Review: $ome $exy $ongs 4 U by Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR
“Fuck a rap beef, I’m tryna get the party lit”
Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR marked Valentine’s Day with their new collaborative album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U– a project that sounds just how you would expect. And at this exact moment in time, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Considering the current state of affairs between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, this wasn’t a moment to take risks— it was about solidifying his presence and playing to his strengths.
While the album was a joint effort, all eyes were undeniably on Drake. And throughout its duration, he takes center stage. This project doesn’t break new ground, but it doesn’t have to. It plays into the chemistry Drake and PND have built over the years, delivering atmospheric, late-night music meant for both the club and the comedown after. This album showcases that duality.
Drake is at his best when he isn’t forcing a persona. He’s not hard. He’s not tough. He’s a fun guy who makes party records and a sentimental guy in his bag. That’s what works for him, and when he leans into it, the music does its job but not much more.
That said, the album is mostly full of forgettable tracks, with a few moments that stand out. CN TOWER overstays its welcome right from the intro, dragging on before it even finds its footing. MEET YOUR PADRE might be one of the most unintentionally funny songs Drake has ever made, with the Canadian native once again trying to make Spanish work for him— an effort that lands somewhere between amusing and cringe.
The album leans heavily into its slow, spacey production, but too often, that results in songs that feel like they’re floating aimlessly. SOMEBODY LOVES ME aims for emotional depth but ends up feeling more lethargic than reflective. SPIDER-MAN SUPERMAN is another example of a track that feels thrown together, with lyrics that are either playful or just plain ridiculous, depending on how you interpret them.
That’s not to say there aren’t bright spots. NOKIA is a standout moment, delivering a confident, earworm hook over a beat that feels more alive than most of the album. GIMME A HUG carries a carefree energy that makes it one of the more enjoyable tracks, offering a much-needed break from the album’s slower, moodier moments. It pays off when Drake is clearly having fun with a song.
DIE TRYING was a pleasant surprise, with Drake and PND melodically skating over a simple guitar- certainly a more unexpected sound from the duo. It’s nice and fun, not trying too hard, and benefits from a well-placed Yebba feature.
It’s worth noting that the album’s highlights are mostly, surprisingly, Drake solo songs. Despite being billed as a joint project, PND often fades into the background, never fully stepping into the spotlight. This is especially interesting given their history— Drake was the only featured artist on PND’s first three albums (PARTYNEXTDOOR, PARTYNEXTDOOR TWO and PARTYNEXTDOOR 3), yet when PARTYNEXTDOOR 4 dropped last year, Drake was nowhere to be found. Now, with an entire album together, it’s ironic that PND still doesn’t take on more of a larger role. His presence is felt, but rarely in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
Ultimately, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U doesn’t push either artist forward, nor does it try to. The album serves as a rare instance where playing it safe feels like the right move. It prioritizes vibe over innovation, sticking to the formula that Drake and PND have relied on for years. While it’s far from their most memorable work, it has just enough moments to justify its existence. If you’re here for the late-night ambiance and smooth, easy-listening melodies, it delivers— but don’t expect much more.
