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. rahzel
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    One of the best albums I've ever heard, period. Right up there with Take Care, if not surpassing it. Drake has really grown as a lyricist, singer, rapper and just overall artist. Nothing Was The Same is an instant classic.
  2. brettklassen
    Sep 30, 2013
    10
    Drake is more confident than ever on his third album Nothing Was The Same. He uses his junior album to stake his claim as the "King of Hip Hop".
    The softer side of Drake was showcased less than in his previous projects (So Far Gone, Thank Me Later, Take Care), which may be the only weakness if there is one.
  3. 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......
  4. billzhq
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    This album is amazing, feels so different from Take Care, its a very cohesive album and tells like a story much like Take Care did but in a more shorter sense, using different sounds, and having a new atmosphere.
  5. riicky
    Sep 25, 2013
    10
    Incredible album. Drake does it again. Production was amazing. Drake stepped up his bars. Easily the best album this year and will most likely down as a classic.
  6. banguza
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    this album is incredible and the replay value is off the chart. anyone who hates this album is because you hate the artist personally. if have ear for music you'll appreciate the album a lot. The way he blurs the line between r&b and rap is incredible. he definitely gets my vote for album of the year, he is like a great artist of this generation like lauryn hill. the production is amazingthis album is incredible and the replay value is off the chart. anyone who hates this album is because you hate the artist personally. if have ear for music you'll appreciate the album a lot. The way he blurs the line between r&b and rap is incredible. he definitely gets my vote for album of the year, he is like a great artist of this generation like lauryn hill. the production is amazing 40 and bo1da are amazing producer. great album. we 'll see if it's a classic in the coming years.… Expand
  7. MusicLover123
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    One of the best artist in the game!!! This albums beats sound amazing and are so smooth! Love every song in this album! This is a must get its worth it believe me GET IT!!!!!!!!!!!
  8. crespo1991we
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    Drake at its finest, whether you were a fan or not this album would definitively blow you away. The music and lyrics are on point and Drake goes on by himself keeping guest rap verses to the minimum.
  9. Cdunklin1
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    RAOTY. wow.. just incredible album....................................................................................................................!
  10. timmysmall
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    Very good album overall. A whole range of songs touching on Drake's emotions and the production on the album was flawless. Lived up to all expectations I had.
  11. dghatani
    Sep 27, 2013
    10
    No one expected a classic mixtape, but So Far Gone was that and Drake blew up. He got signed to Young Money and in one year he released his debut. Thank Me Later was a very mainstream sounding album and it was criticized for not being as good as So Far Gone. Drake has expressed his dislike for Thank Me Later. Then Drake came out with Take Care, a deep and personal album and arguable hipNo one expected a classic mixtape, but So Far Gone was that and Drake blew up. He got signed to Young Money and in one year he released his debut. Thank Me Later was a very mainstream sounding album and it was criticized for not being as good as So Far Gone. Drake has expressed his dislike for Thank Me Later. Then Drake came out with Take Care, a deep and personal album and arguable hip hop classic. Drake connected with fans and critics on that one, the true successor to So Far Gone. Nothing Was the Same tops anything he has put out yet. Most of the album is not radio-friendly, and what is has already been released as a single. Drake shows his true lyrical capabilities on this album and his flow is unbeatable.

    I don't normally throw around classic, but Drake is a hardworking artist and So Far Gone and Take Care are already classics. They were quality albums, sold well, and changed hip hop for the better. Nothing Was the Same is definitely his best work to date. It may not be classic, but it is damn close to classic.    … Expand
  12. LazyMcGrady
    Sep 26, 2013
    10
    His best album to date. No filler at all. I give this a 10 and Take Care a 9.5. Both are classic imo. He definitely showed his evolution on this album.
  13. waliag
    Oct 8, 2013
    10
    Without a doubt the best Drake album. At first, I can't say that I wasn't a little disappointed, but that had more to do with my expectations then the quality of the album. I, and I think others, want Drake to pass on the singing, and do a full out rap album. After 3 albums though, it's an idea that I was able to finally let go of, and that allowed me to enjoy the album much more.

    Once    Without a doubt the best Drake album. At first, I can't say that I wasn't a little disappointed, but that had more to do with my expectations then the quality of the album. I, and I think others, want Drake to pass on the singing, and do a full out rap album. After 3 albums though, it's an idea that I was able to finally let go of, and that allowed me to enjoy the album much more.

