Certified Lover Boy
by Drake
User Score
3.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 1158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 253 out of 1158
  2. Mixed: 218 out of 1158
  3. Negative: 687 out of 1158
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  1. Jcsmoove
    Sep 3, 2021
    3
    Very repetitive and boring album, carried by production at points. Some features come through but drake throughout the project to me is lackluster
  2. Blewitt_
    Sep 3, 2021
    3
    This album might as well be called Scorpion 2. Very bland and boring with some decent features saving the day. It’s nothing too bad to listen to just nothing special enough that rewards the hype towards the Album. Meh.
  3. tieeeeee
    Sep 3, 2021
    3
    this album is so boring and underwhelming.
    i mean it’s drake what do you expect.
    maybe like 3 out of the 21 songs were good.
  4. Jordanhulse123
    Sep 3, 2021
    3
    Not the best album of his. not many good beats and slow flow on most of the songs
  5. trundicate
    Sep 3, 2021
    0
    After three listens, the only good song is Papi’s Home, and even that one is way too embarrassing to put in any of my playlists. I can’t believe I sat through the I’m Too Sexy song three times on my own volition, but even worse was the realization that I’m now cursed to coexist with its inevitable meme status for the next few weeks.
  6. Camdamarsh
    Sep 3, 2021
    0
    Lazy and disappointing, wouldn’t expect this from such a long wait and anticipation, akademics reaction says it all.
  7. txukurra
    Sep 3, 2021
    0
    I guess drake had a contract obligation to release an album because this is absolute dogsheet.
  8. jrt5643
    Sep 3, 2021
    0
    More like certified garbage. Every song on the album is the same. I feel like Drake isn't even trying at this point.
  9. Meeeee27
    Sep 3, 2021
    0
    I don’t really like the album, also disappointing that Nicki didn’t have a verse.
  10. Tophatpat
    Sep 3, 2021
    2
    Boring and not good, this is definitely one of drakes worst studio album with his flows over melodic beats being at best predictable and descent and at worst, blue face level of offbeat. About 4 out of the 21 songs are the only ones that I can get behind and is the reason this rating is a 2.
  11. Yousefas23
    Sep 3, 2021
    0
    This is yet another generic drake album. Same recycled sonic trajectory we get in every drake album. Feature selection wasn’t great as almost all of the artists featured have done better tracks with him before. Content was the most frustrating part as there was zero evolution and corny cringe inducing lines over. Don’t even get me started on the album cover.
  12. prophect
    Sep 3, 2021
    0
    oh look, another drake album that sounds exactly the same as everything else he has released over the last 6 and a half years or so down to the production and flows so disappointing

