Drake’s highly-anticipated album, For All The Dogs, has finally landed. With a tracklist that boasts an impressive lineup of featured artists and some promising song titles, expectations were high. However, as a dedicated Drake fan, I couldn’t help but feel that, For All The Dogs, didn’t quite reach the heights of his previous albums like “Views“, “Scorpion“ and “If You’re Reading This, it’s Too Late.”
The album opens with “Virginia Beach,” setting a mellow and reflective tone that seems promising. As the tracklist unfolds, we are treated to collaborations with a variety of artists, including 21 Savage, SZA, J Cole, Yeat and Bad Bunny, among others. While this star-studded lineup should theoretically elevate the album, it often feels disjointed and lacking a cohesive theme or sound.
Among the tracks, First Person Shooter featuring J. Cole and “IDGAF “featuring Yeat were undeniably highlights. The transition between these songs was smooth and engaging, demonstrating Drake’s ability to craft a compelling sonic journey. However, it’s worth noting that “IDGAF” feels more like “Yeat (feat. Drake),” given the dominating presence of Yeat.
Gently is another bright spot on the album, displaying Drake’s versatility as he effortlessly switches up his style to accommodate Bad Bunny’s unique flow. Still, it leaves listeners yearning for more, as the track feels a bit too short to fully explore its potential.
Drake also introduces his 6-year-old son, Adonis, on the track “Daylight.” It’s a heartwarming addition that adds a personal touch to the album, showing a different side to the artist.
In the end, it’s clear that For All The Dogs is a mixed bag. While it boasts some impressive tracks and innovative transitions, it doesn’t reach the heights of Drake’s previous works. Perhaps it’s a matter of personal taste, but this album leaves me feeling like I’m not quite “dialed in” with its direction. I rate it three out of five stars, acknowledging the moments of brilliance but longing for a more consistent and captivating listening experience.
