Trending Tunes
With summer right around the corner, artists are releasing more hot tracks than there are hot days to enjoy them. Of the artists to look out for on the charts this summer, Drake debuted his fourth studio album “Views” on April 29. The album includes previously released singles such as “Hot Line Bling” and “One Dance” (featuring Wizkid & Kyla). An impressive compilation, the album includes twenty songs and nearly an hour and a half run time. The fluidity and storyline of the album comes together well, particularly with effects in “Keep the Family Close,” “U With Me?” and “Hype,”which all begin with sound of wind. A collective homage to his Canadian home, “Views” demonstrates Drake’s change of perspective from youth to stardom. There are few new themes in the album’s lyrics, but the effortless bars and hooks compile for a stunning work of music. Here are a few of the album’s most addictive songs, that are perfect for relaxing and regaining focus.
“Childs Play”
Clearly a song obsessing over the behavior of an ex-girlfriend, this song opens with a tambourine, distant cheers, light chords and a brief sort of prelude before opening with instantaneously memorable lines, “Why you gotta fight with me at Cheesecake, you know I love to go there. Say I’m acting light skin, you know I love to go there,” this even continues with the laughably accurate “this a place for families that drive Camrys and go to Disney.” The song goes on with a light beat and identifiable lyrics for anyone—even if it isn’t your ex-girlfriend who is causing problems.
“Controlla”
Leaked before the album came out, Drake fans were immediately hooked on this song’s uniquely Drake combination of song and rap. A light three-chord melody carries the beat of the song, with a slightly reggae feel to the annunciation of the chorus. The clean, calm flow of the song fits well with the charm of the song’s content, which depicts his past relationships while also trying to win the love of a new romantic encounter. One of the few purely lyrically sung songs of the album, Drakes smooth voice produces a wonderfully musical track.
“Grammys” (feat. Future)
Returning to a more traditional style of Hip-Hop/Rap, this song epitomizes Drakes transformation from the streets of Toronto to being a Grammy winning artist and his perspective of others going through that experience. He acknowledges the hostility he has received from those who criticize his success by saying, “And I said that we would make it. Ain’t squad with some traitors.” Future finishes out the song firing back at other haters, “I don’t want to talk to you has beens … You can’t even get on my guest list.” Altogether, an impressive song that will be a highlight of his Summer Sixteen Tour (which begins July 20, opening in Austin, Texas) where he will be accompanied by Future.