Nothing Was the Same
by Drake
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Sep 24, 2013
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 558 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 444 out of 558
  2. Mixed: 57 out of 558
  3. Negative: 57 out of 558
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  1. clem666
    Jun 20, 2021
    8
    The very first Drake album I listened to in its entirety and as a whole back in the days. So undeniably this review doesn't even pretend to be objective. Feels so nostalgic now. Today it still remains my favorite one of his entire discography because it contains some songs that clearly made me grow and dream.

    Unfortunately considering 'Nothing Was the Same' as a whole project requires    The very first Drake album I listened to in its entirety and as a whole back in the days. So undeniably this review doesn't even pretend to be objective. Feels so nostalgic now. Today it still remains my favorite one of his entire discography because it contains some songs that clearly made me grow and dream.

    Unfortunately considering 'Nothing Was the Same' as a whole project requires to consider all tracks, and sadly some are far from being even decent. While braggadocious tracks as 'Worst Behaviour', 'The Language' and 'Started from the Bottom' were here as single leaders and to showcase the album, the rest feels and sounds miles away from the overall mentality of the record. 'Tuscan Leather', 'Furthest Thing', 'Too Much' and 'From Time' appear to be the most beautiful and deepest songs of the album. Drake sounds more confident than ever, he sounds clear, even wise sometimes despite his numerous childish and adolescent phases making him validate muddy and wobbly lyrics.

    The production is amazing: it is spacious, eclectic, surprising and deep. The featured artists' performances (Sampha, Jhené Aiko, Majid Jordan, Jay-Z) are particularly noticable and create an agreeable mix with Drake's team work. When he takes his time to deliver decent lyrics it suddenly becomes more compelling than ever. If you manage to get over Drake's sabotage of some laughable tracks and give this project its chance there is much to bet that you will feel the incredible vibe 'Nothing Was the Same' has to offer. According to me Drake had the opportunity to reach the 10 out of 10 without all these (surprisingly popular) fillers. I want this 9/10 to reflect how creative and authentic this artist can be if he just follows the right path and reasonable advice around him.    … Expand
  2. adhamhany
    Oct 3, 2013
    7
    Good album. Some tracks in there are really great But overall, it doesn't rise to the same level of his previous work. His flow is still as nearly impeccable as it was, and his singing is good well. It's just that in terms of lyrics and beats, it felt like more of the same.
  3. fifi3
    Jan 16, 2020
    7
    This is an album of magnificent high points and some brutal low points. The former outweighs the latter, though, as Drake has a timeless collection of songs in here such as Tuscan Leather, Furthest Thing and Too Much. It's soulful, eclectic and versatile, and really good music; even if it falls apart towards the back end.
  4. Hendo250
    Apr 6, 2021
    7
    this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7
  5. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    good album............................................................................................................................................................
  6. Connorcox1997
    Mar 6, 2019
    10
    For the haters who think Drake is lame, shame on you. Back in 2013 Drake's third Album, Nothing Was the Same is a great album. Drake continues to improve his bars and his flow even better. The Beats are straight up on fire, and the production is dope. I love the songs from the album. There are dope songs on the album that I enjoyed, like "Started from the Bottom," "Wu-Tang Forever," "TheFor the haters who think Drake is lame, shame on you. Back in 2013 Drake's third Album, Nothing Was the Same is a great album. Drake continues to improve his bars and his flow even better. The Beats are straight up on fire, and the production is dope. I love the songs from the album. There are dope songs on the album that I enjoyed, like "Started from the Bottom," "Wu-Tang Forever," "The Language," and his most popular song 'All Me ft 2 Chainz and Big Sean. And his sad songs like "From Time ft Jhene Aiko," and the last song on the album "Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2 ft Jay Z." But my favorite song on the album and my favorite from Drake has got to be "Hold On, We're Going Home ft Majid Jordan" I like the beat on the song, it definitely sounds catchy, and it remains as one of Drake's best songs of his career. Nothing Was the Same is a great album, and like his last album, this album is a must listen. I Highly recommend it. 10/10… Expand
  7. lisiak
    Jan 6, 2016
    7
    'Nothing Was the Same' is nice album by Drake. Drizzy why didn't you get '5am in Toronto' here?! Favourite tracks; 'Worst Behavior', 'Stared from the buttom'. 7/10
  8. freshie
    Jan 9, 2018
    10
    Drake's Magnum Opus. Drake shines at full strength on Nothing was the Same.
  9. DrewBrauer
    Oct 14, 2013
    7
    Drake for some people has been called a rapper who's not a rapper for certain reasons. Here on "Nothing Was the Same" he's out to prove that he can work with some of the biggest names in the Hip-Hop industry. And while Drake's latest release has some interesting styles, overall I was disappointed and was expecting more, but fans of Drake will no doubt enjoy "Nothing Was the Same". TheDrake for some people has been called a rapper who's not a rapper for certain reasons. Here on "Nothing Was the Same" he's out to prove that he can work with some of the biggest names in the Hip-Hop industry. And while Drake's latest release has some interesting styles, overall I was disappointed and was expecting more, but fans of Drake will no doubt enjoy "Nothing Was the Same". The problem is the overall story, it feels like it's going nowhere, and feels very repetitive towards the middle of the album. The storytelling just seems lost, and Drake doesn't really know what kind of story he wants to tell here, is it an inside look on fame and fortune, or just an album to prove that Drake can rap, it's unclear. Also the album is too long at about sixteen songs it feels like almost every song is a minute or so too long. There are good things here, Drake shines on his slow moving ballads "Hold On, We're Going Home" and "From Time", that show Drake's true colors. The guest appearances are also noteworthy, which include Jay-Z, Jhene Aiko, and Detail, as they land a hand on a couple of songs. And the rhymes, beats, and sounds all sound top-rate (if again repetitive). I was let down by this album and was expecting more, but as a Rap album, it's a solid release for fans of Drake.… Expand
  10. swagkonyjohnson
    Feb 24, 2015
    8
    Overall I enjoyed listening to this album. It's not quite at the same level lyrically as Take Care but the beats and production of this album are his best; he keeps featured artists to a minimum and doesn't feature any Young Money artists, which I enjoyed; he adopts a style and flow that shows that he is slowly drifting away from Lil Wayne and "Young Money-type" music
  11. camilosanchez16
    Dec 17, 2014
    8
    Sin duda es de las pequeñas piezas que se destacan del 2013, con un rap limpio y una propuesta interesante para lo que puede deparar en el mundo del hip hop del futuro.
  12. PRTYNTGRVS
    Oct 23, 2013
    7
    Drake shows that he can be a very respectable musician; however, there are tracks on this project that prevent the album from being fantastic. Other than Drake's still-persistent reliance on unrealistic love affairs (for the regular people, at least) in songs like "305 To My City," he still has songs about brag gin. Not as much, but he still does it. On "Paris Morton Music," he talks aboutDrake shows that he can be a very respectable musician; however, there are tracks on this project that prevent the album from being fantastic. Other than Drake's still-persistent reliance on unrealistic love affairs (for the regular people, at least) in songs like "305 To My City," he still has songs about brag gin. Not as much, but he still does it. On "Paris Morton Music," he talks about cars and the usual profligate imagery, and the nail in the coffin isn't even Drake...it's Jay-Z. Nobody wants to hear about how rich Jay-Z is anymore, nor do they care about how he says he's wealthy. This plagues his music still, and I'm done with that.

