VIEWS
by Drake
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 977 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 442 out of 977
  2. Mixed: 287 out of 977
  3. Negative: 248 out of 977

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  1. magadream
    May 3, 2016
    4
    An overall underwhelming album, Views is often boring, which tracks such as with 'Too Good' and 'Weston Road Flows' providing the most quality on an otherwise rather dull offering from an artist whose career seems to be past its best.
  2. whashoname
    May 3, 2016
    4
    This is what we get after a 2 year wait? Drake didn't try anything new with this record, he gave us insecurity, whining, trust issues, and really bad struggle bars. I was a big fan of If You're Reading this It's too Late, he showed a big-boy confidence level and showed himself like he wasn't gonna be shook, the beats were dope, and it was overall cohesive. This album won't stand the testThis is what we get after a 2 year wait? Drake didn't try anything new with this record, he gave us insecurity, whining, trust issues, and really bad struggle bars. I was a big fan of If You're Reading this It's too Late, he showed a big-boy confidence level and showed himself like he wasn't gonna be shook, the beats were dope, and it was overall cohesive. This album won't stand the test of time, and even Drake knows that because he's going to be releasing more music this summer. Not a good project, especially for something as hyped up as this.… Expand
  3. draediamond
    Apr 9, 2018
    5
    Perfect way to describe this album? Not bad but definitely not good........
  4. TeakBridge6671
    Jun 17, 2022
    6
    This album, even compared to Drake's previous and later work, left me somewhat underwhelmed, don't get me wrong it's not bad, however I would rank it down the bottom half of Drake's discography.
    Keep the family close, Hype, Pop Style, One Dance, Controlla, Fire & Desire, and Hotline Bling (Despite being overplayed, SEVERELY) are the tracks that I un-ironically enjoy
    But overall I still    This album, even compared to Drake's previous and later work, left me somewhat underwhelmed, don't get me wrong it's not bad, however I would rank it down the bottom half of Drake's discography.
    Keep the family close, Hype, Pop Style, One Dance, Controlla, Fire & Desire, and Hotline Bling (Despite being overplayed, SEVERELY) are the tracks that I un-ironically enjoy
    But overall I still think this album has a bunch of skips, despite sounding good to listen to.
    The lyrics on this album are somewhat questionable, to where you can take one line from any song, and it doesn't make any sense from a simple writing perspective, and there are some lines that haven't aged well in hindsight, considering that Drake is a father
    I can see people liking or hating the album simply because 'It's Drake.' but if you want something with more substance, I would recommend going back to Nothing Was The Same or If You're Reading This It's Too Late, or the tracks I pointed out up above    … Expand
  5. MusicalTherapy
    Apr 29, 2016
    5
    Decent album overall, but it always was going to be with the quality of producers and creatives Drake surrounds himself with. Did not attempt to push the boundaries in any way or experiment with any new sounds, his discography is beginning to look like a collection of sequels to one another as opposed to stand alone projects. He will always have recognition in the industry due toDecent album overall, but it always was going to be with the quality of producers and creatives Drake surrounds himself with. Did not attempt to push the boundaries in any way or experiment with any new sounds, his discography is beginning to look like a collection of sequels to one another as opposed to stand alone projects. He will always have recognition in the industry due to commercial success, but his legacy will undoubtedly be tainted if he is unable to adapt to and create new trends.… Expand
  6. martiusp1
    May 1, 2016
    4
    Another album of typical Drake fare. This album should be enough to reveal that Drake is a one-trick pony, incapable of any real emotional introspection, but as long as he maintains the hype we can expect 4 more albums of the same in the future. The album's only saving grace is the production, a recurring theme in modern mainstream Hip-Hop (have you heard The Life of Pablo?). For all hisAnother album of typical Drake fare. This album should be enough to reveal that Drake is a one-trick pony, incapable of any real emotional introspection, but as long as he maintains the hype we can expect 4 more albums of the same in the future. The album's only saving grace is the production, a recurring theme in modern mainstream Hip-Hop (have you heard The Life of Pablo?). For all his talk of growth and vocal prowess, there is little of both here. Not a bad album, but certainly not one with any real replay value.… Expand
  7. nzyeezy
    Apr 29, 2016
    5
    A very mediocre effort, something everyone should be used to from drake. album is bloated and lacks cohesion. a lot of cringe worthy bars and weak flows. being unchallenged as the biggest name in rap really hasn't helped him
  8. massicio
    Apr 29, 2016
    5
    After 3 full listens: Favorite song is U With Me. Theres some parts in some songs that stick out to me but theres not really any songs as a whole that stick out. The singing sounds a bit forced and is kinda boring and the lyrics are really lacking. He says a lot of the same stuff but without the flare.
  9. collegedropout
    Apr 29, 2016
    5
    The track list for this album initially put me off, because for me personally, 20 songs is a lot for an album. When it did come to the time to listen to it, by the 6th track i felt like it was dragging. I read some of his quotes and understood the theme he was going for but still thought too many tracks were included. I listened to the album a couple times over and maybe enjoyed 5 songs inThe track list for this album initially put me off, because for me personally, 20 songs is a lot for an album. When it did come to the time to listen to it, by the 6th track i felt like it was dragging. I read some of his quotes and understood the theme he was going for but still thought too many tracks were included. I listened to the album a couple times over and maybe enjoyed 5 songs in total (maybe 6 if he would've left Popcaan on Controlla). The production was great at some points but the album felt incohesive as a whole and honestly didn't live up to the hype. For someone who is undoubtedly one of the biggest rappers out right now the album felt safe and doesn't show much growth. u with me, feel no ways, with you, summers over interlude and fire & desire are some of highest points of his album along with the production.… Expand