    Tyler The Creator made CMIYGL at 30, there’s no excuse for this dude to be so sonically stagnant.
  13. Daceves321
    Sep 3, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You’ll be listening to hot trash. Donda sucks too, but be prepared for Drakes biggest disappointment since scorpion.… Expand
  14. Reatile
    Sep 3, 2021
    1
    Repetitive beats with sub-par lyricism , a staple for drake music since 2015
  15. Goose69
    Sep 3, 2021
    1
    Album doesn’t have a track to keep you engaged. Although it’s a long album it feels been longer with drawn out boring melodies . Might be good to put children to sleep
  16. CDOGG15
    Sep 3, 2021
    3
    Same old nonsense from a Mans who music hasn’t evolved in almost a decade
  17. Gutiellatino
    Sep 4, 2021
    2
    Just drake being the same boring drake… I was hoping for something new. After listening to it twice I had to wonder how anybody could find this interesting. Drake must be thanking god for people with odd taste in music
  18. Digital5lav3
    Sep 4, 2021
    0
    Uninspired and repetitive. This is easily drakes worst album. The first listen was hard, the second was even more so, the third.... Well I was out like DJ Akademiks. Only about 4 songs worth listening too, the rest is a snooze fest of songs that sound like B sides from views. I should have judged this album by its cover.
  19. Esers12
    Sep 4, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. “Spoiler alert” if you haven’t listened to it yet, don’t. Mans on cruise control, been dropping music thats mid at best. Better off listening to donda… Expand
  20. Hugomonteiro
    Sep 4, 2021
    3
    Same thing as the last album, Drake sounding criminally repetitive. Unacceptable for a artist of this dimension.
  21. rwalkington
    Sep 4, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive Wow I did not like this album. It was so boring and very repetitive rurhjrhrrhrhrhrhehehjee… Expand
  22. Stroh96
    Sep 4, 2021
    2
    Drake has made the same album for the past 10 years and it’s getting inexcusable. Had a few catchy tracks but sounds more like a mixtape.
  23. Belladonna416
    Sep 4, 2021
    1
    Boring trash. Same ish different day but this time more forgettable. I guess calling it certified lover boy was meant to be ironic. His music seems to pander to men more than women even if women don’t know it themselves. Pipe down has hints of misogyny- how much do I gotta spend for you pipe down?? How about $0? Too sexy was painful but of course it will get play bc it will have an overBoring trash. Same ish different day but this time more forgettable. I guess calling it certified lover boy was meant to be ironic. His music seems to pander to men more than women even if women don’t know it themselves. Pipe down has hints of misogyny- how much do I gotta spend for you pipe down?? How about $0? Too sexy was painful but of course it will get play bc it will have an over the top comic visual to distract ppl from just how terrible it was even if it was meant to be a funny reincarnation of the equally funny but less terrible Right Said Fred version. I was really excited about this release but was so very disappointed by the lack of growth and maturity. It’s not even good sonically. I’m still trying to get through it in one sitting but that is proving to be next to impossible.… Expand
  24. florianfjelle
    Sep 4, 2021
    1
    Only thing makin it not a zero is him dropping Life of the party, best somg he ever dropped
  25. MarloParlo
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    An amazing album ! One of his best albums to date. Drake never misses when it comes to his art !
  26. Rozie
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    Genuinely love this album!!!! It’s my fav project from him since NWTS. Definitely Aoty so far.
  27. THawk
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    Amazing album, good beats and well crafted lyrics. Excellently produced kudos to 40 . Timeless album has that classic Drake sound that we've all come to expect so much better than that rambling Donda album from Kanye. Im so glad he's still making music this man is the GOAT! A lot of people hating on him on metacritic because of this reason thats petty S%^t. Interesting that the CriticsAmazing album, good beats and well crafted lyrics. Excellently produced kudos to 40 . Timeless album has that classic Drake sound that we've all come to expect so much better than that rambling Donda album from Kanye. Im so glad he's still making music this man is the GOAT! A lot of people hating on him on metacritic because of this reason thats petty S%^t. Interesting that the Critics give an honest review and the users just post some trolling biased junk which shows in the ratings, exactly opposite to the junk Kanye Donda album.… Expand
  28. rxss
    Sep 5, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 'Certified Lover Boy' is one of my favorite Drake projects to date and I've been a fan since before 'Thank Me Later'. I'll say this I don't feel like there is that one standout banger on this record, except maybe Way 2 Sexy or Girls Want Girls, but there are A LOT (somewhere around 10) of really good songs that are highly repeatable and are like lowkey bangers. Plenty of bravado, real talk, THE KANYE DISS, but less of the vulnerable Drake which kind of disappoints me but it is also a little refreshing at the same time. Solid project, great production of course, and to me this is his best album since 'Views' but I almost feel like its better than that even. He went from Degrassi to Drizzy to 'The GOAT' and this project just solidified his status as Legend. High praise for the 6god.… Expand
  29. iskxsky
    Sep 6, 2021
    10
    better than donda. drake at another lvl rn. Album is very relaxing, its a lot of good rappers on it. Drake= GOAT
  30. YEEZYFLESHLIGHT
    Oct 13, 2021
    0
    WE OFF THE GRID GRID GRID THIS ALBUM MID MID MID. jk its trash, drizzy is washed and this only got a positive score from the critics because hes lightskin
  31. man_critic
    Sep 3, 2021
    4
    I get tricked every time, Drake for the focus groups not the music enjoyers. He has bad the same album for over and over again. He is one of the most boring guys making music.
  32. bl_nk
    Aug 21, 2022
    4
    Very bland, and forgettable. It feels like Drake exclusively makes albums for his harem of instagram groupies, any adult listener will be put to sleep. "Fair Trade" and "Girls Want Girls" were the only songs I partially liked and even those were whatever compared to his old hits.

    Tldr; if you want to hear someone in their mid-30's trying to seduce 18 year olds over twenty songs that    Very bland, and forgettable. It feels like Drake exclusively makes albums for his harem of instagram groupies, any adult listener will be put to sleep. "Fair Trade" and "Girls Want Girls" were the only songs I partially liked and even those were whatever compared to his old hits.

