Entertainment | February 26th, 2025

Drake– “$ome $exy $ongs 4 U” Album Review

By: Tristian Hutton

Drake’s latest album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, marks another entry in his ever-expanding discography. With 21 tracks, the album blends elements of his signature sound while attempting to introduce some new sonic landscapes. However, while the project has its highlights, it also falls short in several areas. 

What Worked 

Drake’s return to his old-school sound is one of the album’s strongest aspects. There are moments that harken back to the emotional depth of Take Care while incorporating the polish of Views. Longtime fans will appreciate the introspective and moody production choices and the occasional nostalgic nods to earlier projects. 

Another notable aspect is that the album doesn’t address Kendrick Lamar. In a climate where rap beef can sometimes overshadow the music itself, Drake’s decision to keep the focus on his artistry instead of engaging in public feuds is commendable. 

From a track list perspective, standouts include “Spider-Man Superman,” “Raining in Houston,” and “Gimme a Hug.” These tracks showcase Drake’s ability to craft emotionally resonant songs while experimenting with different flows and melodies. Additionally, using samples throughout the album adds an extra layer of depth. The Aaron Hall “I Miss You” sample at the end of “Gimme a Hug” and the “Real Her” sample on “Spider-Man Superman” are two of the more memorable moments. 

Another highlight is “Pimmies Dilemma,” which is one of the best interludes in Drake’s catalog. The mystery surrounding the artist only adds to the intrigue. Still, the song is a beautifully crafted piece reminiscent of past interludes like Wednesday Night Interlude, Yebba’s Heartbreak, and Buried Alive Interlude. The song deserves praise for delivering such a strong moment on the album. 

What Didn’t Work 

One of the most significant flaws of this album is the inconsistent use of PartyNextDoor (PND). Given PND’s impact on Drake’s sound over the years, his presence—or lack thereof—feels like a missed opportunity. Some tracks could have benefited from more of his influence, while others may have fared better without him. Compared to Her Loss, where 21 Savage had a solid and balanced presence, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U struggles to find that equilibrium with PND. 

Another weak point is the production quality of certain songs. Some beats feel sloppily produced and could have been refined for a cleaner sound. While there are standout instrumentals, the inconsistencies hold the project back from being sonically cohesive. Songs like “Lasers,” “Something About You,” and “Crying in Chanel” suffer from muddy mixing and lackluster arrangements, making them some of the weaker tracks on the project.  

Then there’s the album cover—an element that, while not necessarily affecting the music, still contributes to the overall perception of the project. Drake has not had a compelling album cover since Views (2016), and unfortunately, this one continues that uninspired trend. 

Overall Thoughts 

While $ome $exy $ongs 4 U is not Drake’s best work, it still ranks higher than some of his more recent projects. The album captures glimpses of his past brilliance but doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. However, tracks like “Nokia” are bound to dominate the charts, and if it doesn’t hit #1, it would be a genuine surprise. 

While songs like “Die Trying” and “Raining in Houston” may not have the same Billboard success as “Nokia,” they are still standout tracks in their own right. They showcase Drake’s ability to craft introspective and emotionally driven records, reinforcing his strengths as an artist beyond mainstream appeal. 

Some critics may argue that Drake isn’t evolving, but I disagree. Songs like “Nokia” and “Glorious” showcase a willingness to experiment with new sounds—songs that Drake might not have attempted earlier in his career. His growth may be subtle, but it’s there. 

Some critics may argue that Drake isn’t evolving, but I disagree. Songs like “Nokia” and “Glorious” showcase a willingness to experiment with new sounds—songs that Drake might not have attempted earlier in his career. His growth may be subtle, but it’s there.
 

Final Rating: 7.5/10 

$ome $exy $ongs 4 U is a solid addition to Drake’s catalog, but it doesn’t break new ground. There are moments of brilliance, but also areas where it falls short. Fans will find plenty to enjoy, but for those looking for a groundbreaking release, this may not be it.