    The Pros outweigh the Cons on this project though, and it just goes to show that Drake can do it. He can be diverse, have good flow, and be interesting. He did on this project...but does he want to do it? I think he does, and he dabbles in the water of reality and honesty on this one. Not bad, Aubrey, not bad at all.

    Follow @PRTYNTGRVS for more music reviews    … Expand
  13. djdenzel777
    Apr 13, 2017
    10
    A very cohesive project that offers a bit of everything. The music is fantastic and interesting. The lyricism is great. The production is top-notch. A must listen to project.
  14. homer4president
    Mar 11, 2015
    8
    Drake has changed the game of hip hop - love him or hate him, he is here forever. The only downside of this album is that the production is just a little weak. Other than that, it is a very good album.
  15. Punfisito
    Oct 26, 2022
    9
    El mejor disco de Drake, canciones muy variadas, sonido muy original y un proyecto muy creativo.
  16. erujabidi
    Apr 8, 2020
    10
    this album is extremely underrated on here. if not take care, this is easily drakes most impressive project with some of his largest hits and i love this project forever
  17. emlugo123
    Mar 10, 2015
    8
    Great album! Drake brings back the passion from when he first started. Tracks are banging! Other rappers should take note on how an album should sound.
  18. 4rr4nW3th3rh111
    Aug 19, 2023
    7
    A good Drake album. Has definitely aged compared to modern Drake but has held its own. Like a lot of his albums, this one starts very strong with songs like "Tuscan Leather" and "Wu-Tang forever" but falls off heavily after track 8.
    Best song on the album "Wu-Tang Forever"
  19. lilgnzlo
    Sep 26, 2013
    10
    I don't know if this is Drake best album or not, but is the best album of the year by far....