    Tldr; if you want to hear someone in their mid-30's trying to seduce 18 year olds over twenty songs that sound the same, you'll enjoy this record    … Expand
  33. Ecobomb55
    Sep 3, 2021
    5
    If you like Drake then you'll enjoy this album, but it feels like Drake has hit a creative dead-end with his music. The features were lackluster for most of the songs (21 Savage and Future in particular), and it felt like Drake was half asleep when recording these songs. It's the same themes, same flows, and same beats we've heard for a decade now. There was little to no passion put intoIf you like Drake then you'll enjoy this album, but it feels like Drake has hit a creative dead-end with his music. The features were lackluster for most of the songs (21 Savage and Future in particular), and it felt like Drake was half asleep when recording these songs. It's the same themes, same flows, and same beats we've heard for a decade now. There was little to no passion put into this album and that's clear from just the first listen, making any subsequent listens even less enjoyable. Hopefully Drake can turn this around with his next album as this and Scorpion were both disappointments.… Expand
  34. Bobtinin
    Aug 9, 2022
    6
    Certified Lover Boy has a very cohesive and focused sound, it just happens to be a mediocre one like its predecessor. The first tragedy of this album was the horrendous album cover. The second tragedy was the music itself, as somehow it's worse than Scorpion. Look, there are some great tracks on here, there just aren't enough. I'd say maybe 2/3 of this album is worth listening to,Certified Lover Boy has a very cohesive and focused sound, it just happens to be a mediocre one like its predecessor. The first tragedy of this album was the horrendous album cover. The second tragedy was the music itself, as somehow it's worse than Scorpion. Look, there are some great tracks on here, there just aren't enough. I'd say maybe 2/3 of this album is worth listening to, especially the latter half when TSU starts. The intro is strong, and sets the stage for an incredible proejct, but the music afterwards just doesn't live up to it. The moment everyone heard "You're a lesbian. Girl, me too!" this album became a laughing stock. If you're able to get to Fair Trade and TSU then this album becomes a lot better after that point. A piece of advice to Drake, please listen to all of your music up to Views/More Life and go back to the drawing board, those are all great projects.… Expand
  35. Tbone413
    Sep 17, 2021
    3
    it’s just not good, it’s the same boring beat every song with nothing unique, special or enjoyable and the features don’t really stand out either. It’s not the worst thing ever created but I just haven’t found anything to enjoy about it
  36. musikman91307
    Sep 6, 2021
    7
    This CLB LP from Drake is getting a lot of unnecessary hate, it's a flawed, safe but solid project with great features, lyrics, and low-key, emotionally moving, and tragic songs. There's not that much else Drake can do at this point, he is at his pinnacle while also witnessing that he has limits as an artist too (but we'll see if he surpasses them in his next showing as this remergingThis CLB LP from Drake is getting a lot of unnecessary hate, it's a flawed, safe but solid project with great features, lyrics, and low-key, emotionally moving, and tragic songs. There's not that much else Drake can do at this point, he is at his pinnacle while also witnessing that he has limits as an artist too (but we'll see if he surpasses them in his next showing as this remerging rivalry between him and Kanye heats up again).… Expand
  37. isthatbrandon
    Sep 23, 2021
    6
    Not his best work but also not as bad as people have made out. A solid album
  38. Unbiasedforreal
    Sep 9, 2021
    4
    Quite boring mostly. Drake likes these atmospheric beats, but he doesn't have the songwriting skill to make them work. His lyricism is at times interesting.
  39. Tach
    Sep 11, 2021
    0
    Certified mid boy, drake dropped the worst album of the year.