  10. glodeci
    May 2, 2016
    4
    Very underwhelming. A very lengthy album with not much standing out. Too long and repetitive to want a second listen. While there are a few catchy songs, there are a lot of cringe-worthy lines and verses in here. Features seem to be very dry and lackluster (some to the point of actually irritating to listen to) Bad features with famous artists doesn't make for a good album like manyVery underwhelming. A very lengthy album with not much standing out. Too long and repetitive to want a second listen. While there are a few catchy songs, there are a lot of cringe-worthy lines and verses in here. Features seem to be very dry and lackluster (some to the point of actually irritating to listen to) Bad features with famous artists doesn't make for a good album like many expected. Take the low points of NWTS and add in poorly intimidated 80's-90's dancehall and reggae music. 3 or 4/10… Expand
  11. Smou
    May 6, 2016
    4
    Very disappointing album, and like many critics said, it feels bloated at 1h20min long... the quality of the lyrics just isn't there and some of the songs are painfully boring, especially the one feat Party, what a crap song... Geez... only 2-3 tracks I appreciate out of 20! I love every other Drake project since the beginning, this one is PAINFUL to listen to.
  12. NateFisher22
    May 7, 2016
    5
    Most instrumentally impressive, most lyrically unimpressive. It took me three listens to get through the entire album. Seems more like a stream-of-consciousness rather than a planned effort.
  13. rnbzain
    May 13, 2016
    5
    it's actually so mediocre, it's not that good :( I really expected more from Drake but to be honest zayn's and beyonce's albums are the best of 2016 so far
  14. Godstereo
    Apr 29, 2016
    6
    I think Drake as an Artist is Dope and is very smart with his moves. Every time Drake has released a project whether an Album or surprise Mix-tape he has elevated the game. And each time there was a consistent progression in style and sound.
    On first listen, Views it did not give me an overwhelming feeling one way or the other. But to be honest neither did some other really good albums    I think Drake as an Artist is Dope and is very smart with his moves. Every time Drake has released a project whether an Album or surprise Mix-tape he has elevated the game. And each time there was a consistent progression in style and sound.
    On first listen, Views it did not give me an overwhelming feeling one way or the other. But to be honest neither did some other really good albums that have stood the test of time, so It will probably grow on me. But its disappointing to see an Artist at the apex of his career just re-package the same thing he just gave us. Overall, Views is a commercially 'safe' album.
    My brother and I had a similar conversation when Rihanna released 'Work' which I was luke warm on when it came out but then found myself singing it like a rash I couldn't get rid of. Now its one of my favorite songs from her. But I don't know if that's the kind of full Album I want from an Artist who is the Biggest Rap Star on the Planet. 'Worst Behavior' was one of the edgiest records I'd heard in years and 'hotline Bling' was f*cking Brilliant. Drake is Smart, as a fan of his music I just hope he continues to be edgy.
    In the 80's, Superstar Eddie Murphy at the top of his Game was asked why he doesn't do stand up anymore and his answer was: "it's hard to be funny when your writing jokes on a $80,000 Oak Desk". Maybe the same goes for making a rap album when your View is from the back of a Rolls Royce Wraith.    … Expand
  15. RealReviewsR_US
    Apr 30, 2016
    5
    I came into this Album thinking, How could Drake possibly outdo Nothing Was the Same....Well....unfortunately, He did not succeed in doing so. With so many late night ride tracks on Nothing Was the Same, I feel as though Drake was playing it safe yet giving us diversity. 40 showed up well on the tracks but I think after If You Reading its Too Late often reaps its head here. Just to keep itI came into this Album thinking, How could Drake possibly outdo Nothing Was the Same....Well....unfortunately, He did not succeed in doing so. With so many late night ride tracks on Nothing Was the Same, I feel as though Drake was playing it safe yet giving us diversity. 40 showed up well on the tracks but I think after If You Reading its Too Late often reaps its head here. Just to keep it quick, I see 20 tracks and I did not get that goose bump sense or that repeat vibe from tracks. Mixing afropop, 80s, 90s, up tempo sounds, Drake's new album seem like it would have fit between Take Care and Nothing was the Same as apposed to a true Successor. While some tracks give creative us "Okay Drake you got me" moments, its just few and far. Tracks to listen in on: 9, U With Me, Weston Road Flows, Views, and the song I can repeat right now most would say its something straight out of 808's and Heartbreak is Feel No Ways. Is it worth the Buy? Maybe, considering the amount of content offered. However, quality is always better than quantity.… Expand
  16. paulboy
    Apr 29, 2016
    5
    Not his best. In fact, If You're Reading This It's Too Late and Take Care are more interesting listens than this. The die hard drake fans will enjoy, but it won't be a big album for the casual fan.
  17. drumattic
    Apr 29, 2016
    6
