Pump it or Dump it? “Take Care” by Drake

This past Tuesday, November 15^th, Drake released his sophomore effort entitled “Take Care.”  This was a highly anticipated album and I would say that it delivers on most of the tracks.

The album is not typical and is quite refreshing, as every other line doesn’t mention a bad yellow b*tch that looks like a tropical number two pencil, or something to that nature, that another member of the YMCMB raps about on every track.

Lyrically, Drake kills it. Punch lines are witty and clever.  He has a way of telling stories through his lyrics that just seems right.

A few tracks that stood out from the others were: ‘Take Care’ ft. Rihanna…(btw props to Rihanna and her vocal coach), ‘Make Me Proud’ ft. Nicki Minaj, and ‘The Real Her’ ft. Lil Wayne and a very eloquently delivered verse from Andre 3000.  Of course the radio releases knock: ‘Headlines’ and ‘Marvin’s Room’. There are also some clear samples of prior Cash Money hits, most noticeably on the track entitled ‘Practice.’

Overall, on a scale of 1-10 I would say the album is a strong 8. “Take Care” is a solid follow-up to “Thank Me Later,” but doesn’t have as many up-tempo tracks as that first release. Most tracks just seem too muted and reflective.  However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that Drake is an up and coming lyricist who conveys his music with such honesty that you just can’t help but to love him.

Album gets a PUMP IT … Check the links below for purchasing options.

-Shane K.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/take-care-deluxe-version/id479760323?v0=WWW-NAUS-STAPG-MUSIC-PROMO

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Take+Care+%5BPA%5D+-+CD/3692095.p?id=2272666&skuId=3692095&st=Drake&lp=3&cp=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0065GG2ZK/ref=s9_newr_gw_g340_ir03?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=0TNJVTD5GXFGR59ZY5V8&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470939031&pf_rd_i=507846