$ome $exy $ongs 4 U

The long-delayed joint full-length by frequent collaborators Drake and PartyNextDoor arrived on Valentines Day of 2025. This, of course, made it Drakes first album since his well-publicized feud with Kendrick Lamar, who seems to have been crowned the victor by fans and critics. Nevertheless, Drakes fan base is still large enough for the album to top the charts in Canada and the United States, and one imagines that many of Drakes supporters are unfazed by the whole ordeal. $ome $exy $ongs 4 U is business as usual for Drake (mostly in R&B mode this time) and PartyNextDoor. In Drakes case, he tries to sound romantic but comes off as bitter and jealous, PartyNextDoor merely seems like a supportive friend who doesnt want to cause any more trouble. There are a few stylistic diversions, such as an appearance by Mexican singer/songwriter Chino Pacas on "Meet Your Padre," an acoustic bedroom R&B interlude by a singer named Pimmie, and the strummy, radio-ready pop of "Die Trying" (featuring Yebba). Overall, though, the album is just another overlong pity party that wont mean much to anyone who isnt already on Drakes side. ~ TiVo Staff

OVOの弟分パーティネクストドアを迎えてR&B寄りのコラボ作としたのは、いまドレイクひとりでラップ・アルバムを出しても苦境が悪化するだけと判断したからだろうか。"Gimme A Hug"では例の確執と各方面の掌返しにチクリと言い返す一節もあるがそこは重要ではなく、アーロン・ホールの名曲を引用した終盤の親密で濃密なR&Bヴァイブこそ本作の聴きどころだろう。オートチューン歌唱の彼ららしいメロウネスを展開しつつ、ベース・ミュージックと00年代カニエが合わさったような"Nokia"やタイロン・デイヴィス使いの麗しいソウル"Rainning In Huston"などの変化球にハッとする全21曲。
bounce (C)池谷瑛子