[REVIEW] DRAKE - Thank Me Later [Universal/Island]

I know you said to thank you later but yes I will 'thank you now' because this is what I expect from an artist's album. Different sounds sounding creative, emotive and relevant.  Music I can feel and zone to while I sip on this glass of Chardonnay.

As the release date for his debut album, 'Thank Me Later,' approached I found myself wandering whether it will live up to the hype.  After such a successfully pushed mixtape like 'So Far Gone' expectations were high; those who loved it have even greater expectations for the album, while Drake non-believers eagerly await an opportunity to justify their dislikes.

However on this one, I personally believe expectations were pleasantly met.  Single releases 'Over,' 'Find Your Love' and 'Best I Ever Had,' which only managed to reach No. 123 in the UK charts last year, offer familiarity while tracks such as 'Karaoke,' 'Shut It Down' and 'Unforgettable'offer something new to the ears, feeding for me a much starved hunger for something just a lil different to what's going on in Hiphop right now.

Me, I'm a beats and production girl.  Love anything that can get my neck grooving, face screwed like something awful passed my nose and a melody that has me trying to sing along like Alicia Keys. '9AM In Dallas,' 'Thank Me Now' and 'Fireworks' thankfully provide just that with contributions also from the likes of Swizz Beatz, The Dream and Timbaland.  But this 'Light Up' track featuring Jay-Z now, *chuckles* it gets me.  However, while his writing and subject matter are relatable to some, the self-pitied experiences of the realities of his fame and fortune may become tiresome for others.  

All in all, a great debut album from the Canadian rapper. How long his nasal efforts will be appreciated is a question on the minds of many I'm sure, but if his word is anything to go by I'm sure he'll be here til it's over.

Must Hears:

Karaoke

Show Me A Good Time

Fireworks

Light Up

Shut It Down

Unforgettable

Fancy