fucking life and the lives of his family and friends.
But he never screams his heart out or has a multi-part breakdown. He and his collaborators stay ice cold~ even the warmest, most bounciest beats have a grim determination undergirding them. Thereâs an unshakeable momentum to the music, a timely airtight-ness. VIEWS is the album that got humanity through this year, it’s the sound of the biggest star in the world on the eve of revolution.
The reason why itâs not Coloring Book is Drake doesnât sound like Kanye anymore. I mean, everybody sounds like Kanye but Chance the Rapper REALLY sounds like Kanye; he sanded the edges off Graduation and brought it to the present. However, candy-coated Christianity can only take one so far in the real world and Lord knows itâs taken us far enough, thank you but please no thank you! Drake keeps it real. Chanceâs âBlessingsâ arenât actually coming for you: you’re not as handsome as he is and your dad isnât friends with Obama. You’re not going to blow up without a record deal! But you might be able to get your ex back if you can grit your teeth for long enough through all of lifeâs beat changes and let da riddim guide you through the God-less, gunshotted summer. Better yet, you might even find someone new. Imagine that.
The reason why itâs not Solange is because that album is too slow. The reason why itâs not Blonde is because that album is too sad! The reason why itâs not your album is because your album isnât this sexy or well-produced and it doesnât have âHotline Blingâ as a bonus track.
More Life is on the way.