Where would a Drake album be without a heavy dose of braggadocio, impressive collaborations and fresh beats? For his second studio album, Take Care, Drake employs his aforementioned stylistic elements; however he offers some fresh twists through the melodic structures of his songs. Applying disjointed synths and varied timbres throughout the bass heavy album, he spices up the tracks. Take Care offers a colourful blend of songs ranging from slower R&B influenced tracks, laced with ethereal vocal harmonies, to fiery and sharp club anthems such as Headlines.
The collaboration effort on Take Care is indeed impressive with artists such as Nicki Minaj, André 3000, Lil Wayne, Rihanna and The Weeknd lending their talents to the album. The highlight track is Lord Knows, a song that boasts glorious soulful beats produced by Just Blaze, offering a Roc-A-Fella aesthetic. Crew Love follows in hot pursuit with its minimal melody priming the echoey vocal tones of The Weeknd, along with Practice a unique cover of older Cash Money artist Juvenile’s Back That Azz Up.
BY TAMARA VOGL
Best Track: Lord Knows
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: KID CUDI, KANYE WEST, LIL WAYNE
In A Word: Infectious
