Drake Albums Ranked: From Thank Me Later to Certified Lover Boy

By: Michael's Melodies

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Drake, a titan and a revolutionary force in the music world, has been the maestro behind numerous hit albums, masterfully blending hip-hop, R&B, and pop. As a die-hard fan, it’s exhilarating to witness his ability to craft music that resonates with so many, myself included.

His musical journey, spanning more than a decade, has seen albums that didn’t just top the charts but also shaped the sound of contemporary music. It’s been a thrill observing his rhythmic narratives and emotive beats evolve, becoming anthems and impacting generations of music lovers like me.

In this exploration, I’ll be meticulously ranking Drake’s discography, weighing factors like album sales, critical reception, and fan preferences. It’s fascinating to delve deep into each album’s uniqueness, understanding the nuances that make them stand out and garner acclaim.

Being a devoted fan, it’s exciting to see where my favorite albums land in this ranking and to reflect on the musical odyssey of an artist who’s been a constant in my playlist. This is not just a ranking, but a celebration of the music and the man who’s changed the soundscapes of our times.

Drake Albums Ranked

Thank Me Later (2010)

Drake’s debut studio album, Thank Me Later, was released in 2010 and set the stage for his meteoric rise in the music industry. With tracks like “Over” and “Find Your Love,” the album showcased Drake’s introspective lyricism and smooth delivery.

Sales: Approximately 1.8 million copies in the United States Critics’ Rating: 3.5/5 Fan Favorites: “Over,” “Find Your Love,” “Fancy”

While Thank Me Later received mixed critical reviews, it undeniably marked the beginning of Drake’s dominance in the music scene.

Take Care (2011)

drake take care
Take Care was Drake’s best album

Released in 2011, Take Care is often considered Drake’s magnum opus. The album features introspective tracks like “Marvin’s Room” and chart-toppers like “Take Care” and “Started from the Bottom.”

Sales: Approximately 5.8 million copies in the United States Critics’ Rating: 4.5/5 Fan Favorites: “Take Care,” “Marvin’s Room,” “Headlines”

Take Care received widespread critical acclaim and solidified Drake’s position as a genre-blurring artist.

Nothing Was the Same (2013)

In 2013, Drake released Nothing Was the Same, an album that continued to explore themes of fame, love, and personal reflection. Tracks like “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and “Started from the Bottom” became anthems.

Sales: Approximately 3.8 million copies in the United States Critics’ Rating: 4/5 Fan Favorites: “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” “Started from the Bottom,” “Worst Behavior”

Nothing Was the Same received critical acclaim and showcased Drake’s evolving sound.

Views (2016)

Views, released in 2016, was a chart-topping success that featured hit singles like “One Dance” and “Hotline Bling.” The album explored Drake’s relationship with his hometown of Toronto and his journey to stardom.

Sales: Approximately 4.1 million copies in the United States Critics’ Rating: 3.5/5 Fan Favorites: “One Dance,” “Hotline Bling,” “Controlla”

While Views was commercially successful, it received mixed reviews from critics.

Scorpion (2018)

In 2018, Drake released the double album Scorpion, featuring tracks like “God’s Plan” and “In My Feelings.” The album delved into personal and introspective themes while delivering chart-topping hits.

Sales: Approximately 4.5 million copies in the United States Critics’ Rating: 3.5/5 Fan Favorites: “God’s Plan,” “In My Feelings,” “Nonstop”

Scorpion received mixed reviews from critics but continued Drake’s streak of chart dominance.

Certified Lover Boy (2021)

Drake’s most recent studio album, Certified Lover Boy, was released in 2021 and featured tracks like “Way 2 Sexy” and “Knife Talk.” The album continued to blend R&B and hip-hop while exploring themes of fame and relationships.

Sales: Approximately 2.1 million copies in the United States (as of my last knowledge update in September 2021) Critics’ Rating: 3.5/5 Fan Favorites: “Way 2 Sexy,” “Girls Want Girls,” “Champagne Poetry”

While Certified Lover Boy received mixed reviews, it remained a commercial success.

Drake Albums Ranked By Sales

Let’s take a closer look at Drake’s albums ranked by their respective sales figures (please note that sales figures are approximate):

  1. Take Care (2011) – Approximately 5.8 million copies in the United States
  2. Scorpion (2018) – Approximately 4.5 million copies in the United States
  3. Views (2016) – Approximately 4.1 million copies in the United States
  4. Nothing Was the Same (2013) – Approximately 3.8 million copies in the United States
  5. Certified Lover Boy (2021) – Approximately 2.1 million copies in the United States (as of September 2021)
  6. Thank Me Later (2010) – Approximately 1.8 million copies in the United States

Drake Notable Live Performances

Drake is known for his captivating live performances. Some of his notable shows include:

  1. Summer Sixteen Tour (2016) – A highly successful tour in support of the “Views” album, featuring elaborate stage designs and guest appearances.
  2. OVO Fest – Drake’s annual music festival in Toronto has featured surprise performances by some of the biggest names in music.
  3. Coachella 2015 – Drake’s headline performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival received widespread attention.
  4. Aubrey & The Three Migos Tour (2018) – A co-headlining tour with Migos that showcased Drake’s stage presence.

Drake Top Tracks on Spotify

Drake’s music continues to dominate Spotify’s streaming charts. Here are some of his top tracks on the platform:

  1. “God’s Plan” – With over 1.8 billion streams, this track became an anthem of resilience.
  2. “One Dance” – With over 1.7 billion streams, this dancehall-infused hit was a global sensation.
  3. “In My Feelings” – With over 1.4 billion streams, this song sparked a viral dance challenge.
  4. “Hotline Bling” – With over 1.3 billion streams, this track became synonymous with Drake’s signature moves.
  5. “Started from the Bottom” – With over 1.1 billion streams, this anthem of success remains a fan favorite.

Drake Album Guests

Drake has collaborated with a diverse range of artists on his albums. Here are some notable guest appearances:

  1. Rihanna – Collaborated with Drake on multiple tracks, including “Take Care” and “Work.”
  2. Future – Partnered with Drake on the joint album “What a Time to Be Alive” and tracks like “Life Is Good.”
  3. Jay-Z – Featured on “Talk Up” from the “Scorpion” album.
  4. Travis Scott – Collaborated with Drake on “SICKO MODE.”
  5. Lil Wayne – Drake’s mentor and frequent collaborator, appearing on various tracks together.

Conclusion

Drake’s discography is a testament to his versatility as an artist and his ability to consistently deliver chart-topping hits. From the introspection of “Take Care” to the chart dominance of “Scorpion” and “Certified Lover Boy,” Drake remains a defining figure in contemporary music.

Similar Artists

If you’re a fan of Drake’s music, you might also enjoy the work of these similar artists:

  1. The Weeknd – Known for his soulful R&B and chart-topping hits.
  2. J. Cole – An artist known for his lyrical prowess and introspective themes.
  3. Travis Scott – Blends hip-hop and psychedelic elements, creating a unique sonic experience.
  4. Post Malone – Known for his genre-blurring approach and catchy melodies.
  5. Kendrick Lamar – An artist who pushes the boundaries of hip-hop and explores complex themes.