    Ye literally won by a mile
  40. destinyfan1
    Sep 4, 2021
    4
    was every song copy pasted ? lmao that is what it feels like.But im not giving a 0 just for the trolls.Some tracks were good but at the time you came to those tracks you already fell as sleep.The best tracks is were drake was serious and not his playboy style.
  41. CorixAsk
    Sep 10, 2021
    0
    This album is as original as their cover pretty disappointing after all the hype
  42. freshie
    Sep 7, 2021
    3
    Drake sounds like he has nothing to prove on CLB - in a bad way. CLB is filled with nostalgic callbacks to soundscapes that defined prior projects in Drake's discography. However, the songs fail to stack up pound-for-pound in terms of quality, compared to his earlier LP's that brought prominence to Toronto's most commercially successful rap export. CLB is prolonged in length with too manyDrake sounds like he has nothing to prove on CLB - in a bad way. CLB is filled with nostalgic callbacks to soundscapes that defined prior projects in Drake's discography. However, the songs fail to stack up pound-for-pound in terms of quality, compared to his earlier LP's that brought prominence to Toronto's most commercially successful rap export. CLB is prolonged in length with too many fillers and too many songs that are carried by features that outshine Drake. The project lacks artistic progression, innovation, and fails to add another layer to Drake's portfolio. It also lacks innovation and lyrical potency - leaving the project soulless and yearning for any form of significance beyond an unnecessary, irrelevant, and soon to be forgotten battle between a project released a week earlier.… Expand
  43. OuterThought
    Sep 3, 2021
    5
    Few good songs on this album I mean the premise and the theme is there and it's good just the executions seem redundant and the same. Pretty sure Drake is just not even trying anymore and has run out of ideas (Way 2 Sexy Song ... really). I am not sure how his loyal fans are letting him get away with half the songs on this album and the lyrics (Girls Want Girls -say that you a lesbian,Few good songs on this album I mean the premise and the theme is there and it's good just the executions seem redundant and the same. Pretty sure Drake is just not even trying anymore and has run out of ideas (Way 2 Sexy Song ... really). I am not sure how his loyal fans are letting him get away with half the songs on this album and the lyrics (Girls Want Girls -say that you a lesbian, girl, me too) are we really letting this man get away with some of the laziest cringe lyrics? This album pretty much confirmed to me that Drake lost his hunger and passion and isn't even trying anymore. He can definitely do better than this I don't understand how people are defending this album… Expand
  44. Elliottheeskimo
    Sep 5, 2021
    0
    Nope
    Nope Nope
    This is one of the safest blandest and most boring records I've heard in a minute
  45. BladeLover2049
    Oct 22, 2022
    0
    Just listen the album, no more explication (but i prefer to not hear it). Drake should take a little bit more serious his legacy, rather than make money, at least one time
  46. MusicGuyMack
    Sep 7, 2021
    6
    Admittedly superior to another recent major rap release and an improvement over his last full-length effort (though only slightly so in both cases), "Certified Lover Boy" unfortunately largely finds Drake continuing to spin his wheels artistically despite a handful of standout moments, with patchy production and increasingly weak, sloppy flows sounding plain lazy stretched out across theAdmittedly superior to another recent major rap release and an improvement over his last full-length effort (though only slightly so in both cases), "Certified Lover Boy" unfortunately largely finds Drake continuing to spin his wheels artistically despite a handful of standout moments, with patchy production and increasingly weak, sloppy flows sounding plain lazy stretched out across the record's bloated runtime.… Expand
  47. LopezL27
    Sep 5, 2021
    0
    Same old formulas that Drake has been using for a while. Feels void of inspiration or an artistic vision.
  48. Leo1
    Sep 6, 2021
    0
    in the words of Drake's
    "IM UPSET"
    disappointed is not even begins to describe how i feel about this Drop.
    CLB makes Scorpion sounds like album of the Decade
    WTF happened
  49. ryandecarlo
    Sep 7, 2021
    3
    Repetitive, mundane and underwhelming. There are a few solid songs and the production on them is good. Some clever lyrics too but...Sadly, this was very disappointing.
  50. Rapfan123
    Sep 5, 2021
    2
    Literally just scorpion minus the bangers Unbearably corny writing makes drake look like a fool more often than not.
  51. MARTINCARDENAS
    Nov 3, 2021
    5
    "Certified Lover Boy" is an album that does not offer much in relation to his previous works, rather it is similar to them. I will always say that "Views", "More Life" & "Scorpion" are and will be his best albums, obviously without detracting from his other works because in one way or another it is Drake's work and everything is good, but there is one better than another.
  52. brocktarogar
    Sep 5, 2021
    4
    Uninspired. I couldn't help but notice some of his most zealot-minded stans gave it a perfect score. Think about zwhy they would do that. How disingenuous.
  53. SeaMeister
    Sep 8, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great for when you can't fall asleep at night. Boring, uninspired, clearly just a cash grab off the donda vs clb hype… Expand
  54. PersonaTime
    Sep 3, 2021
    5
    I guess he's foreshadowing his master plan of impregnating at least 12 nationalities. Hypergamy is a thing, and he can find 12 women who would share him. That's not impossible at all given his status. That's the kind of world we live in.
  55. IchBinPain
    Sep 19, 2021
    1
    Super disappointing - boring, nothing new, no progression. The production is ok, the lyricism was lazy.
  56. Dannyboy045
    Sep 7, 2021
    3
    After listening to this album 20+ times it's confirmed it's just not hitting for me. One or Two tracks grew on me but for the most part it's just missing that "it factor" that all other Drake albums had. imaginatively… Drake flopped. There’s no inspiration on that album. Just an ego-boosted flex of what he did and who said what to him..newsflash nobody really cares about his repetitiveAfter listening to this album 20+ times it's confirmed it's just not hitting for me. One or Two tracks grew on me but for the most part it's just missing that "it factor" that all other Drake albums had. imaginatively… Drake flopped. There’s no inspiration on that album. Just an ego-boosted flex of what he did and who said what to him..newsflash nobody really cares about his repetitive bars, unnecessary tracklist. It’s not good. Numbers don’t equal great music. This has been the same Drake for 8 years and just feels like we've been cheated and scammed with the lack of effort.… Expand
  57. nicholsr2528
    Sep 4, 2021
    4
    Makes me sleepy. Surprised there isn’t a single banger on this. Non-“album” drake is so good. Yet when it’s album time he puts out underwhelming stuff. Can’t emotionally connect with this album at all.
  58. Mobina1
    Sep 10, 2021
    6
    Well, I expected more. I just hated the production the lyrics were OK. And I loved his flow
  59. Tron28x
    Sep 4, 2021
    0
    Total garbage, drake is a talentless turd! I could slice together a recording of my own farts in the morning and it'd be better listening than this piece of crap album.
  60. Hscoa
    Jun 27, 2022
    5
    Not the worst album, there is some absolute HEAT all across this album, but the best songs are the shortest songs, and the boring ones like 'In the Bible' are overly long and boring. Best songs are TSU, No Friends in the Industry, and Knife Talk.
  61. Lamboguy188
    Sep 5, 2021
    2
    Personally this album was trash compared to Donda, Donda was over hyped and was as good as I hope but this was a dumpster fire the raping was crap. He can’t rap all songs we’re bad except IMY2 that was pretty good but the rest
  62. colferslut
    Sep 5, 2021
    0
    nem escutei e ja sei que é uma porcaria! stream plastic hearts by miley cyrus.
  63. giovelliflowers
    Sep 5, 2021
    4
    Massante e repetitivo. Drake não se reinventa e não formenta em nada a cultura com este álbum comercial e sonolento. Mas pelos samples de ótima qualidade merece um 40.
  64. DylanR723
    Sep 19, 2021
    2
    It’s hard to enjoy an album even the artist clearly doesn’t enjoy. Drake sounds so bored and tired the whole album. This is by far one of his laziest bodies of work yet. Most of the features are half-assed, and most of the production is lazy and identical throughout the entire project. And it’s hard to enjoy an album that has someone whining and complaining about the same stuff the entireIt’s hard to enjoy an album even the artist clearly doesn’t enjoy. Drake sounds so bored and tired the whole album. This is by far one of his laziest bodies of work yet. Most of the features are half-assed, and most of the production is lazy and identical throughout the entire project. And it’s hard to enjoy an album that has someone whining and complaining about the same stuff the entire 1hr and a half run time. There are very few good/decent songs, one of them being a song Drake isn’t even on—thankfully. Save yourself from falling asleep in boredom. Save yourself from wasting your time, and don’t listen to this half-assed, lazy, sloppy garbage.… Expand
  65. ChunkDump
    Sep 7, 2021
    5
    i hate the damn album cover. the beef between Drake and Kanye really shows in these albums. CLB! "Papis Home", Pipe Down" and "7am On Bridle Path" were the stand outs for me. everything else felt off. his heart and soul wasnt in this album, almost as if he rushed it or second guessed himself. please go back to 2011 drake. this aint it chief
  66. cesardios
    Sep 3, 2021
    6
    Nothing that kept me interested or looking forward to the next track. Despite it being shorter than Donda (and the comparison has to be drawn because it's everywhere at the moment) it feels like it were quite the opposite. On its own, it's a decent album full of decent songs that I could listen to as background noise while I'm working or studying, but nothing more
  67. benjamingold
    Sep 8, 2021
    10
    Great production, sample selection, and melodies. Has good mix of hype songs like 7am on bridle path and RnB songs like Race my Mind. It's what I want out of a Drake album.
  68. gibson2488
    Sep 7, 2021
    5
    Though the album has a few bangers here and there. At least half of the album consists of bland songs with boring delivery and/or lyrics.
  69. Sidthemoviebuff
    Sep 5, 2021
    6
    Nothing we have never heard before from drake. Has some flat out corny bars but still manages to be enjoyable
  70. dperalta
    Sep 5, 2021
    2
    Soooo boring. This isn’t the Drake we all know, specially since the album was pushed back many times.
  71. RillGama23
    Sep 5, 2021
    0
    Não há nada de novo nesse álbum. É cansativo e doloroso auvi-lo até o fim. Esperava bem mais do Drake
  72. Pighunter22
    Sep 5, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don’t get the hype whatsoever? This sounds like any of his last 3 efforts and y’all continue to support him? There’s no growth, versatility..and it’s not even that good.… Expand
  73. MetacriticOnur
    Apr 1, 2022
    6
    admirable
    [ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