    With a couple pf listens through the album, it's safe to say it did not live up to the hype but there was no way of living up to the hype it was getting. Drake played it very safe with this album, adding no creativity. It's still a decent album, it's not bad enough to wake up the hypnotized fans of Drake who worship him as a god. The hype for this album was so overboard, I feel theWith a couple pf listens through the album, it's safe to say it did not live up to the hype but there was no way of living up to the hype it was getting. Drake played it very safe with this album, adding no creativity. It's still a decent album, it's not bad enough to wake up the hypnotized fans of Drake who worship him as a god. The hype for this album was so overboard, I feel the surprise release mix tape from a year ago "If You're Reading This It's Too Late" was better.… Expand
  18. Youngmetro
    Apr 29, 2016
    4
    I was very disappointed i expected so much more, Drake barley raps on this. The sound is all over the place one second its rap ,than r n b, then reggie it just comes of as unfinished. Additionally this has the most mediocre tracks out of any drake project
  19. Twisty
    Apr 30, 2016
    6
    Decent album, but kinda deceiving. I respect artists that try to be creative by making new stuff on every new project. Sadly, Views is basically Take Care mixed with If You're Reading This It's Too Late. To me Nothing Was The Same is his best album (and even it would be better with more singing) because it had good beats and all of them sounded different. I'm getting tired of the trapDecent album, but kinda deceiving. I respect artists that try to be creative by making new stuff on every new project. Sadly, Views is basically Take Care mixed with If You're Reading This It's Too Late. To me Nothing Was The Same is his best album (and even it would be better with more singing) because it had good beats and all of them sounded different. I'm getting tired of the trap beats Drake raps on. His mixtape was full of them but it was not an actual studio album, it was really successful and also that was new to him, so I understand that. But the rap songs here have average lyrics and beats are not that good as some of his diehard fans claim. There are certainly some catchy tracks on Views and some good moments, but he seems to be at a point on his career where he doesn't know which direction he should take. He made this album to please his fans, now for the next time he should make an album to please the art.… Expand
  20. KendrickFan94
    Apr 30, 2016
    5
    Noah '40' Shebib is a fantastic producer, but he was faced with an impossible task here in making this project interesting from start to finish. The subject matter was classic Drake, with boasts of being on top and laments of relationships gone wrong and friendships turned sour. It was all surface level, with no great detail of any of these stories offered to keep the listener interested.Noah '40' Shebib is a fantastic producer, but he was faced with an impossible task here in making this project interesting from start to finish. The subject matter was classic Drake, with boasts of being on top and laments of relationships gone wrong and friendships turned sour. It was all surface level, with no great detail of any of these stories offered to keep the listener interested. Similar ground was covered to a superior standard on Take Care & NWTS. It continues to baffle me how Drake is so popular. His songs are beginning to blur together at this point- identical tempos and subject matter & uncreative, meandering flows sang with the same puppy dog inflection. It's all getting very boring now. Drake is due a major reinvention as an artist (subject matter, production, flows, ANYTHING) if he wants to go down with the greats and I'm very disappointed it didn't come close to fruition on this album. It was all one long interlude with not much happening, lots of filler, forgettable features and an impressive production style that all the same grew very tiresome due to a lack of variation over what was a way overlong album. I have no doubt the masses will eat this up but that is more of a sad indictment of the fickle nature of music 'fans' rather than an appraisal of Drake's talent behind a mic, which is exposed as no more than average album-by-album.… Expand
  21. Orudomonki
    May 3, 2016
    5
    Come on mehn Drake? Seriously? Right now, you're at the top of mainstream rap, and you give us this recycled Nothing Was the Same dump? Really? This album should have been your white album, yet you again played it safe... wasted potential.
  22. deipkumar
    May 18, 2016
    4
    Views feels like no effort was put in. More than half of the tracks were very uninteresting and basically re-scores of each other. Some of the songs are cool with great bars, rhythms, and transitions but the project itself doesn't make any sense. 40 and the producers made some great music though. I'm gonna forget this album immediately.
  23. skc
    Jul 9, 2016
    5
    Mediocre at best. Majority of songs were very sloppy and seemed to be made with little effort. It was a forgettable album as nothing stood out lyrically or musically, and just disappointing considering all the hype around this album before it's release.
  24. stoinkfield
    May 3, 2016
    4
    Very disappointing effort by Drake on this new album. Awful dance track production, lackluster and shallow lyrics highlight this follow-up to Nothing Was The Same. Why not a follow-up to IYRTITL? Well, it seems as if Drake forgot that IYRTITL was hailed as a positive change in direction for the artist, or forgot about creating that mixtape at all.
  25. thethoughthere
    May 8, 2016
    4
    I have never been a big fan of Drake. I've never truly enjoyed a project of his (prior to "If You're Reading This It's Too Late" which I thought was a solid 7/10) for a myriad of reasons, but most importantly the use of bland instrumentation, the mediocre singing, the total lack of lyricism, the simp anthems, the overall "captain save a ho" vibe, etc. He's just not my cup of tea.I have never been a big fan of Drake. I've never truly enjoyed a project of his (prior to "If You're Reading This It's Too Late" which I thought was a solid 7/10) for a myriad of reasons, but most importantly the use of bland instrumentation, the mediocre singing, the total lack of lyricism, the simp anthems, the overall "captain save a ho" vibe, etc. He's just not my cup of tea.

