On April 29, 2016, Drake released his fifth studio album, Views. Containing 20 tracks, including the hit song "Hotline Bling," the album spans 81 minutes and features notable guest appearances from Rihanna and Future. Kanye West also played a role producing a couple tracks on the album.
In Drake's interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe for Beats 1 Radio, he gives us in-depth information about how Views was dedicated to his hometown of Toronto. He explains to Lowe how each song correlates the seasons in Toronto with how he was feeling emotionally. Watch below, via Youtube.
The album begins with the gloomy, yet beautiful track "Keep the Family Close." The introduction starts off with the sounds of harsh winds accompanied by a female saying, "It's a little chilly out there." There's also a jazz-instrumental melody throughout the song, emphasizing grief. Lines like, "All of my 'let's just be friends' are friends I don't have anymore / How do you not check on me when things go wrong / Guess I should've tried to keep my family closer / Much closer," stress the darkness and sadness that winter might bring and how relationships change over time.
I personally enjoyed the album quite a bit. Drake's remarkable voice stands out with a perfect blend of melodious raps and soulful singing. Views is a great album that tells a beautiful story of where he's from. Hot tracks like "Too Good" (featuring Rihanna), "One Dance" (featuring Wiz Kid and Kyla), and "Controlla" have catchy beats with Caribbean accents in the background creating a more exciting and fun part of the album.
The LP has been incredibly successful since it was released at the end of last month. Views is Drake's sixth consecutive #1 album on the Billboard 200 chart, including a couple 2015 releases: the If You're Reading This It's Too Late "mixtape" and his collaboration with Future What A Time To Be Alive. It had the best selling week by a male artist since Justin Timberlake's 20/20 Experience in 2013.
Pick up Views on Amazon. You can also stream the full album above via Spotify.
For Drake's latest music, news, and tour dates, check out his Zumic's Artist Page.