    adjective
    worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.
  74. amiru1isme
    Sep 10, 2021
    4
    Certified Lover Boy feels like riding a circus ride rather than riding a rollercoaster. Featured tracks like Yebba's Heartbreak stand on it's own but fulfills the theme that Drake was going for, including other features like Rick Ross and Lil Wayne definitely improves the overall project (which personally could've been done a lot better).
  75. Gladiator5
    Sep 5, 2021
    0
    I have never fallen asleep listening to something in my life but I guess there's a first for everything
  76. Gjjd
    Sep 4, 2021
    0
    **** pop album Donda sucked but after hearing CLB I find Donda a musical masterpiece
  77. Medgar44
    Oct 13, 2021
    4
    Huge disappointment from a long term fan. For me, drake hasn’t missed on a single album since Take Care, which is a substantial amount of work. CLB feels gimmicky and mediocre, huge regression for the boy. Is that what we should expect now that he’s independent? Would hate to think his past albums are more of a reflection of his label than him as an artist. None of the “greats” can seem toHuge disappointment from a long term fan. For me, drake hasn’t missed on a single album since Take Care, which is a substantial amount of work. CLB feels gimmicky and mediocre, huge regression for the boy. Is that what we should expect now that he’s independent? Would hate to think his past albums are more of a reflection of his label than him as an artist. None of the “greats” can seem to get it right these days.… Expand
  78. TriVi
    Sep 4, 2021
    0
    Literally sounds like his last three albums. Don't go into this expecting anything new. DJ Akademiks falling asleep on live while listening to it is evidence enough, the whole album was boring. Worst Drake album of all time
  79. BuildingMusic70
    Sep 7, 2021
    4
    In my opinion, this is probably Drake's most disappointing album yet. The first issue with this album is the cover art, designed by one of the best cover producers around, it is fairly uncomfortable to see that it is only emojis of pregnant women, and it looks rushed. Secondly, I had to point out the high use of autotune in some singles. Songs such as TSU, F****** Fans, and Girls WantIn my opinion, this is probably Drake's most disappointing album yet. The first issue with this album is the cover art, designed by one of the best cover producers around, it is fairly uncomfortable to see that it is only emojis of pregnant women, and it looks rushed. Secondly, I had to point out the high use of autotune in some singles. Songs such as TSU, F****** Fans, and Girls Want Girls with Lil Baby, all contain an exceedingly high amount of autotune and vocoders, something Drake has never done this much. lastly, I want to address that this album took 9 months to release. 9 months? The original reason why it was postponed was because Drake had an injury. Compare that to other rappers, such as Pop Smoke, who is dead, had 2 albums out in the last 18 months, each with over 15 songs. Don't get me wrong, some songs are enjoyable to hear. Songs such as Fair Trade and IMY2 can be enjoyable to hear every so often. In my opinion, this is a weak effort from Drake, and I think this album isn't up to top notch for such a lyrically strong artist.

