Certified Lover Boy
by Drake
User Score
3.5

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 1158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 253 out of 1158
  2. Mixed: 218 out of 1158
  3. Negative: 687 out of 1158
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  1. Bobtinin
    Aug 9, 2022
    6
    Certified Lover Boy has a very cohesive and focused sound, it just happens to be a mediocre one like its predecessor. The first tragedy of this album was the horrendous album cover. The second tragedy was the music itself, as somehow it's worse than Scorpion. Look, there are some great tracks on here, there just aren't enough. I'd say maybe 2/3 of this album is worth listening to,Certified Lover Boy has a very cohesive and focused sound, it just happens to be a mediocre one like its predecessor. The first tragedy of this album was the horrendous album cover. The second tragedy was the music itself, as somehow it's worse than Scorpion. Look, there are some great tracks on here, there just aren't enough. I'd say maybe 2/3 of this album is worth listening to, especially the latter half when TSU starts. The intro is strong, and sets the stage for an incredible proejct, but the music afterwards just doesn't live up to it. The moment everyone heard "You're a lesbian. Girl, me too!" this album became a laughing stock. If you're able to get to Fair Trade and TSU then this album becomes a lot better after that point. A piece of advice to Drake, please listen to all of your music up to Views/More Life and go back to the drawing board, those are all great projects.… Expand
  2. isthatbrandon
    Sep 23, 2021
    6
    Not his best work but also not as bad as people have made out. A solid album
  3. MusicGuyMack
    Sep 7, 2021
    6
    Admittedly superior to another recent major rap release and an improvement over his last full-length effort (though only slightly so in both cases), "Certified Lover Boy" unfortunately largely finds Drake continuing to spin his wheels artistically despite a handful of standout moments, with patchy production and increasingly weak, sloppy flows sounding plain lazy stretched out across theAdmittedly superior to another recent major rap release and an improvement over his last full-length effort (though only slightly so in both cases), "Certified Lover Boy" unfortunately largely finds Drake continuing to spin his wheels artistically despite a handful of standout moments, with patchy production and increasingly weak, sloppy flows sounding plain lazy stretched out across the record's bloated runtime.… Expand
  4. Mobina1
    Sep 10, 2021
    6
    Well, I expected more. I just hated the production the lyrics were OK. And I loved his flow
  5. cesardios
    Sep 3, 2021
    6
    Nothing that kept me interested or looking forward to the next track. Despite it being shorter than Donda (and the comparison has to be drawn because it's everywhere at the moment) it feels like it were quite the opposite. On its own, it's a decent album full of decent songs that I could listen to as background noise while I'm working or studying, but nothing more
  6. Sidthemoviebuff
    Sep 5, 2021
    6
    Nothing we have never heard before from drake. Has some flat out corny bars but still manages to be enjoyable
  7. MetacriticOnur
    Apr 1, 2022
    6
    admirable
    [ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

    adjective
    worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.
  8. Jamzeh
    Sep 3, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Decent but nothing amazing. Expected better considering the hype. You’d think he’d produce something a lot better than this.… Expand
  9. sappytree
    Sep 6, 2021
    6
    The track featuring Future & Young Thug is diabolical. If they'd abolished that tune I would've rated the album a 7.

    Drake doesn't take risks. The production is "classic" Drake, there's nothing that stands out as pushing any boundaries. Overall it's an easy listen and something I'd enjoy while driving or at a party, but this definitely doesn't sound like an album that took 3 years to    The track featuring Future & Young Thug is diabolical. If they'd abolished that tune I would've rated the album a 7.

    Drake doesn't take risks. The production is "classic" Drake, there's nothing that stands out as pushing any boundaries. Overall it's an easy listen and something I'd enjoy while driving or at a party, but this definitely doesn't sound like an album that took 3 years to make.

