Review Summary: As the old adage goes: don't judge a book by its cover.
13 of 13 thought this review was well writtenIf you’re familiar with the name attached to this album then I automatically know what’s running through your mind. Yes, it’s the other half of the comedy duo from the Nickelodeon show “Drake and Josh” and no, this is not a sick joke. In fact, to say the entire collection of the material presented on
It’s Only Time defies all logic is an understatement. For all intents and purposes, given the acting chops, this should rightfully blow massive chunks but somehow turned out impressive. Then again, I purchased this release on a whim when it was fresh on the shelves, completely oblivious to the original claim to fame. Therefore, my listening experience proceeded with an unbiased attentiveness to detail that was so satisfying I couldn’t have cared less had I been in the loop.
It’s quite obvious that Drake, as a musician, takes influence from some highly respected artists and utilizes them with a skillful grasp. For instance, the last four tracks bleed into each other in story form, as a homage to the second side of The Beatles
Abbey Road masterpiece. It’s also important to note that it greatly helps when the person who taught you how to even play guitar and write cohesive music is Roger Daltrey from The Who. So it comes as no surprise that the final product has hints of a classically driven sound while putting a modern alt rock spin on the task at hand. I would heavily emphasize the recommended by reviewer nods, if you’re curious about what to fully expect, because this is very much a complete representation of their defining elements.
The mixed bag littered throughout the list soars to sugary sweet heights with bombastic hooks and remain grounded with a self-controlled assortment of verses. Speaking from an instrumental standpoint, the bells and whistles are in abundance, but only compliment the specifically plucked big band arrangements within them. Drake exemplifies that he is truly a jack-of-all-trades by encompassing every written piece with a confident poise that discharges such exuberance that it’s hard to object it. The range of his voice definitely hits all cylinders required for this type of outing and the vibrato showcased manages to routinely surpass expectations in needed areas. I’m positive that the lyrically content was spruced up to a more mature nature to distance him from the cheesy juvenile image obtained in his other line of work.
In an excerpt from “Fallen For You” Drake makes an interesting metaphor using iconic stars from the past such as Buddy Holly, Betty Page, and Norma Jean aka. Marilyn Monroe. It makes more sense within the context of the songs subject matter but I thought it was one of the many additions I found pleasantly appealing for some aesthetic reason. Especially coming from someone you’d assume, with no hesitation, would’ve never even heard of these people to reference in the first place. I honestly believe it's the predominant factor that underlines why I can hold this album in such high praise while keeping a sincerely stern face. Unlike so many Hollywood actors who attempt to make the transition, but fail miserably, even if they’re deemed as a commercial hit,
It’s Only Time feels earnest in every aspect it's sought after.
I’ll quote from the lifted theme of the aforementioned show to sum up the overall attitude one should have if they choose to give this a proper go. “If you open up your mind and see what's inside,” then you should have no qualms in deriving some lighthearted enjoyment here.