    4/10    … Expand
  80. asdf123k
    Sep 18, 2021
    4
    I mean... it's not terrible. It has it's highlights, such as Fair Trade, which I loved, and Love All, which Jay-Z rocked the feature on. But there's also tracks like Way 2 Sexy, a terrible conglomeration of all the rap stereotypes, and Girls want Girls, which literally sounds like a parody of a drake song. The rest of the songs sound normal. It's disappointing, but not what you wouldn'tI mean... it's not terrible. It has it's highlights, such as Fair Trade, which I loved, and Love All, which Jay-Z rocked the feature on. But there's also tracks like Way 2 Sexy, a terrible conglomeration of all the rap stereotypes, and Girls want Girls, which literally sounds like a parody of a drake song. The rest of the songs sound normal. It's disappointing, but not what you wouldn't expect for someone like drake, who has been doing the same thing since Views.… Expand
  81. CayoPerico
    Sep 3, 2021
    10
    A perfect mixture of hard hits and slow bangers, Drake did well with this one.
  82. Painhowest
    Sep 7, 2021
    0
    Músicas ruins e genéricas como só ele sabe fazer não entendo como a crítica conseguiu avaliar essa bomba radioativa com um verdinho, mas pra falar a verdade eu imagino que o Drake tenha passado o cheque assim como tudo que envolve a música dele tem dinheiro por trás pq só assim ele consegue ter sucesso e algo pra se orgulhar que são os Charts e não entendi o auê todo com o donda pq no cblMúsicas ruins e genéricas como só ele sabe fazer não entendo como a crítica conseguiu avaliar essa bomba radioativa com um verdinho, mas pra falar a verdade eu imagino que o Drake tenha passado o cheque assim como tudo que envolve a música dele tem dinheiro por trás pq só assim ele consegue ter sucesso e algo pra se orgulhar que são os Charts e não entendi o auê todo com o donda pq no cbl também tem um estuprador condenado creditado em uma das músicas e ninguém fez esse auê todo como foi com o donda, vcs querem muito é uma pika no cu de vcs com essa seletividade toda e por fim vou pontuar um oldy: Donda é melhor e maior que qualquer coisa que o Drake tenha ousado em fazer na indústria musical, bjs da painho.… Expand
  83. Nikohunt
    Sep 4, 2021
    3
    Same soft signing drake nothing special here there’s a couple of songs drake stays in his lane this album you would forget in a week
  84. bas29
    Sep 5, 2021
    1
    gave it a second listen this morning and its even worst , theres only one very good song, Fair trade, but one of his worst work so far. Hes been so focus on the beef with Yé that he forgot to actually put any effort towars the album
  85. shawnvillainy
    Sep 7, 2021
    0
    DONDA>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    DONDA BETTER

