Last Friday, Drake released his highly anticipated album, Views. Exclusively released for streaming on Apple Music, listeners can also purchase the album on iTunes.

Although it has only been a few days, many are already predicting that Views will reign as a hit. According to Billboard, “Drake’s new Views album is set for a spectacular debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Industry forecasters suggest the hip-hop star’s latest effort could sell more than 800,000 copies in the U.S. in the week ending May 5.”

With 11 of the album’s 20 tracks trending on social media, Drake dominates the music industry once again, while finding an outlet for his feelings. He uses Views to dissect the different types of relationships in his life; from the multiple women in every city, to his family, Drake explores topics such as trust, money, and fame.

The album begins with a slow, dramatic song titled “Keep the Family Close.” In the track, Drake delves into his trust issues and how people continue to wrong him, even after he gives them everything. “Weston Road Flows” continues this same theme, taking the listener on a trip down memory lane to the place where the rapper was raised. As usual, Drake takes the time to pay homage to his hometown, Toronto, in the song “9.” He raps about his unparalleled success and how he turned his city, the six, “upside down, it’s a nine now.”

Ironically, Drake fails to impress in almost every song in which he brags about his success. With the exception of “Still Here,” songs such as “Hype,” “Grammys,” and “Pop Style” showcase almost amateur-level verses. Drake attempts to go in on these songs, but ends up failing miserably.

On the flip side, the songs pertaining to relationships and old flames are the best songs on the album. Drake produces instant hits with songs like “U With Me,” “Feel No Ways,” “Redemption,” “With You,” “Childs Play,” “Too Good,” and “Fire & Desire.” These songs show a level of emotion that fans have not seen since Take Care― the type of songs that made Drake successful in the first place.

The singles from the Views, “Controlla,” “One Dance,” and “Hotline Bling,” are strategically placed towards the end of the album to give first-time listeners an opportunity to truly hear and experience the other songs on the album.

Overall, Views did not live up to its hype. Fans expected Drake to snap on every song, and he failed to meet expectations. Junior Roland Francis said, “I barely like Drake, and it’s because of things like this. He hypes up all his projects and they always fall flat. I’ll admit, there were some great songs on this album, but he could’ve done better.”

Drake has already announced his Summer Sixteen tour with Future, where he will perform all songs on the album. Listen to Views on Apple Music, or purchase it on iTunes.

The Chant’s grade: B-