    Once I embraced Drake's mission with this album, I began appreciating the work much more. 40 does a fantastic job on the production, and I'll say that it is the highlight of the album. The beats are consistent and compliment Drake's style brilliantly.

    Drake also does rap more on "NWTS" than on "Take Care" although, they can sometimes be hidden by the more melancholy beats on the album, making the album seem less like a typical hip-hop rap album.
    Overall, a fantastic album that without a doubt benefits from how closely Drake and 40 work together, and how well they compliment each other.    … Expand
  14. Arhodes5
    Sep 29, 2013
    10
    For the record, I usually don't buy albums but I had to purchase this one because I respect Drake for his honesty and how he keeps it 100..The album is great! Not too many artists is on his level. I must admit I like majority of the tracks on the album. Believe me! You will be happy you bought it.
  15. Extra_Official
    Sep 29, 2013
    10
    Not just the best album drake has made, but probably the best album of its genre in the last few years. Every song is beautifully put together and the album overall shines to show perfection. A truly great effort from drizzy, and somehow manages to be a better album than take care. I thought take care was so good that it would have been the peek of drakes career. A true masterpiece andNot just the best album drake has made, but probably the best album of its genre in the last few years. Every song is beautifully put together and the album overall shines to show perfection. A truly great effort from drizzy, and somehow manages to be a better album than take care. I thought take care was so good that it would have been the peek of drakes career. A true masterpiece and hopefully drake takes home another Grammy because he definitely deserves it. 10/10 from me… Expand
  16. PuffNstufF
    Oct 2, 2013
    10
    Not really a first-listen album...not even a second-listen album but once you allow NWTS to seep into your consciousness it engages unlike any other record has in a long time. Very atmospheric & layered once you get over the simplistic notions of some of the tracks. In this sense it almost feels like a illusionist's trick you think you've figured out the album then you listen to it againNot really a first-listen album...not even a second-listen album but once you allow NWTS to seep into your consciousness it engages unlike any other record has in a long time. Very atmospheric & layered once you get over the simplistic notions of some of the tracks. In this sense it almost feels like a illusionist's trick you think you've figured out the album then you listen to it again and it's morphed itself into something else entirely. I won't be able to convince anyone that straight up hates Drake & all that he represents because there's nothing that can alter ignorance but if you are on the fence about NWTS I strongly suggest you put aside any reservations towards the artist & just take in NWTS as a complete piece. You may feel yourself rewarded.… Expand
  17. FreshStart
    Oct 7, 2013
    10
    A truly complex album which gets better upon each listen. I wasn't fully sold on it at first...it didn't grab me like Take Care initially did but I find myself drawn to it more and more now. It has so many layers that each play through opens up new meanings and feelings. Potentially album of the year.
  18. BBossMel
    Oct 11, 2013
    10
    Simply Drake at his best. I don't understand the hate around this guy. Some people really get angry that he is successful and making good music. Lol NWTS is a must buy.
  19. igbe
    Oct 14, 2013
    10
    one of the best album have listen this year, easy listen replay value is great. drake's bars and melody is better than previous albums. the more time you give the more it grows on you
  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. CLK
    Dec 12, 2013
    10
    Amazing song structure, personal lyrics and overall great album. Will help solidify him as a hip hop legend. Needs to stick to concept though.........
  22. Drake4Prez
    Jun 4, 2014
    10
    Read my name! Yeahhhhh. Cuz we started from the bottom now we here, started from the bottom now my whole team here n****. Best album of Drake's by far.
  23. 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.
  24. tebza
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    definitely a classic! you can listen to it over and over again, it is different from the typical rap album, something new and better. It has elements of love, turning up, real talk. it really touches the heart. Perfect!
  25. 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.
  26. freshie
    Jan 9, 2018
    10
    Drake's Magnum Opus. Drake shines at full strength on Nothing was the Same.
  27. 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
  28. MrBuckets
    Apr 14, 2018
    10
    Best album Drake ever made, most of the songs are very catchy and after 5 years I still listen to this songs, just a classic at this point. Drake is one in million singer and we should appreciate that!
  29. windowswail
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    Forever GOATed album that will go down as one of the best albums of the decade.
  30. 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
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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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