Drake is living proof that not every rapper has to resort to insipid, vapid rhymes about dollar bills and girls in order to still talk about dollar bills and girls. Returning strong with his second studio album Take Care, Drake continues to rely on his articulate, straightforward lyrics and his smooth, R&B-infused melodies to impress his ever-growing fan base. As he alternates between breathy vocals and self-assured rap verses, Drake makes sure to stay well within his previously defined lines as an artist, albeit a very versatile one. 

 Standout tracks include his collaboration with Rihanna on “Take Care,” in which their chemistry is nothing if not electric, and the single “Headlines,” a fast-paced track that is reminiscent of his past hit “Over.” Drake notably features his protégé The Weeknd on “Crew Love” in an offbeat tribute to his friends. There are perhaps too many other artists on the album, including Nicki Minaj, Stevie Wonder, Rick Ross, André 3000, and Lil Wayne. Of those, Stevie Wonder offers the most novel input on “Doing it Wrong,” by unexpectedly using only his harmonica. 

The overall mood of the album is noticeably subdued this time around, and is more likely to be background music than on full volume at parties, but Drake doesn’t sacrifice verses or beats in the name of brooding reflection. All this to say, the Canadian rap phenomenon isn’t particularly innovative on this album, but he’s definitely delivering the goods in a well-meaning package of blunt truths about the highs and lows of fame.  

—Liya Adessky