    Besides "If You're Reading This.." VIEWS is my favorite Drake project so far, and I think a 4/10 is pretty accurate to what this project earns. The first track has the only legitimately ambitious instrumental on the project, half of the songs are bland, tasteless and uninteresting, there are only two actual bangers on the project, and to be honest, the best song might still be "Hotline Bling" which has been included as a Bonus track rather than embedded within the album. I was hoping Drake would continue to realize that the whole schmuck gimmick had died off, but he fails to maintain the respect he instilled in me (and many others) with his last project.

    Hopefully we get something more impressive from him next time, but honestly I doubt it.    … Expand
  26. OleBone
    May 1, 2016
    5
    Dull, Tedious, Boring, Monotonous, Repetitious, Uneventful

    This album us a tiresome journey that you can't wait to be over even before it really starts.
  27. davidofgraft
    May 1, 2016
    5
    Simply put, this doesn't feel like it's by the same Drake and 40 who brought us Take Care and Nothing Was The Same, two albums that are classics.

    I mean, has anybody else heard the songs "Days In The East", "Views From The 6" (that one leaked song), or "Can I"?! Those songs sounded darker and edgier than everything else Drake has done, and I expected to hear a darker, edgier follow-up    Simply put, this doesn't feel like it's by the same Drake and 40 who brought us Take Care and Nothing Was The Same, two albums that are classics.