    DRAKE WASHED

    DJ AKADEMIKS A D***RIDER
  86. Jorge_J
    Sep 5, 2021
    3
    Boring… I’m sure it will chart well and score a couple of hits but it’s a tired formula. Not a lot pushing Drake’s music forward. If you’ve heard Drake joints in the last few years you won’t find anything new in this album
  87. BigDJohnWick
    Sep 22, 2021
    3
    Drake's rapping doesn't land on this one, the bar "say that you a lesbian, yeah me too" just summarizes Drake in this album, super lackluster, production is boring and uninventful, the only good thing about the album is that some choruses are TikTok worthy, but the rest is bland and terrible.
  88. joyrd23
    Sep 4, 2021
    3
    Terrible album, it's the same thing drake has been pushing out for 6 years, how do people genuinely listen to this and say yeah this is it

    Only 2-3 good tracks which are carried by the production rather than substance.
  89. yaseenh
    Sep 4, 2021
    1
    Very mediocre and dissapointing.
    I thought Drake would do better than this.
  90. Merciless7231
    Sep 4, 2021
    5
    The album is mid.

    Tracks 6, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 18 are good. Most of the others are average.

    No real new flows, same old Drake, another playlist without a cohesive theme.
  91. tovlah
    Sep 4, 2021
    3
    Drake stuck in his comfort zone... CLB sounds like a 3rd disc from Scorpion, which already sounded like a 2nd disc from Views. Evolution is necessary for an artist like Drake, who is at a crossroads at this point. Either he heads in a new direction sonically and thematically, or he will become a parody of himself. All in all, CLB is a bad album, which at a first listen, sounds like youDrake stuck in his comfort zone... CLB sounds like a 3rd disc from Scorpion, which already sounded like a 2nd disc from Views. Evolution is necessary for an artist like Drake, who is at a crossroads at this point. Either he heads in a new direction sonically and thematically, or he will become a parody of himself. All in all, CLB is a bad album, which at a first listen, sounds like you heard it all before. Shame...… Expand
  92. Pedrozanin
    Sep 4, 2021
    0
    Sexto álbum da carreira e não inovou em absolutamente nada. As músicas do álbum não fluem uma com as outras, parece mais uma playlist. Merece 0 porque não tem como dar nota negativa
  93. ricmusic
    Sep 6, 2021
    1
    Champagne Poetry starts off as a spectacular intro, but after some eyebrow raising lyrics, stale production and whack bars, Certified Lover Boy does not meet my expectations. IYRTITL was the last time I actually enjoyed a Drake album, I hope he changes his style a bit for the next album. Disappointing.
  94. OhioBlu
    Sep 7, 2021
    1
    Fair Trade is legitimately the only good song on this album. One of the only tracks where Drake actually seems like he’s putting in some effort. Remainder of the tracks had a bad or boring beat, features dramatically outshined a disinterested Drake, or both. Dude knows he could put out an album with no sound on it and it would get streams. Honestly, why try when that’s the case? Do youFair Trade is legitimately the only good song on this album. One of the only tracks where Drake actually seems like he’s putting in some effort. Remainder of the tracks had a bad or boring beat, features dramatically outshined a disinterested Drake, or both. Dude knows he could put out an album with no sound on it and it would get streams. Honestly, why try when that’s the case? Do you blame him? 1 star because Fair Trade is actually a top Drake song IMO.… Expand
  95. GoBlinn
    Sep 9, 2021
    5
    zafan unos temas, drake se cae en la mitad de las canciones y lo carrean los ft.
  96. raverdanny
    Sep 3, 2021
    2
    Lazy, terrible tracks and even worst lyrics. The jay z featured track was good but I couldn’t add it to my playlist due to how bad drake was on it.

    Best tracks for me out of the lot:
    TSU
    7am on Bridle Path
    IMY2

    Every good thing must come to an end I guess. Drake is no longer the bar for good music
  97. sappytree
    Sep 6, 2021
    6
    The track featuring Future & Young Thug is diabolical. If they'd abolished that tune I would've rated the album a 7.