    Yebba's feature was beautiful.    … Expand
  10. AK1980
    Sep 3, 2021
    6
    I was eagerly anticipating this album as I’m a big fan of drake. I was very disappointed. This album felt like it could have been 7-8 tracks only. It was all so repetitive. There wasn’t any great beats that I was like “oh yeah I’m playing this on repeat.” There was of course a few good songs and some stuff that got you up out of your chair, but on the whole I was disappointed. Album feltI was eagerly anticipating this album as I’m a big fan of drake. I was very disappointed. This album felt like it could have been 7-8 tracks only. It was all so repetitive. There wasn’t any great beats that I was like “oh yeah I’m playing this on repeat.” There was of course a few good songs and some stuff that got you up out of your chair, but on the whole I was disappointed. Album felt dialed in. Very little creative risk and even less time seeming to care about creating different sound among the tracks. Just one long L. Hopefully he puts more effort into his next album.… Expand
  11. BernardJ
    Sep 8, 2021
    6
    Nothing new, it’s just Drake. You can love him or you can hate him… That’s all.
  12. Chicagosfinest
    Sep 4, 2021
    6
    Sounds like every other Drake album. I would have liked to hear more R&B or Pop in the album especially if the name is Certified Lover Boy. The features in this album feel forced and none of the beats are very memorable.
  13. CharlieX
    Sep 4, 2021
    6
    Luck's energy And Like freestyle tracks And Drake's Lowest album Quality the Album is similar to a quick project not a masterpiece, for a album that took to long to release
  14. Vashon
    Sep 6, 2021
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 2016, was the year Views dropped, and a realization of decline in artistry is what started to become evident. Never have I thought it would be 5 years of consistent laziness. Of course, he’s going to sell, he’s Aubrey Graham, one of the biggest names the music industry has ever seen, but what other fans need to understand is, sales and streams do not justify the quality of a record. You have the same formula with deep cuts, a few songs for the airways and radio, the slow R&B like ballads, and some fillers that didn’t need to be on the album, along with basic and tacky wacky lines such as, “keep it a buck like Antetokounmpo” in reference of Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks. It sounds good of course, but it’s the same sound we’ve heard for half a decade now. One of the all time greats is revealing how bland he’s becoming and he won’t change.… Expand
  15. BilkaDimma
    Sep 7, 2021
    6
    Drake is an audience artist. This LP has a lot of hits like any other one of Drizzies. Lyrically it is very basic with some cathcy lines here and there but nothing special. It is an hour 26 minutes long with plenty of good music in it ,but as i said it's very basic stuff with some really good songs (Maybe 3-4)

    Favourites :
    Champagne Poetry
    Love All
    Fair Trade
    In the Bible
  16. lucasegydio
    Sep 9, 2021
    6
    Drake entrega um album completo porém é mais do mesmo. Suas letras passeiam entre falar sobre família, responsabilidade, seus inimigos e suas vitórias. Contudo o material final é apenas mais um feijão com arroz bem feito. Ouvir qualquer material do artista depois de 2015 e ouvir o CLB é a mesma coisa. Um projeto sem alma. A produção do album e ótima e trazem colaborações de respeito (queDrake entrega um album completo porém é mais do mesmo. Suas letras passeiam entre falar sobre família, responsabilidade, seus inimigos e suas vitórias. Contudo o material final é apenas mais um feijão com arroz bem feito. Ouvir qualquer material do artista depois de 2015 e ouvir o CLB é a mesma coisa. Um projeto sem alma. A produção do album e ótima e trazem colaborações de respeito (que por sua vez roubam a cena em cada som, fazendo com que Drake seja apenas um coadjuvante o que não é bom em minha opinião). Sons metálicos e abafados preenchem as músicas trazendo mais uma vez um bom material mas que não supera as expectativas colocadas sobre o projeto.… Expand
  17. celdredge2
    Jan 6, 2022
    6
    Generally think this is an over-hated album by Drake, while I think this album was a bit disappointing in some spots, the features, aside from Durk, were generally hits. I like a handful of these songs such as IMY2, Cudi and Drake make an excellent duo who complement each other very well. My problem with this album is that some songs could have been left off of it, it was too long inGenerally think this is an over-hated album by Drake, while I think this album was a bit disappointing in some spots, the features, aside from Durk, were generally hits. I like a handful of these songs such as IMY2, Cudi and Drake make an excellent duo who complement each other very well. My problem with this album is that some songs could have been left off of it, it was too long in length, and didn't do enough to keep my engagement for all 1 hour and 26 minutes of it. Overall 6/10, room for improvement.… Expand
  18. Fuerstenberg
    Jan 29, 2022
    6
    After listening to Drake's hyped sixth studio album "Certified Lover Boy" you are kind of disappointed. Although the record's first half starts promisingly with some good songs, numerous strong features and a sonically impressing production.

    But Drake seems resistant to any change, because he sticks to his formula, which is why his works keep degrading since his 2016 album "Views". On    After listening to Drake's hyped sixth studio album "Certified Lover Boy" you are kind of disappointed. Although the record's first half starts promisingly with some good songs, numerous strong features and a sonically impressing production.

    But Drake seems resistant to any change, because he sticks to his formula, which is why his works keep degrading since his 2016 album "Views". On top of that, "CLB" lacks versatility of his previous albums and it offers nothing new that we don't already know.

    Overall, "Certified Lover Boy" is pretty monotonous, boring and just overlong (similar to Kanye West's "Donda"). Probably Drake's worst album to date. 6 out of 10.