    I mean, has anybody else heard the songs "Days In The East", "Views From The 6" (that one leaked song), or "Can I"?! Those songs sounded darker and edgier than everything else Drake has done, and I expected to hear a darker, edgier follow-up to Nothing Was The Same. Instead, there's a bunch of cliche Drake songs and re-hashings of his previous sounds. There are some dope tracks, but it's disappointing to see Drake and 40 not challenge themselves. Drake even mentioned that he made most of the album last winter, which doesn't make sense to me because he's been "working" on the album for 2 years now; doesn't he have ANYTHING to show for it besides this?

    Plus, why did Drake feel the need to do dancehall songs on one of his solo albums? It comes across as uninspired. If you're going to pull a Kendrick Lamar and get into another genre, you have to do it right. Drake clearly just wants to sell a lot of albums and get more fans than what he has. I really hope he redeems himself and saves his legacy on his next album.    … Expand
  28. geedup
    Apr 30, 2016
    4
    This n*gga is not for me. I don't want to hate, just sayin' I don't like this **** I mean, all the falsetto and soft beats....ain't hip hop. 20 songs and all have this n*gga singing falsetto. I mean, you have Pimp c on the album and even that track is WEAK. Who is ridin' listening to this album? Girls and fakes, I could see. But this ain't for me and I ain't buyin'.
  29. cdsmusicchart
    Apr 30, 2016
    6
    Listening to 'Views' was entirely frustrating. It's clunky, bloated, irritating and occasionally downright boring. But with that said, there is some interesting material rammed into this 20 track offering.

    On this release, Drake tosses everything he's ever done to rap out the window to focus on R&B and dancehall, which are seen as primary influences in the middle of the record    Listening to 'Views' was entirely frustrating. It's clunky, bloated, irritating and occasionally downright boring. But with that said, there is some interesting material rammed into this 20 track offering.

    On this release, Drake tosses everything he's ever done to rap out the window to focus on R&B and dancehall, which are seen as primary influences in the middle of the record ("Controlla", "One Dance"). On tracks that do contain rap, the bars seem tired and lacking passion compared to his older LPs. Still, there is a bit of grit on standout tracks "Still Here" and "U With Me?". This back and forth between genres, though seemingly unfocused, somewhat aligns with Drake's goal of creating a record that starts in winter, cycles through summer and returns to winter.

    The record has a story and interesting tones as well as several excellent tracks but overall it seems too packed and way overhyped. 20 tracks doesn't seem necessary. At least 7 weren't needed at all and others could've been shortened or condensed into other songs.

    Overall, nearly 90% of everything on Views was a risk and maybe 50% of that risky material paid off. The other stuff? Kind of forgettable. Stick with 'Take Care' and 'Nothing Was the Same' and come back to 'Views' when you're finally tired of them.

    And I'm still mad "Controlla' was ruined. Popcaan >>    … Expand
  30. chidime
    Apr 29, 2016
    4
    Not a very good album all things considered. The album sounds like a mixture of all his past albums. You can hear Take Care, Nothing Was the Same and IYARTITL/WATTBA on various tracks on the album. It just get boring since you have heard these exact tracks before. His lyrics are the same no lie. He is saying exactly the same things we have heard from him on previous tracks/albums. NoNot a very good album all things considered. The album sounds like a mixture of all his past albums. You can hear Take Care, Nothing Was the Same and IYARTITL/WATTBA on various tracks on the album. It just get boring since you have heard these exact tracks before. His lyrics are the same no lie. He is saying exactly the same things we have heard from him on previous tracks/albums. No progression whatsoever. The only new sound we get on this album is the afro-pop inspired sound (on just 2/3 tracks). If he had made an album based on that sound, this album would have been killer since the tracks with that sound are the best on the album (One Dance, Hotline Bling, Too Good). Many of the tracks sound like something any rap artist of nowadays would make, which is a very bad thing to say about anyone, least of all Drake. Drake needs to step up to the plate and explore within his soul to create a masterpiece, not this. 6/10… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2016
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Mojo
    Jun 28, 2016
    80
    Drake's genuinely fleet-footed flows and sly humour prevent his pained introspection descending into a cheesy whine fest. [Aug 2016, p.95]
  2. Q Magazine
    May 31, 2016
    80
    The middle section boast a tougher, truculent edge reminiscent of last year's mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late. But it's during the final sequence that everything clicks. [#361, p.114]
  3. AllMusic
    May 10, 2016
    50
    Eventually, people will get tired of the same old song if it's sung too often. On Views, Drake is starting to sound a little weary of it himself.
    Read full review
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