“For All The Dogs” is Drake’s eighth full length studio album, following his 2022 house-based “Honestly Nevermind” and 21 Savage collaborative “Her Loss” that was released in Nov. 2022. After many push backs the album finally released on Oct. 6. The album features many familiar Drake collaborations as well as some artists that Drake has never collaborated with. There is a diverse mixture of tracks, from fast and upbeat to Drake’s classic slow and calm songs. Although Drake did not give the “old Drake” vibe the entire album, there are some very good tracks that you could argue give that feeling. Overall the album is an enjoyable experience with top tier production that cracks into Drake trying new types of music. Each listen the album gets better. II would overall give the AOTY a rating of 9/10.
Virginia Beach 10/10
“Virginia Beach”, the introduction of “For All The Dogs”, is a heartfelt track that is worked around a beautiful Frank Ocean sample. Drake speaks on a past relationship he had in the younger stages of his career and he reflects on the ups and downs he had in that relationship. He also performed at Virginia Beach during his 2014 tour with Lil Wayne. He uses Virginia Beach as a symbol of his past fading away.
Amen 9/10
“Amen,” is a spiritual and rap mixed song that features Teezo Touchdown. The song starts off with him speaking about how grateful he is for the opportunities he has been presented with in music this year. He continues throughout the track with amazing lyrics and great vocals. He and Drake mix together so well with the piano and choir making this song so great.
Calling For You 8.3/10
“Calling For You,” features Drake’s lifelong collaborator 21 Savage. The track starts with transition from the second track “Amen.” There is a phone call and Drake comes in and starts talking about his feuds with his opponents. The sample that plays in the background throughout the track is from an artist named Fridayy who is known for his vocals. This would have been higher on the list, but there is a video audio played in the middle that takes up 2 minutes without anyone singing. 21 Savage then comes in and bodies the beat switch ending off the track on a great note.
Fear Of Heights – 9/10
“Fear Of Heights,” brings production from OZ, Nik D, Pooh Beatz, ​​xynothing and BNYX with a very fast and upbeat tempo. Drake rarely raps to a beat like this which is why it is given such a high rating. He touches on personal relationships and experiences he has experienced recently and how he is hesitant to take those relationships to new heights because of the fears he has in his life. An up to date trendy beat mixed with a lyrical genius, is something that can’t be taken for granted.
Daylight 8.9/10
“Daylight,” sees an aggressive Drake mixed with a heavy-hitting instrumental as he speaks on a man getting shot in daylight. Ending the track, we see Drake’s son, Adonis, making his debut in the music industry. This track has also brought some controversy, with many believing that Drake is talking about the death of late rapper XXXTentacion. The first eye catcher is the title “Daylight” which is very similar to the title “Moonlight” by X. Drake was connected to the court case of X, but nothing came out of it. In the track Drake reflects on the shooting of a man and a body who many believe is X.
First Person Shooter – 10/10
“First Person Shooter,” features J. Cole making it the first time in a decade that the two artists have collaborated and it did not disappoint fans. The respected artists both go back and forth multiple times on the track and they claim multiple times that the track is “As big as the Super-Bowl.” This song has already taken over the rap game and it will more than likely debut at number one. If it does, this will put Drake at number one, with the most number one hit songs.
IDGAF 9.5/10
“IDGAF,” features Yeat, who has risen to fame in the past couple of years. Many were wondering if Drake would be able to keep up with Yeat on this track and he did for a short part of the song, and then he let Yeat COOK. Yeat takes over the beat with his producer BYNX and turns this into a bumping track.
7969 Santa 8/10
“7969 Santa,” is an address of Los Angeles nightclub and restaurant, Delilah, located on 7969 Santa Monica Boulevard. On the track Drake disses his ex-girlfriend, Delilah, but does so in a boring fashion. The track does not have a solid direction or story being told making it hard to enjoy.
Slime You Out – 9.5/10
“Slime You Out,” is the lead single on this album that features SZA, a popular female artist right now. Both artists speak on topics like being used by their ex-lovers. While sharing their own feelings, Drake shows off his creative mind by connecting his lover to every month of the year. They both make it easy to relate to their feelings, making the song easy to connect to for listeners. The song’s production sees a heavy use of drums and bass playing into the feeling of Drake and SZA’s voices matching the R&B feeling of the track.
Bahamas Promises 9.2/10
“Bahamas Promises,” starts out with a tone of sadness and disappointment that progresses with Drake addressing a woman named Hailey. He references “broken pinky promises” and recounts a trip to the Bahamas that was meant for Hailey. This track offers a slow beat that has always been Drake’s go-to making this another classic.
