Top Drake Songs & Best Drake Albums Ranked and Reviewed

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Drake is a defining figure in the music industry, bridging the worlds of hip-hop and R&B with his unique sound. From his early days as a child actor to becoming one of the most influential artists in the music industry, Drake's journey is a testament to his talent and versatility. This article explores the top Drake songs and the best Drake albums, highlighting a career that has significantly impacted contemporary music.

Drake's music combines the bravado of hip-hop with the soulfulness of R&B, creating a sound that resonates with a wide audience. His lyrics, rich in emotional depth, speak to themes of love, loss, and the nuances of fame, making him a pivotal figure in reshaping the musical landscape.

His appeal crosses generational lines, attracting both young listeners and older fans who appreciate his lyrical complexity and the sophisticated production of his music. Drake's influence extends beyond music, with his personal life and ventures into business and philanthropy making headlines, further cementing his place in popular culture.

With a tenured career marked by both critical acclaim and commercial success, Drake has accomplished what many artists haven't, by staying relevant and innovative. As we deep dive into the top Drake songs and best Drake albums, we discover an artist that has continually evolved, capturing the essence of each album's time, while remaining true to his artistic vision.

Organik and Drake — Drake with Organik, founder of King of the Dot, a battle rap league in Toronto, Ontario.

How Did Drake Get Famous?

Drake catapulted to fame through his role as Jimmy Brooks on the hit teen drama series "Degrassi: The Next Generation." However, it was his foray into music that solidified his status as a cultural icon. His mixtape "So Far Gone" garnered widespread acclaim and caught the attention of industry heavyweights. With a unique blend of rap and R&B, Drake's introspective lyrics and infectious beats resonated with audiences, propelling him into the spotlight.

When Did Drake Start Music?

Drake's musical journey began in the early 2000s when he first started experimenting with music during his time on "Degrassi." However, it wasn't until 2006 that he officially embarked on his music career with the release of his debut mixtape, "Room for Improvement." From there, Drake continued to hone his craft, releasing a series of critically acclaimed mixtapes before signing with Young Money Entertainment in 2009. Since then, he has become one of the most influential artists in the industry, redefining the boundaries of hip-hop and shaping the sound of a generation.

Drake Omar Slim White Lil Wayne — Drake in conversation with Omar Slim White and Lil Wayne.

Top 20 Drake Songs

Drake's musical journey is an exploration into versatility and mastery in the art of blending genres, from hip-hop to R&B, creating anthems that resonate worldwide. Our top 20 Drake songs are a curated list showcasing Drake's lyrical prowess, emotional depth, and ability to capture the zeitgeist. Each track stands as a testament to his enduring influence in shaping contemporary music culture, offering listeners a rich tapestry of sounds that have defined a generation.

20. Find Your Love - 2010

A departure into more pop-oriented territory, "Find Your Love" is noted for its catchy melody and vulnerable lyrics.

19. Energy - 2015

Drake addresses his detractors and challenges in the industry with sharp lyrics and a memorable flow.

18. Worst Behaviour - 2013

Remember? Drake on his "Worst Behaviour" recounts his rise to fame with defiance, over a hard-hitting beat.

17. Fancy (feat TI and Swizz Beatz) - 2010

A celebration of independence and success, this track combines Swizz Beatz's catchy production with T.I.'s smooth verses.

16. Feel No Ways - 2016

Drake explores the emotional aftermath of a breakup, delivering relatable content over a nostalgic, synth-heavy beat.

15. In My Feelings - 2018

A viral sensation that sparked a global dance challenge, showcasing Drake's knack for creating catchy, culturally impactful music.

14. Trophies - 2013

A brassy, triumphant anthem where Drake celebrates his achievements and addresses his critics with confidence.

13. One Dance - 2016

Featuring Wizkid and Kyla, "One Dance" offers a blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, and R&B, perfect for summer nights.

12. The Ride - 2011

An introspective track that delves deep into Drake's journey, fame, and the realities behind the glitz and glamour.

11. Started From The Bottom - 2013

Drake's rags-to-riches story, an anthem for anyone who's worked their way up from humble beginnings.

Top 10 Drake Songs

10. Laugh Now Cry Later (feat Lil Durk) - 2020

A laid-back track that balances the highs of success with the inevitability of challenges, featuring a standout verse from Lil Durk.

9. Take Care (feat Rihanna) - 2011

Featuring Rihanna, this title track from Drake's album blends melancholy and care, wrapped in a danceable beat.

8. Controlla - 2016

Diving into dancehall vibes, "Controlla" showcases Drake's smooth vocals in a track that's both romantic and rhythmically compelling.

