The first half of 2016 has been an amazing period for music; first there was Kanye West’s artistically crafted The Life of Pablo, followed by A$AP Ferg’s sentimental yet energy-fueled release of Always Strive and Prosper, and then Beyonce’s controversial Lemonade. However, none of these releases were as anticipated and hyped up as one album that came out on Apr 29: Views.

Drake’s fourth studio album, following the 2013 release of Nothing Was The Same, improves in every possible way from even his past mixtapes that have been released since then. Containing not only reflective tracks that highlight the ups and downs of being in relationships as the world’s most relevant rapper and a signature emotional touch, but also verses that boast fame and fortune, Drake’s masterfully produced journey of heartbreak, love, and success is one that fans have been waiting for since 2014, and is a gift that truly keeps on giving. For those who haven’t heard it yet, it would only be necessary to break down the album’s best tracks.

Views introduces itself with “Keep The Family Close,” arguably Drake’s most vulnerable and elegantly produced moment on the album. A cold Toronto breeze blows through the first few seconds of the song, setting a moody vibe for the rest of what the story is about. Drizzy builds up his sadness and frustration for family and friends who seemingly have abandoned him when he needs them the most. With intense drum lines and a climbing ensemble of classical instruments paired with tender vocals, Drake’s storytelling abilities are set, and throughout the album, only improve.

Sticking with his classic theme of staying loyal to the city he was built in, Drake follows his first track with “9”, but quickly reverts back to his emotional self with tracks like “U With Me?”, “Feel No Ways”, and “Weston Road Flows”, an introspective look on growing up and making a name in Toronto.

Aside from all of Drake’s signature songs filled with a reflective perspective on the friendzone, exes moving on and being heartbroken, an album from the 6 God wouldn’t be his without the legendary collabs. First pairing up with Pimp C and dvsn on “Faithful,” Drake delivers a solid song about a girl of interest who seems just a bit too unavailable for him. Though Pimp C’s contribution to the song is short lived, the power behind it is successful, and enjoyable track to ride to. “One Dance,” Drizzy’s nod to Jamaican dance music, is a partial success. Though it hits audiences and dancefloors harder than previous track “Controlla” might, incorporation of UK artist Kyla seems a bit too out there, but nonetheless the track is irresistible to dance to.  Perhaps Drake’s most successful collab on Views though is that with Rihanna. Since the release of “Hotline Bling,” “Too Good” provides the soft vocals and hard-hitting beat that a successful pop radio hit needs. Be it his intention or not, “Too Good” stands out as the album’s most generally likeable song, a perfect way to weave every element of his craft together.

Overall, Views has lived up to it’s expectations. From moody and introspective stories, hits that’ll be staples in clubs, to tracks that provide the hype a party needs, Drizzy’s fourth studio album covers all areas that a successful album should. Just 5 songs in, Drake boasts in “Hype” that Views is, “already a classic”, and from the looks of it, he might not be wrong.