Tried Our Best – 9.8/10
“Tried Our Best,” dives into a romantic relationship that brings out Drake’s desire to experience certain moments and places alone, so he can evade arguments with his significant other. The lyrics shed light on the challenges that Drake and his partner have had in their relationship. Throughout the track we encounter Drake’s signature world play as he compares himself and his lyrical prowess to Shakespeare multiple times. The song’s emotional depth of love and lyrical structure makes this a great experience for listeners.
Screw The World (Interlude) 7.5/10
“Screw The World,” is the first interlude on the album that pays homage to Houston’s DJ Screw. Screw was known for his chops and screws in the music he produced. This track was a chopped version of Nas’ track “I Ruled The World.” Since it is an interlude it is rated lower.
Drew a Picasso 9.5/10
“Drew a Picasso,” Drake gets in his bag and brings a sense of frustration and hurt. He discusses the on and off nature of the relationship he is in, while reflecting on his past problems and mistakes he has made. He starts the song out slowly, but then finishes the song by snapping and talking about a toxic relationship that he was once in and how he was misunderstood. The slow and lofi tempo along with the story of the song gives a “old Drake” vibe that we all miss and he allows listeners to truly feel and understand the lyrics of the song.
Members Only 8.5/10
“Members Only,” brings a feature from OVO signed artist PARTYNEXTDOOR who has been featured on multiple past Drake projects. The two artists both have similar styles of writing which makes them blend together so well. In the track they both describe how their partner is “too down for the members” which is referred to as their respected circle/group of friends.
What Would Pluto Do 8.6/10
“What Would Pluto Do,” presents Drake wondering how he can approach and bag a taken woman while also bragging about the lifestyle he lives. In the track he references Pluto. Pluto is the talented artist Future who is known for his toxic lyrics and lifestyle when it comes to relationships. With the production of BNYX and help from Lil Yachty for most of the beat, Yachty and Drake create catchy lines by repeating “okay” while confessing his feelings to his new girl.
All The Parties 8/10
“All The Parties,” is Drake and Chief Keef’s first ever release together. The track has a laid back vibe that starts with Drake reflecting on the distance he has from other artists because of the success he has had in his career. Chief Keef’s chorus brings a nostalgic feeling, but his verse was just not long enough. Drake then follows the verse with a beat switch and he dives into his fortune and close friends. If Chief Keef would have had a longer connected verse this song would have been really high, but it is still a good track and brings a feature no one expected.
8am in Charlotte – 10/10
“8am in Charlotte,” is the second single from the album following the September release of “Slime You Out”. This track brings a classic Drake vibe with a freestyle-like song that has bars each line. Drake flexes multiple times and talks about the lifestyle he lives making this track so exciting. It is also the sixth installment of Drake’s AM/PM series that features multiple classics like, “5AM in Toronto” and “6PM in New York”.
BBL Love (Interlude) 6/10
“BBL Love,” the second interlude on the album, brings many funny Drake bars. The rhymes he gives are not thought out and simple. Not a lot to say about this track other than Drake should have kept it to himself.
Gently 8/10
“Gently,” is a latin-inspired track that reunites Drake with the most popular Puerto Rican artist, Bad Bunny. Drake starts the track off by forcing his Latino accent and he does not sound good doing so. Bad Bunny then follows Drake up by saving the song and begins flexing his wealth and great life. This track was more for brand opportunities than actually giving what the fans want. Drake tries to do too much and the track is very short at just two minutes and 13 seconds.
Rich Baby Daddy 7/10
“Rich Baby Daddy,” features up and coming artist Sexyy Red as well as SZA. Sexyy Red’s main chorus ruins the whole song, because she is off beat and it turns the track into a dancing song. SZA makes the song somewhat enjoyable, but her verse is very short. This track was once again made more for the brand and media. Skip the song.
Another Late Night 8.5/10
“Another Late Night,” gives the first collaboration of Drake and Lil Yachty. Both artists speak about their romantic experiences and desires. The track has repeated lines along with a lot of adlibs throughout the song that make it catchy.
Away From Home 9.5/10
“Away From Home,” is the second to last track on the album and Drake gets in his bag as he talks about past memories he has before he was on top. He talks about the ups and downs and how his friends and family helped him on his way to fame. Drake also ends each line with “I remember,” making this a very catchy song. This track is a great example of Drake turning his stories into music which never disappoints.
Polar Opposites 8.7/10
“Polar Opposites,” the outro to the album, is an emotional rollercoaster. The signature lofi type beat produced by 40 mixed with Drake’s description of vulnerability through his notes can be felt by the listeners. He is known for ending his albums by telling a story and on this track he describes how a significant other has treated him in his past. While doing so, he also describes the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean, putting the listeners in a relaxed state of mind to end the album.