7. Know Yourself - 2015

A declaration of Drake's Toronto roots, "Know Yourself" became an anthem with its memorable line, "Running through the 6 with my woes."

6. Childs Play - 2016

"Childs Play" tells a story of relationship troubles with a catchy beat, known for its reference to Cheesecake Factory.

5. Portland (feat Quavo and Travis Scott) - 2017

Featuring Quavo and Travis Scott, "Portland" is a flute-laden track that stands out for its catchy hook and verses about success and authenticity.

4. Marvins Room - 2011

An introspective and moody track, "Marvins Room" is Drake at his most vulnerable, reflecting on past relationships over a somber beat.

3. Hotline Bling - 2015

"Hotline Bling" became iconic for its meme-worthy music video and catchy lines, blending pop and rap over a minimalist, danceable beat.

2. Hold On We're Going Home (feat Majid Jordan) - 2013

A smooth transition into R&B, this track features Majid Jordan and offers a nostalgic sound that's both romantic and uplifting.

1. Nice For What - 2018

An empowering anthem that samples Lauryn Hill, "Nice For What" celebrates women's independence with a vibrant, bounce-infused beat.

Best Drake Albums Ranked

17. Room For Improvement (2016)

In 2016, Drake released "Room For Improvement," an early testament to his journey among the Top Drake Albums. This mixtape, predominantly a solo effort, served as a foundational piece in Drake's career trajectory. It offered a glimpse into his raw talent and potential, setting the stage for the emergence of some of the Best Drake Songs to come. The sound of "Room For Improvement" was characterized by its gritty urban beats and introspective lyricism, reflecting Drake's authenticity and honesty as an artist.

While "Room For Improvement" may not have featured notable guest artists, it remains a crucial chapter in Drake's musical evolution. Fans embraced the mixtape as a promising debut, recognizing the budding talent behind tracks that would later become staples in Drake's discography. Although it didn't win major awards or revolutionize the industry, "Room For Improvement" laid the groundwork for Drake's future success and cemented his position among the best in the hip-hop landscape.

16. Comeback Season (2007)

Drake's "Comeback Season" (2007) marked a pivotal moment in his career, solidifying his presence among the Best Drake Albums. This mixtape, featuring a blend of solo tracks and collaborations, showcased Drake's versatility and lyrical prowess. With its diverse sound ranging from upbeat anthems to introspective ballads, "Comeback Season" captivated listeners and introduced them to some of the Top Drake Songs of the time.

The album highlighted Drake's ability to connect with his peers and create timeless music. While it may not have garnered major awards or industry acclaim, the mixtape garnered praise from fans and critics alike, propelling Drake into the spotlight as a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop world.

15. Dark Lane Demo Tapes (2020)

In 2020, Drake surprised fans with "Dark Lane Demo Tapes," a compilation album featuring unreleased tracks and demos. Serving as a departure from his traditional album format, "Dark Lane Demo Tapes" provided listeners with a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Drake's creative process. With its eclectic mix of genres and styles, the album showcased Drake's versatility and ability to experiment with new sounds.

Featuring collaborations with both established and up-and-coming artists, "Dark Lane Demo Tapes" introduced listeners to some of the Best Drake Songs of the time. While it may not have received the same level of critical acclaim as his studio albums, the project was well-received by fans, who appreciated its authenticity and honesty.

14. What A Time To Be Alive (2015)

Drake and Future What a Time to Be Alive cover

"What A Time To Be Alive," released in 2015, stands out as a collaborative effort between Drake and Future, making it a unique entry among the Best Drake Albums. This joint mixtape showcased the chemistry between the two artists, delivering a fusion of trap beats and catchy hooks that resonated with fans worldwide. With its infectious energy and standout tracks, "What A Time To Be Alive" quickly became a fan favorite, producing some of the Top Drake Songs of the era. Metro Boomin and Lil Wayne made guest appearances on it. And while it may not have won major awards, the album received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, solidifying its place as a modern classic in hip-hop.

13. Her Loss (2022)

In 2022, Drake released "Her Loss," a collaborative project that showcased his growth as an artist and producer. This album, featuring a mix of solo tracks and collaborations, offered listeners a diverse array of sounds and styles, solidifying its place among the Top Drake Albums of the year. With its infectious beats and thought-provoking lyrics, "Her Loss" captivated listeners and introduced them to some of the Best Drake Songs of the era.

"Her Loss" highlighted Drake's ability to push boundaries and defy expectations. While it may not have received the same level of critical acclaim as his previous releases, the album was well-received by fans, who praised its authenticity and honesty.

