Drake More Life

Despite its commercial success, Drake’s 2015 album Views was creative stagnation, a “been there, done that, recycle it again” exercise that showed little growth. So with More Life, the Toronto artist has opted for a “playlist” that reflects his musical influences and allows for additional creative freedom, unburdened by the pressure of crafting a cohesive record.

Not to say that this More Life is serious business, but it doesn’t feel weighed down by the constraints of acknowledging detractors or proving critics wrong. It’s relatively light emotionally—and heavy on melodic tunes. Island flavor, Afrobeat and European house elements are prevalent on songs like the gorgeous “Get It Together,” which features newcomer Jorja Smith, and on the dancehall-ready “Passionfruit,” “Blem” and “Madiba Riddim.”

Although Kanye West collaboration “Glow” underwhelms, Drake still hits the right notes as an emcee on “Fake Love” and “Do Not Disturb,” where he admits that bitterness over peers’ criticism got the better of him. More Life might be a tad bloated at 22 songs, but it largely succeeds at doing what Drake does best: pushing the sonic and emotional boundaries of rap without ever sounding contrived.