Drake makes music for all moods, but his most emotionally transparent throwback songs hold a special place in the hearts of his diehard fans. Drake’s older material has aged well and is still considered the prime era of his career. Fans were ecstatic when he played some of his deepest album cuts and throwback hits at the Apollo Theater in New York earlier this year and at a recent performance for J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival in North Carolina. It was a reminder of how deep his catalog of music goes. This list of Drake songs focuses on his older tracks for when you’re “in your feelings.”
The tracks range from the beginning of his career to as recent as five years ago. The songs are listed chronologically and focus explicitly on Drake’s emotional vulnerability, which evokes the same feeling in the listener.
“I Get Lonely” (2010)
On 2010’s “I Get Lonely,” Drake made TLC’s “FanMail” his own. While the original version is a groovy R&B song, Drake’s version is slow and sensitive. He sings over the classic 40-produced sound of spacious, minimal R&B that never fails to bring out Drake’s softer side. The production and vocal tonality of Drake’s version is able to induce feelings of longing for companionship and stability. Because it is a cover, it often goes under the radar but deserves a place on a Drake songs list.
“Trust Issues” (2011)
Much like “I Get Lonely,” Drake’s “Trust Issues” reprises an existing song—but this time, it is his own. “Trust Issues” was released just a month after “I’m On One,” his 2011 collaboration with DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne. If “I’m On One” is the soundtrack to a night out at a club, then “Trust Issues” is the soundtrack to the quiet ride home late at night. “Trust Issues” is about Drake’s lack of trust in women and how fame has affected his relationships and his ability to rely on others. Drake’s relaxed instrumental and syrupy crooning are guaranteed to have one in their feelings.
“Shot For Me” (2011)
“Shot For Me” is one of Drake’s most underrated throwbacks on this list. In the song, Drake misses his exes and thinks about what could have been between them. He sings, “All the love that we made / Now you’re trying to find somebody to replace what I gave to you / It’s a shame you didn’t keep it.” He is clearly bothered by how his exes moved on when he sings, “First I made you who you are and then I made it / And you’re wasted with your latest.” It is one of Drake’s most sensitive songs on the list and mays the groundwork for similar releases in Drake’s catalog.
“Marvin’s Room” (2011)
Perhaps the most iconic in-your-feelings song ever, “Marvin’s Room” captures being so drunk and alone that it leads to calling an ex. It encapsulates a feeling of desperation for a past lover while also hating her new relationship. In the song, Drake still holds onto the good times they had together in hopes of her feeling the same way, which she does not. He sings, “I know you still think about the times we had / I say f*ck that n**** that you think you found / And since you picked up, I know he’s not around.” The instrumental perfectly soundtracks the feeling of basking in one’s alcohol-induced emotions. Drake’s regretful and agitated lyrics make for one of his most legendary throwbacks.
“Doing It Wrong” (2011)
“Doing It Wrong” is a classic ballad from Drake about the most demanding breakup challenges. In the song, Drake pours his heart out while singing about going through a difficult split. Though both parties care deeply about each other, they know that the relationship must end. He sings in the chorus, “So cry if you need to, but I can’t stay to watch you / That’s the wrong thing to do.” Lyrically, it is a sincere song that predates Drake’s toxic era. Sonically, it is the perfect song for late-night vibes as the warm and slow instrumental compliments Drake’s heartfelt singing, not to mention Stevie Wonder’s harmonica solo.
“The Motion” (2013)
This song was a bonus track on 2013’s Nothing Was The Same. “The Motion” is all about going through the motions of being a public figure. Drake raps about constantly traveling and conditional relationships that depend on him doing favors for others. These experiences clearly weigh on him, but he knows that it comes with the territory of being famous. The production is minimal and moody, and the song also includes guest vocals from Sampha. The combination of the instrumental, Sampha’s addition, and Drake’s vocals make for a laid-back track.
“From Time” (2013)
“From Time” is a reflective song that ranks high in Drake’s catalog. The instrumental is simple yet very layered and leaves room for the listener to ponder their own thoughts. In the song, Jhené Aiko steals the show with a beautiful chorus, playing the role of one of Drake’s exes who wants to reconnect. Drake responds to Jhené’s lyrics with thoughtful rhymes about his relationships with women and his parents. It is a special song that makes one think about their past and present feelings.
“Jungle” (2015)
The “rock me real slowly” sample that opens Drake’s 2015 song “Jungle” aligns perfectly with the downbeat tempo. The cozy production allows Drake to sing from the heart about a relationship that lost its spark. Everything about the song will have the listener in their feels, from the openness in Drake’s lyrics to the addictively sad production.
“My Side”
An underrated bonus track from If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, “My Side” has a hypnotizing reverse effect on its instrumental that will have one basking in their emotions. Drake’s sloppy rap flow captures the feeling of swirling in one’s own thoughts. He frustratingly raps about reevaluating his relationship with a woman. He states, “Why are we wasting our relationship on a relationship?” Drake is struggling to hold on or let go of her. “My Side” is the soundtrack to staying up late and fixating on one’s worries.
“Redemption” (2016)
“Redemption” is now seven years old and undoubtedly belongs in the list of Drake songs that’ll have you in your feelings. It is about feeling down when you miss an ex and thinking about what you would say to them at that moment. It is a relatable song about not wanting an ex to move on without you. He’s contemplative when he raps, “Why do I settle for women that force me to pick up the pieces? / Why do I want an independent woman to feel like she needs me?” He is also done with her by saying, “I gave your nickname to someone else.” “Redemption” is a transparent mix of emotions.
Overall, Drake’s back catalog of music is unmatched and has some of the greatest throwbacks to vibe to. This song list consists of some of his best and most vulnerable. Drake fans can catch him on tour during the summer when he hits the road with 21 Savage.
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