12. Certified Lover Boy (2021)

Drake's "Certified Lover Boy," released in 2021, solidified his reputation as one of the top artists in the industry. This album, featuring a mix of solo tracks and collaborations, showcased Drake's versatility and ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. With its infectious hooks and introspective lyrics, "Certified Lover Boy" produced some of the Top Drake Songs of the year, resonating with fans worldwide. Featuring collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, and Travis Scott, "Certified Lover Boy" elevated Drake's collaborative efforts to new heights. While it may not have won major awards, the album received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, solidifying its place among the Best Drake Albums of the era.

11. Care Package (2019)

In 2019, Drake surprised fans with "Care Package," a compilation album featuring some of his most beloved tracks. This project, comprising previously unreleased songs and fan favorites, provided listeners with a nostalgic journey through Drake's career. With its diverse range of sounds and styles, "Care Package" showcased Drake's evolution as an artist and solidified its place among the Best Drake Albums of the year. Featuring collaborations with artists like J. Cole and Rick Ross, "Care Package" highlighted Drake's ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. While it may not have received the same level of critical acclaim as his studio albums, the album was well-received by fans, who appreciated its authenticity and honesty.

10. More Life (2017)

"More Life," released in 2017, showcased Drake's versatility and innovation as an artist. This project, billed as a "playlist," featured a diverse array of sounds and styles, drawing inspiration from various genres and cultures. With its infectious beats and catchy hooks, "More Life" produced some of the Top Drake Songs of the year, captivating listeners worldwide.

This album further solidified Drake's status as one of the top artists in the industry, showcasing his ability to push boundaries and innovate within the hip-hop genre. From its global influences to its infectious energy, the project remains a standout addition to Drake's discography and a testament to his enduring impact on contemporary music. Kanye West, Young Thug, and Travis Scott contributed to it. While it may not have won major awards, the project received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, solidifying its place among the Best Drake Albums of the era.

9. For All the Dogs (2023)

"For All the Dogs" further solidified Drake's status as one of the top artists in the industry, showcasing his ability to evolve and adapt to changing trends. From its introspective ballads to its infectious bangers, the album remains a standout addition to Drake's discography and a testament to his enduring influence on contemporary music. With collaborations with artists like Rihanna, Lil Baby, and Lil Durk, "For All the Dogs" highlighted Drake's ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. While it may not have received the same level of critical acclaim as his studio albums, the album was well-received by fans, who praised its authenticity and honesty. It was widely considered a collaborative project that pushed the boundaries of hip-hop and R&B.

8. Thank Me Later (2009)

Drake's debut studio album, "Thank Me Later," released in 2009, changed the music industry by introducing a new wave of hip-hop, and marking the beginning of his ascent to the top of the music industry. This solo project introduced listeners to Drake's signature blend of rap and R&B, setting the stage for the emergence of some of the Best Drake Songs of the era. With its polished production and introspective lyrics, "Thank Me Later" captured the attention of fans and critics alike, solidifying Drake's status as a rising star in hip-hop.

While "Thank Me Later" may not have featured high-profile collaborations, it showcased Drake's ability to hold his own as a solo artist. The album received a mixed reception from fans, who appreciated its innovative sound but also recognized its departure from traditional hip-hop conventions. Despite the lack of major awards, "Thank Me Later" marked a significant milestone in Drake's career, laying the foundation for his future success.

7. Honestly, Nevermind (2022)

This album released in 2022 features a mix of solo tracks and collaborations, showcasing Drake's willingness to push boundaries and defy expectations. With its eclectic mix of genres and styles, "Honestly, Nevermind" produced some of the Top Drake Songs of the year, captivating listeners with its infectious energy and innovative production.

Artists like Kid Cudi, Lil Uzi Vert, and Giveon appear on various tracks, highlighteing Drake's ability to connect with his peers and create music that resonates with a diverse audience. While it may not have received the same level of critical acclaim as his previous releases, the album was well-received by fans, who praised its authenticity and creativity.

6. So Far Gone (2009)

Released in 2009, "So Far Gone" marked a pivotal moment in Drake's career, blending elements of hip-hop and R&B to create a unique sound that resonated with fans worldwide. This mixtape showcased Drake's versatility as an artist, introducing listeners to some of the Best Drake Songs of the era. With its infectious hooks and introspective lyrics, "So Far Gone" captivated audiences and solidified Drake's status as a rising star in the music industry.

While "So Far Gone" didn't feature high-profile collaborations, it showcased Drake's ability to hold his own as a solo artist. The mixtape received widespread acclaim from fans, who praised its innovation and emotional depth. Although it may not have won major awards, "So Far Gone" changed the landscape of hip-hop by introducing a new wave of artists who prioritized vulnerability and authenticity.