    I put a 9 in all songs, exept Own it, Worst behavior, Connect and 305 To My City who has 8's and 7's, it's so difficult to find a rap album to have all songs good, the last time i see something like that was good kid ma.a.a.d city, but i think this is better......
  20. Ryanlap
    Nov 3, 2013
    10
    Finally. Drake congrats on having the best rap album of the year. Drake is an artist I've always liked because he's clever. But this album is just great. This is drakes best album of the year. And this is one of the best of the year. This is an competitive year for rap. Macklemores the heist, Kanyes Yeezus, and we have the upcoming second part of Eminems Marshall mathers. And I thinkFinally. Drake congrats on having the best rap album of the year. Drake is an artist I've always liked because he's clever. But this album is just great. This is drakes best album of the year. And this is one of the best of the year. This is an competitive year for rap. Macklemores the heist, Kanyes Yeezus, and we have the upcoming second part of Eminems Marshall mathers. And I think nothing was the same is worthy to be the best rap album of the year for the Grammys. I think it deserves all the hype. With the first song Tuscan leather to the aggressive started from the bottom. To the fancy hold on we're going home. Every song has a meaning to them.… Expand
  21. mueybuey69
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    a huge project from drake- his personal favorite. not in gargantuan size, but one to resonate with us for decades on decades. nothing will ever be the same.
  22. therealmohamed_
    Nov 19, 2013
    8
    Great album artistically. Drake's rapping isn't as good as it was in Thank me Later his best project rapping wise), but his singing is at his best since so far gone. The only thing I was disappointed in with this album were the weak singles. All me was a fairly good single, but started from the bottom and hold on were going home are downright awful. Compared to great rapping singles likeGreat album artistically. Drake's rapping isn't as good as it was in Thank me Later his best project rapping wise), but his singing is at his best since so far gone. The only thing I was disappointed in with this album were the weak singles. All me was a fairly good single, but started from the bottom and hold on were going home are downright awful. Compared to great rapping singles like over and headlines, started from the bottom is pure trash. Great album but the singles were not good.… Expand
  23. Average
    Dec 1, 2013
    8
    Drake brought a lot to the table with "Nothing Was The Same". Though I still think "Take Care" was better, NWTS is almost as good as "Take Care". Drake's delivery improved with songs like "Worst Behavior", "305 To My City", & "The Language". Songs like "Connect" & "305 To My City" makes you think twice about Drake's ability to make great music within the R&B and Hip-Hop genre. I may not beDrake brought a lot to the table with "Nothing Was The Same". Though I still think "Take Care" was better, NWTS is almost as good as "Take Care". Drake's delivery improved with songs like "Worst Behavior", "305 To My City", & "The Language". Songs like "Connect" & "305 To My City" makes you think twice about Drake's ability to make great music within the R&B and Hip-Hop genre. I may not be the biggest Drake fan, but he makes good enough music to make me appreciate his talent.… Expand
  24. rafingal23
    Aug 26, 2014
    8
    From the catchy freestyling lyrics of the intro 'Tuscan Leather' to the crowning glory moment of the outro 'Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2', the album lived up to expectations. Drake keeps getting better and better with his music and has cemented his place as a top rapper of today
  25. alexanderab
    Oct 3, 2013
    9
    Drake brings another excellent album to the table with Nothing Was The Same, his third full-length album. It's hard to believe it was only four years ago since "Best I Ever Had" became his breakout hit, and a lot has changed since then. On "Nothing Was The Same," he takes an introspective approach that wins. "Started From The Bottom," the gritty lead single that made the top 10 on the HotDrake brings another excellent album to the table with Nothing Was The Same, his third full-length album. It's hard to believe it was only four years ago since "Best I Ever Had" became his breakout hit, and a lot has changed since then. On "Nothing Was The Same," he takes an introspective approach that wins. "Started From The Bottom," the gritty lead single that made the top 10 on the Hot 100, would have been a good introduction but instead is the third track. It's the shortest song on the album.

    BEST Song: "Hold On, We're Going Home" f/Majid Jordan- This synthpop groove with immaculate production has made the top 5 of the Hot 100 and with its instantly catchy meoldy it will hook listeners right off the bat.

