Drake’s new album is an attempt, obscured by his constant whining, to reflect on his past. On July 14, Drake released what he believed to be a masterwork of poetry. Fans, however, were disappointed–that is until Drake began hinting at an album to accompany the book in September. For All the Dogs was released on Oct. 6.

As always, Drake showcases his unique melding of musical styles, from R&B to rap. His lyrical wit is as on point as ever, with lines such as “now it’s silence in the Lamb’ like the horror film,” mandating a second listen to derive their multiple meanings. 

Usually, Drake is able to use his talents as a vehicle for deep messages. This time, that vehicle was disappointingly empty. 

Prior to the album’s release, Drake hinted at a return to “old Drake,” an era of his music career associated with less introspection and a rap-heavy production style. But outside of the album highlight “What would Pluto do?”, this feels like the opposite of the truth. On the track “Fear of Heights,” he disses his ex, Rihanna, who hasn’t been an active musician since 2016, is happily married, and just had a second child. Drake feels that finding partners–and people–loyal to him is a near-impossible task. But Drake is hesitant to admit his own shortcomings, instead choosing to act tough and assign blame to the women in his life, even sampling famous fictional gangster Tony Montana on “Daylight” in an attempt to liken himself to Montana.

While Drake is stuck in the past, the album’s features are a portfolio of the future of music. On “IDGAF,” hip-hop artist Yeat effortlessly flexes his easy-going lifestyle and stuffed bank account, while SZA steals the show on “Slime You Out” and “Rich Baby Daddy.” Pop-rock artist Teezo Touchdown expresses gratitude for his recent explosion in recognition on “Amen” while Drake’s 6-year-old son Adonis Graham features at the tail end of “Daylight” (Adonis also illustrated the album’s cover). Presiding over the project is BARK Radio, whose radio segments are interjected between songs and are a nice change of pace. 

“For All the Dogs” reflects Drake’s deep angst regarding his love life, a notorious subject matter for the man who recently purchased a $13 million necklace reportedly made with 42 engagement rings (one for each time Drake considered marrying his partner but changed his mind). While his attempt to channel these feelings into his music doesn’t result in a masterpiece by any means, there is a good crop of great tracks on the album that would be good additions to anyone’s audio library. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait for the continuation of Drake’s musical odyssey, as he has announced a temporary departure from music in order to focus on his stomach issues.