Whether they’d like to admit it or not every musical performer fears the sophomore jinx. It’s not easy to repeat success in the music business, especially in Hip-Hop where careers and attention spans are Bushwick Bill short. Young Money recording artist Drake is back with the follow up to his debut album Thank Me Later, with the hilariously titled Take Care.
Take Care begins with Over My Dead Body, a song where the music doesn’t match the title and the chorus doesn’t match the verses. “And I met your baby’s mom last night, we took a picture together, I hope she frames it/And I was drinking at the Palms last night, and ended up losing everything that I came with,” Drake rhymed over music fit for a romantic comedy movie trailer.
Shot For Me sounds like a mid-90’s R. Kelly tune with R. Kelly-esque lyrics. “I’m the man, yeah I said it/ Bitch, I’m the man, don’t you forget it,” Drake sings on Shot For Me.
The album’s title track is a house music influenced song featuring Rihanna. Drake and Rihanna come off as the modern day Peaches and Herb over this up-beat dance duet.
Take Care’s best track is Lord Knows featuring Rick Ross. Produced by Just Blaze, Lord Knows finds Drake actually spitting hard for the first time in a long time. “I’m a descendant of either Marley or Hendrix/I haven’t figured it out ‘cause my story is far from finished/I’m hearing all of the jokes, I know that they’re trying to push me/I know that showing emotion don’t ever mean I’m a p*ssy.” Drake rhymes.
The Real Her is a depressingly sad tune featuring Lil’ Wayne that’s barely saved by a surprise verse from Outkast’s Andre 3000.
Look What You’ve Done might by the one love song on Take Care that isn’t about a random love interest. Drake recounts the up and down relationship with his mother on Look What You’ve Done, and his ailing mom even makes a touching guest appearance in the songs final moments.
Take Care features guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Wayne, Andre 3000, Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Rihanna, Chantal Kreviazuk, and a harmonica performance from the great Stevie Wonder.
The production on Take Care is handled by Drake’s go-to producer 40 with help from the likes of Lex Luger, Boi-1da, T-Minus, Just Blaze, and others.
Take Care is full of inconsistent lyrics and sappy R&B singing—but that’s Drake. Knowing that going in, my expectations weren’t that high for Take Care but I was still disappointed. The lyrical and musical balance is off on Take Care. Drake sings a little too much, and the album needs more songs like Lord Knows and fewer songs like Marvin’s Room. The beats on Take Care tend to sound the same and Drake uses the same harmonies when he attempts to sing.
Drake has his niche and he’s good at what he does, but sometimes you can go to the well one too many times. Take Care is an OK listen that’s sure to please hardcore Drake fans while skeptics like me will be left wanting more.
Purchase: Drake - Take Care
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