    WORST Song: "Furthest Thing"- On this track, Drake's rapping doesn't go along with the beat. The beat is pretty fast but Drake takes time with his words and the end result is a jumble of sound.

    Highlights: "Started From The Bottom," "Hold On, We're Going Home," "Wu-Tang Forever," "All Me"    … Expand
  26. najlepsza
    Nov 1, 2013
    8
    Romantic BOY but at his adversity also devotee of women What more can I say? This album is very good, Drake sways in the vapours of absurd, but he is doing it with style. As I am big fan of connection art with music, I must appreciate the cover of album I think that this is direction of progress which artist should have take to their hearts. NOTICIFACTION :D I would advice him to add moreRomantic BOY but at his adversity also devotee of women What more can I say? This album is very good, Drake sways in the vapours of absurd, but he is doing it with style. As I am big fan of connection art with music, I must appreciate the cover of album I think that this is direction of progress which artist should have take to their hearts. NOTICIFACTION :D I would advice him to add more and more singing parts to his music. It really works.… Expand
  27. ZachKendall
    Sep 8, 2015
    10
    Nothing Was The Same is a continuation of the story of Drake. The rapper that has taken over the mainstream since his mixtape So Far Gone was released in 2009. The most impressive thing about this album is Drake’s ability to blend Rap with RnB so effortlessly. By doing this he almost creates a whole new genre of music.
  28. bryanbranly
    Apr 21, 2022
    10
    Nothing Was The Same showcases Drake at his most concise, hungry, and confident promising to go down as one of the greatest rap moments of the century
  29. kid247
    Sep 24, 2013
    9
    Drake's paints a vivid landscape in his 3rd and most defined studio offering. While Take Care was a commercial masterpiece NWTS is a sonic masterpiece. The album plays more like a Nicolas Winding Refn movie then a rap CD... there are no true winners nor losers here. No good guys or bad guys. Even when he brags he almost checks himself at the same time. I've only listened to it from topDrake's paints a vivid landscape in his 3rd and most defined studio offering. While Take Care was a commercial masterpiece NWTS is a sonic masterpiece. The album plays more like a Nicolas Winding Refn movie then a rap CD... there are no true winners nor losers here. No good guys or bad guys. Even when he brags he almost checks himself at the same time. I've only listened to it from top to bottom once but I already know this will be this genre's Pet Sounds. It's complexity aside from the syrupy fantastic Hold On We're Going Home is almost too much to ingest in one sitting. This will be playing in my car, iPhone and computer all fall and winter I'm sure.
    As for one negative reviewer claims this is 13 yr old girl music...I really don't see how a 13 yr old can relate to 90% of this record to be honest. It's kinda sad when the only thing some naysayers can come up with is "Wheelchair Jimmie". It's getting old. Time to get over it and move on with your lives.    … Expand
  30. samir634
    Sep 24, 2013
    9
    Drake cements himself as one of rap's greats with this album, the deep woozy production and the songwriting on this is some of his best yet. People still can't take Drake seriously due to his past and that is sad and childish because they are missing out on some of the best music made to day. The album has many interesting samples, a lot of Wu-Tang inspired stuff such as the obviousDrake cements himself as one of rap's greats with this album, the deep woozy production and the songwriting on this is some of his best yet. People still can't take Drake seriously due to his past and that is sad and childish because they are missing out on some of the best music made to day. The album has many interesting samples, a lot of Wu-Tang inspired stuff such as the obvious Wu-Tang forever, and Pound Cake. The song "Furthest Thing" contains one of my favorite interludes with the DJ Screw inspired "smokin drinkin" transition. Too Much is one of Drake's most personal songs and Sampha's hook is impeccable. The song "Worst Behavior" is fantastic, it intends solely to offend the listener, and it accomplishes that well. Overall this album is a masterpiece and one of the best to drop this year.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2013
32
#32 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. The Wire
    Dec 11, 2013
    70
    Drake has certainly mastered the art of making Drake records. [Nov 2013, p.66]
  2. The Source
    Nov 26, 2013
    80
    Nothing Was The Same is straight to the point, and in just over an hour, Drake closes the book on Take Care, yet opens the chapter to a brighter future. [Nov 2013, p.89]
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 14, 2013
    50
    Drizzy’s candid lyrics about battered egos and insecure relationships were refreshing early on in his career, but the persona is wearing thin as he recalls how rich his melancholy has made.
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