"More Life" was expected to provide more Drake to the world several months ago. It took a bit longer than expected, but its intended to goal of rejuvenating the rapper's fanbase in a fire of questionable mortality succeeded in more ways than one.
About the album
"More Life" is considered a musical project and playlist, and not really an album. Either way, it's a direct follow-up to the Grammy-nominated "Views." Drake released the project on March 18. 2017.
The project is meant to be a bridge to the future direction of Drake. It has some elements of his old school sound, with a mix of plenty of reggae infusion.
It also features plenty of names, both big and small in the music business. All aim to accomplish the same goal: a celebration of the rise and fall of life.
Doing the most on "More Life"
Drake attempts to get the most out of "More Life," showcasing that mentality with the sheer length of the playlist. The record is over an hour and twenty minutes long, standing tall in comparison to most albums released today in any genre. It wouldn't have worked if the rapper didn't have a lot to say, though.
Luckily, he had worlds to put in his verses. He went down traditional roads, talking about the trappings of fame in the single "Fake Love" and throughout the record. Drake sometimes harnesses his inner demons and pits them against one another, a fencing duel to the death.
He was able to go to the lighter side of things too, though. The tone of "More Life" never went too dark, perhaps recognizing that there's more to be gained from a positive standpoint. Getting back to "Fake Love," the lyrics were pessimistic, but the instrumentals were almost giddy, bouncing a less than strained smile across an empty hallway.
The features were brimming with floating energy as well. From the airy voiced Sampha on "4422" to Kanye West doing his preach on "Glow," there was constantly reason to smile when listening to "More Life."
Perhaps that's the biggest takeaway from the record. Drake's music has become incrementally darker in tone over the past few years as he has attempted to conform to the standards of the rap game.
His R&B crooning about having a hard time with love, or family struggles were seen as unacceptable for whatever reason.
He seems to be slowly moving back in that direction, now that is career is at an unassailable apex. Drake also seems to be moving towards a new sound: that of the Caribbean.
Dancehall and Afrobeat tunes invaded "More Life" in a serious way. One could've predicted this with "One Dance" and "Controlla" being two of the main singles of "Views," but this felt less experimental and more committal. "Passionfruit," which will be released as a single this week, has this marvelous feel to it once it truly gets rolling. "No Long Talk" with Giggs also delves into the realm.
The only thing Drake needs to recapture from his repertoire is the lighthearted humor that came along with his calm demeanor.
Sometimes he falls into the trap of taking himself too seriously. Still, the sheer depth of "More Life" works on all levels.
Final thoughts
"More Life" is a return to the exuberant, but not disconsolate Drake. He seems to be embracing his past self while looking towards a future. A future with a happier and more self-assured Drizzy is just what the genre needs to move into its next phase.
Best Song: "Passionfruit" - So much fun to be had, which allows sinister elements to sneak in and create depth.
Worst Song: "Lose You" - Lost me a little bit.
Rating: A-
