It’s not easy to make a 14-track album work together this seamlessly, and Drake and his producers’ strategy for achieving this is obvious and understandable. Of course, as with Tha Carter III, what’s so impressive about Thank Me Later is exactly where the album runs into its major flaw the album is so focused and tight conceptually that it might be a bit too confining as a listening experience. Drake takes what he does seriously he’s no interloper. So don’t listen to the haters, bloggers and hip hop “purists” that have been crying foul since the former Degrassi cast member strolled into the spotlight last year. As far as album making goes, Drake deserves a pat on the back for at least making an actual album that works as one complete statement, rather than a glorified mixtape of cheap singles. Everything fits perfectly, with not a second of the album’s hour-long running time wasted. Drake has clearly labored over the final product relentlessly there is not a moment on Thank Me Later that feels unnecessary or forced. Fashioned as a concept album that picks up where last year’s game changing So Far Gone mixtape and EP left off, Thank Me Later tells the story of Drake’s whirlwind rise to superstardom, and the confusion, fear, betrayal, guilt and ruined relationships he has experienced in its wake. For a debut album, it’s truly impressive how focused and cohesive this album is, sustaining a moody, atmospheric, at times Sade-inspired sound and content of an undoubtedly personal nature across its 14 meticulously-crafted tracks, varying in particular volumes and themes, but working together seamlessly throughout. Interestingly enough, Drake gives us the exact opposite experience with Thank Me Later. Wayne came off as a hyperactive, blunt-smoking genius, capable of anything…except being focused conceptually. Tha Carter III lacked a unified sound or vision, which made for an enthralling, if at times jarring experience. Tha Carter III’s charm was also its chief drawback to some namely, that it’s all over the place, with its 16 tracks running the gamut musically and conceptually. And in all honesty, they are both fantastic albums…but they couldn’t be any more different from one another. Drake’s official debut album Thank Me Later is arguably the most feverishly anticipated Hip Hop release since his mentor/boss Lil Wayne unleashed the instantly classic Tha Carter III back in 2008.
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