5. Views (2016)

Views is a cinematic journey through Drake's hometown of Toronto that showcased his evolution as an artist. This fourth studio album featured a diverse range of sounds and styles, from infectious hooks to introspective lyricism, capturing the essence of Drake's experiences and emotions. With its innovative production and captivating storytelling, "Views" produced some of the Top Drake Songs of the year, resonating with listeners worldwide.

"Views" featured collaborations with artists like Rihanna, Future, and PARTYNEXTDOOR, highlighting Drake's ability to connect with his peers and create music that transcends boundaries. While it may not have received major awards, the album garnered widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, solidifying its place among the Best Drake Albums of the era.

4. Scorpion (2018)

HUGE artists like Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, and Nicki Minaj were featured on "Scorpion", elevating Drake's collaborative efforts to new heights. This double album featured a diverse array of sounds and styles, from infectious bangers to introspective ballads. With its innovative production and captivating storytelling, "Scorpion" produced some of the Top Drake Songs of the year, resonating with fans worldwide. While it may not have won major awards, the album received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, solidifying its place among the Best Drake Albums of the era.The album remains a standout addition to Drake's discography and a testament to his enduring influence on contemporary music.

3. If You're Reading This It's Too Late (2015)

Drake If Youre Reading This Its Too Late

In 2015, Drake surprised fans with the unexpected release of "If You're Reading This It's Too Late," a mixtape that showcased his raw talent and introspective lyricism. This project, featuring a mix of solo tracks and collaborations, captivated listeners with its infectious energy and innovative production. With its hard-hitting beats and candid storytelling, "If You're Reading This It's Too Late" produced some of the Top Drake Songs of the year, resonating with fans worldwide. While it may not have received major awards, the mixtape garnered widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, solidifying its place among the Best Drake Albums of the era.

2. Nothing Was the Same (2013)

"Nothing Was the Same" was the album that solidified Drake's status as one of the top acts in the music industry. This third studio album featured a diverse array of sounds and styles, from introspective ballads to infectious bangers, captivating listeners with its emotional depth and raw authenticity. With its innovative production and captivating storytelling, "Nothing Was the Same" produced some of the Top Drake Songs of the year, resonating with fans worldwide.

Featuring collaborations with artists like Jay-Z, Jhene Aiko, and Majid Jordan, "Nothing Was the Same" elevated Drake's collaborative efforts to new heights. While it may not have won major awards, the album received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike.

1. Take Care (2011)

Our #1 best Drake album is not just an album; it's a transformative experience. As Drake's sophomore effort, "Take Care" stands as a masterpiece, a magnum opus that transcends mere music to become a cultural touchstone. From the moment the haunting opening chords of "Over My Dead Body" echo through the speakers, listeners are transported into Drake's world—a world of heartbreak, introspection, and unapologetic vulnerability.

What sets it apart from other albums, and why we put it number 1 is its sheer emotional depth. Drake bares his soul on every track, grappling with fame, relationships, and his own inner demons. Collaborations play a crucial role in it, from the ethereal vocals of The Weeknd on "Crew Love" to the introspective verses of Kendrick Lamar on "Buried Alive (Interlude)," each feature is carefully curated to enhance the album's narrative arc. Rihanna's haunting refrain on the title track adds another layer of emotional depth, elevating the song to anthem status.

This is the album that defined a generation, inspiring countless artists to embrace vulnerability and authenticity in their own work. In a world of fleeting trends and ephemeral fame, "Take Care" stands as a timeless classic—a reminder that true greatness transcends the confines of genre or era.

Drake's Impact on Music History

Drake 2010 — Drake performing live at Bumbershoot in 2010

Drake's journey from Canadian actor-turned-rapper to a global superstar is nothing short of legendary. With each album release, he has pushed the boundaries of hip-hop, blending genres, and pushing artistic limits, with his influence extendsing far beyond the realm of music.

Drake has redefined what it means to be an artist in the digital age, leveraging social media and streaming platforms to connect directly with fans and bypass traditional gatekeepers. His OVO Sound label has provided a platform for emerging artists, shaping the future of hip-hop and R&B. He has shattered records, won numerous awards, and cemented his status as one of the greatest artists of his generation.

But perhaps his greatest legacy lies in his ability to inspire a new generation of artists to embrace vulnerability, authenticity, and creativity in their own work. The top Drake songs and best Drake albums makes it clear that his influence will continue to shape the landscape of music for years to come. From Toronto to Tokyo, Drake's music transcends borders and unites listeners from all walks of life, with an impact on music history that is undeniable.