Wassup culties…theorists…you’d think we’d have this down by now. Wassup people, it’s C. Jay Williams for Culturalist Theory and today we’re ordering Drake’s seven studio albums from worst to first. You heard us right, no mixtapes, collab albums or commercial mixtapes on this one. Let us know down in the comments if thats a video we should roll out though. Does Toronto’s biggest superstar really need an intro? Let’s just jump into it.
Scorpion (2018)
Survival.Nonstop.Elevate.Emotionless.God’sPlan.I’mUpset.8Outof10.MobTies.Can’tTakeaJoke.Sandra’sRose.TalkUp(feat.JayZ).IsThereMore.Peak.SummerGames.Jaded.NiceForWhat.Finesse.RatchetHappyBirthday.That’sHowYouFeel.BlueTint.InMyFeelings.Don’tMattertoMebyDrake&MichaelJackson.AfterDark(feat.StaticMajor&TyDolla$ign).FinalFantasy.March14.
Drake’s 2018 double disc, “Scorpion,” grapples with the challenges of lengthy projects, a trend revived in the mid-2010s due to streaming’s impact on album sales. Despite its intended fusion of Hip-Hop and R&B, the 25-song tracklist, with tracks like “Don’t Matter To Me” and “I’m Upset,” dilutes the album’s impact, though it still boasts commercial successes with hits like “God’s Plan.”
Honestly, Nevermind (2022)
Intro.FallingBack.TextsGoGreen.Currents.AKeeper.CallingMyName.Sticky.Massive.Flight’sBooked.Overdrive.DownHill.TieThatBinds.Liability.JimmyCooks(feat.21Savage).
Released without warning, Drake’s seventh studio album, “Honestly Nevermind,” explores a dance-heavy sound, influenced by House & Baltimore Club music. While it received mixed reviews, the album has redeeming qualities, with tracks like “Jimmy Cooks” hitting the Hot 100. However, the album’s lack of versatility and haphazard approach to genre integration contributed to its underwhelming performance.
Certified Lover Boy (2021)
ChampagnePoetry.Papi’sHome.GirlsWantGirls(feat.LilBaby).IntheBible(feat.LilDurkandGiveon.LoveAll(feat.JayZ).FairTrade(feat.TravisScott).Way2Sexy(feat.FutureandYoungThug).TSU.N2Deep(feat.Future).PipeDown.Yebba’sHeartbreak(withYebba).NoFriendsintheIndustry.KnifeTalk(feat.21SavageandProjectPat).7AMonBridlePath.RaceMyMind.Fountains(feat.Tems).GetAlongBetter(feat.TyDollaSign).YouOnlyLiveTwice(feat.LilWayneandRickRoss).IMY2(feat.KidCudi).FuckingFans.TheRemorse.
Drake’s 2021 album, “Certified Lover Boy,” with 21 tracks, draws comparisons to his earlier works but falls short due to unforced errors. Despite strong features, the album suffers from inconsistency, with tracks like “Papi’s Home” missing opportunities and throwaway songs questioning Drake’s focus on quality control. The divisive album cover also impacted its reception.
Thank Me Later
(2010)
Fireworks(feat.AliciaKeys).Karaoke.TheResistance.Over.ShowMeaGoodTime.UpAllNight(feat.NickiMinaj).Fancy(feat.T.I.andSwizzBeatz).ShutItDown(feat.TheDream).Unforgettable(feat.YoungJeezy).LightUp(feat.JayZ).MissMe(feat.LilWayne).Cece’sInterlude.FindYourLove.ThankMeNow.
Drake’s debut studio album, “Thank Me Later,” showcases hunger and humility, straddling between backpack rap and mainstream success. With features from Lil Wayne, T.I., and others, the album’s blend of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop propelled Drake to stardom, with standout tracks like “Fancy” and “Unforgettable.” Its impact and consistency earn it the #4 spot.
Throughout his career, Drake has drawn many comparisons to the King of Pop for his insurmountable pop and commercial appeal. While he doesn’t have a multi-diamond album under his belt, since dropping “So Far Gone” 12 of the 13 projects he’s headlined have hit the top of the Billboard charts. The 1 that DID fail to top the charts was a collection of leaks and scraps that would make it to #2. So in his nearly 15 year career, Drake’s secured over a dozen #1 commercial projects. Who could y’all see accomplishing a similar feat? Our money’s on Future Hendrix, but with his current count at 8, he’s still got a ways to go. Just goes to show how difficult it can be comprehending the numbers these artists amass. Where were we? That’s right, the top 3.
Views (2016)
KeeptheFamilyClose.9.UwithMe?.FeelNoWays.Hype.WestonRoadFlows.Redemption.WithYou(feat.PartyNextDoor).Faithful(feat.PimpCandDvsn).StillHere.Controlla.OneDance(feat.WizkidandKyla).Grammys(feat.Future).ChildsPlay.PopStyle.TooGood(feat.Rihanna).SummersOverInterlude.Fire&Desire.Views.HotlineBling(bonustrack).
“Views,” released in 2016, is Drake’s most underrated album, offering a conceptual portrayal of Toronto’s seasons and blending various genres. The album achieved numerous firsts for Drake, including his first Hot 100 chart-topper. Despite initial disappointment, the project aged well, influencing Dancehall and Afrobeats in mainstream American music.
Take Care (2011)
OverMyDeadBody.ShotforMe.Headlines.CrewLove(feat.theWeeknd).TakeCare(feat.Rihanna).MarvinsRoom.BuriedAliveInterlude(performedbyKendrickLamar).UnderGroundKings.We’llBeFine(feat.Birdman).MakeMeProud(feat.NickiMinaj).LordKnows(feat.RickRoss).Cameras/GoodThingsGoInterlude.DoingItWrong.TheRealHer(feat.LilWayneandAndre3000).LookWhatYou’veDone.HYFR(feat.LilWayne).Practice.TheRide.TheMotto(feat.LilWayne).HateSleepingAlone.
Considered a classic, “Take Care” sits at #2 due to loose ends and flaws in its cohesiveness. Despite its impact and success, tracks like “Headlines” and “HYFR” fell flat over the years. However, the album contains some of Drake’s best material, with standout features, production, and memorable tracks like “Over My Dead Body” and “Look What You’ve Done.”
Nothing Was The Same (2013)
TuscanLeather.FurthestThing.StartedfromtheBottom.WuTangForever.OwnIt.WorstBehavior.FromTime(feat.JheneAiko).HoldOnWe’reGoingHome(feat.MajidJordan).Connect.TheLanguage.305toMyCity(feat.Detail).TooMuch(feat.Sampha).PoundCake/ParisMortonMusic2(feat.JayZ).ComeThru.AllMe(feat.2ChainzandBigSean).
Taking the top spot is “Nothing Was The Same,” Drake’s third studio album. Released in 2013, the album showcases Drake at the peak of his lyrical prowess. With standout tracks like “Tuscan Leather” and a condensed 13-song tracklist, the album balances self-assurance, introspection, and creativity. Its structural and conceptual maturity, along with enduring appeal, make it Drake’s best work to date.
Theorists that’s it for this one. Are you feeling the longer video platform? Let us know down in the comments, make sure to subscribe if you haven’t already. Turn on them notifications, because we ready to crank up this output for more than just Tuesdays. And hit that super thanks if you got good taste in music. One more thing, if you made it to the end of this video, let us know who you would want to see Drake drop a collab album with next. Personally, we’re still hoping for something between Him & Wayne. C. Jay checking in for the Culture, we out✌🏽.