    Drake doesn't take risks. The production is "classic" Drake, there's nothing that stands out as pushing any boundaries. Overall it's an easy listen and something I'd enjoy while driving or at a party, but this definitely doesn't sound like an album that took 3 years to    The track featuring Future & Young Thug is diabolical. If they'd abolished that tune I would've rated the album a 7.

    Drake doesn't take risks. The production is "classic" Drake, there's nothing that stands out as pushing any boundaries. Overall it's an easy listen and something I'd enjoy while driving or at a party, but this definitely doesn't sound like an album that took 3 years to make.

    Yebba's feature was beautiful.    … Expand
  98. Wanesta
    Dec 28, 2021
    0
    Drake's ego sadly got the best of him on Certified Lover Boy. Where to begin - shall we discuss the lazy overused and dull production, the cringe and teeth grinding lyrics, the horrible and terrible samples, or the simple fact that it's not only Drake's worst album but one of the worst rap albums ever recorded. Clocking at a horrific 86 minutes, we are zooming out into obscurity whileDrake's ego sadly got the best of him on Certified Lover Boy. Where to begin - shall we discuss the lazy overused and dull production, the cringe and teeth grinding lyrics, the horrible and terrible samples, or the simple fact that it's not only Drake's worst album but one of the worst rap albums ever recorded. Clocking at a horrific 86 minutes, we are zooming out into obscurity while trying our hardest to enjoy the dump we are listening to. Out of 21 stinkers, only 2 tracks keep our attention, a laughable ratio. Do we even need to mention the album cover?… Expand
  99. Josefernandes
    Sep 18, 2021
    4
    A dissapointement of a album, drake does not evolve he is afraid of the mistake
  100. Flespo
    Sep 5, 2021
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really was excited for this album. I thought Drake would change up his material after the bloated and uninteresting Scorpion. I believed these for two reasons: One was the album trailer that announced a January 2021 release (that didn't happen). The trailer really hyped me up. Seeing Drake cover the album covers of Take Care and Nothing Was The Same made me think that maybe, just maybe, he would revamp his style and return to the quality and consistency of the aforementioned albums. Second was the postponing of the release. It also made me assume that the 8 more months Drake needed to release this was not only because of his ACL injury but also for improvements. Now we're here in 2021 and I believe this album is probably one of the most disappointing releases of the year.

    Drake announced that his next album after Scorpion would be shorter and more concise but this album is literally almost the same length, being 21 tracks and 86 minutes long. On the album, Drake makes me feel like he wasn't really trying too hard with his verses. Sure, some features are great like Jay Z on Love All, Travis Scott in Fair Trade, Yebba in Yebba's Heartbeak, Lil Wayne on You Only Live Twice and Kid Cudi on IMY2. But this these are barely anything in CLB's 21 tracks. Sure, the aforementioned tracks, first two tracks and No Friends In The Industry are pretty great songs but that's literally it. One track that literally wraps up the entire issue with this 86 minute mess is the song Girls Want Girls with Lil Baby. Instrumentally, the song's beat isn't really special, Lil Baby's verse is not that interesting yet he heavily outweighs drake in his verse, in Drake's own song. This especially shows when Drake gives his world famous line: Said that you a lesbian, yeah you too. For the rest of the album, most of of the instrumentals are pretty decent though not too adventurous, again, features outweigh Drake and the album itself is too unadventurous that by the tenth track, you're already in the verge of sleeping. Certified Lover Boy is a mess. it's unadventurous and it even feels more bloated than Kanye West's Donda despite being vastly shorter. But I'm sure Drake stans are gonna love this album so hey, if you are one, more power to you. 4/10.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. RapReviews.com
    Oct 19, 2021
    45
    It’s beige, hollow music and that’s what ultimately frustrates your dedicated rap listener because it doesn’t make sense why it’s so damn popular. When you throw the poor writing on top of this, and some real hit-and-miss production into the mix, “Certified Lover Boy” may well be Drake’s worst album.
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  2. Slant Magazine
    Sep 13, 2021
    40
    Drake comes across as an artist who’s bought into his mythos and persona a bit too ardently. ... The production on Certified Lover Boy is svelte yet airless, filled with lots of solemn piano lines and muted snares but absent of big flourishes or attempts at pop crossover. It’s an approach that’s likely aiming for tasteful restraint, but the effect is languid and rather directionless.
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  3. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 13, 2021
    40
    Things start promisingly with the undulating Champagne Poetry dextrously reflecting on loneliness (“career is going great, but now the rest of me is fading slowly”), while Papi’s Home recalls early Kanye, of all people, with its sped-up samples and laid-back flow. Later, however, that playfulness calcifies into headline-grabbing stunts. ... This is an album destined to be filleted for various #mood playlists, anchored only by its creator’s untouchable fame.
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