    My favorites:
    "Way 2 Sexy"
    "Knife Talk"
    "Fair Trade"
    "TSU"
    "N 2 Deep"

    ~ Fürstenberg
    January 29, 2022    … Expand
  19. Teeb_
    Oct 8, 2022
    6
    There are a few songs that I actually enjoyed alot (IMY2, You Only Live Twice, Fair Trade, Way 2 Sexy, and N 2 Deep). Although most of these songs lack energy, they still sound pretty decent.
  20. Punfisito
    Oct 26, 2022
    6
    Un álbum un poco cringe, letras un poco extrañas pero tiene hits como "Fair Trade" de los mejores temas del artista.
  21. 4rr4nW3th3rh111
    Aug 19, 2023
    6
    Some good songs on this album but the lyrics make Drizzy seem like a Certified Boy Lover rather than the image he's been trying to build for years. Album starts with a block of 8 pretty good songs but falls off dramatically and doesn't come back.'

    Say that you a lesbian, girl me too.

    Best song on the album "Girls Want Girls (with Lil Baby)".
  22. Ecobomb55
    Sep 3, 2021
    5
    If you like Drake then you'll enjoy this album, but it feels like Drake has hit a creative dead-end with his music. The features were lackluster for most of the songs (21 Savage and Future in particular), and it felt like Drake was half asleep when recording these songs. It's the same themes, same flows, and same beats we've heard for a decade now. There was little to no passion put intoIf you like Drake then you'll enjoy this album, but it feels like Drake has hit a creative dead-end with his music. The features were lackluster for most of the songs (21 Savage and Future in particular), and it felt like Drake was half asleep when recording these songs. It's the same themes, same flows, and same beats we've heard for a decade now. There was little to no passion put into this album and that's clear from just the first listen, making any subsequent listens even less enjoyable. Hopefully Drake can turn this around with his next album as this and Scorpion were both disappointments.… Expand
  23. qwertyuiop12345
    Sep 4, 2021
    5
    When I heard the intro sample and the beat I expected a certified classic. The first 2 minutes of the album were perfect. After that it was the regular album cut drake for the whole 1.4 hours. Boring album with no chances taken. But Drakes bad is better than most so it’s a strong 5.
  24. OuterThought
    Sep 3, 2021
    5
    Few good songs on this album I mean the premise and the theme is there and it's good just the executions seem redundant and the same. Pretty sure Drake is just not even trying anymore and has run out of ideas (Way 2 Sexy Song ... really). I am not sure how his loyal fans are letting him get away with half the songs on this album and the lyrics (Girls Want Girls -say that you a lesbian,Few good songs on this album I mean the premise and the theme is there and it's good just the executions seem redundant and the same. Pretty sure Drake is just not even trying anymore and has run out of ideas (Way 2 Sexy Song ... really). I am not sure how his loyal fans are letting him get away with half the songs on this album and the lyrics (Girls Want Girls -say that you a lesbian, girl, me too) are we really letting this man get away with some of the laziest cringe lyrics? This album pretty much confirmed to me that Drake lost his hunger and passion and isn't even trying anymore. He can definitely do better than this I don't understand how people are defending this album… Expand
  25. awb5401
    Sep 3, 2021
    5
    More of the same from Drake. Not much here that adds anything new to his catalogue. A few great songs mixed in with a ton of filler. Drake's lyrics and delivery sound downright lazy and uninspired on many of these songs. I have no idea how this album took three years to complete. This album is proof that Drake has remained artistically stagnant since (and including) Scorpion.
  26. MARTINCARDENAS
    Nov 3, 2021
    5
    "Certified Lover Boy" is an album that does not offer much in relation to his previous works, rather it is similar to them. I will always say that "Views", "More Life" & "Scorpion" are and will be his best albums, obviously without detracting from his other works because in one way or another it is Drake's work and everything is good, but there is one better than another.
  27. PersonaTime
    Sep 3, 2021
    5
    I guess he's foreshadowing his master plan of impregnating at least 12 nationalities. Hypergamy is a thing, and he can find 12 women who would share him. That's not impossible at all given his status. That's the kind of world we live in.
  28. Hscoa
    Jun 27, 2022
    5
    Not the worst album, there is some absolute HEAT all across this album, but the best songs are the shortest songs, and the boring ones like 'In the Bible' are overly long and boring. Best songs are TSU, No Friends in the Industry, and Knife Talk.
  29. ChunkDump
    Sep 7, 2021
    5
    i hate the damn album cover. the beef between Drake and Kanye really shows in these albums. CLB! "Papis Home", Pipe Down" and "7am On Bridle Path" were the stand outs for me. everything else felt off. his heart and soul wasnt in this album, almost as if he rushed it or second guessed himself. please go back to 2011 drake. this aint it chief
  30. gibson2488
    Sep 7, 2021
    5
    Though the album has a few bangers here and there. At least half of the album consists of bland songs with boring delivery and/or lyrics.
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Awards & Rankings

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#12 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. RapReviews.com
    Oct 19, 2021
    45
    It’s beige, hollow music and that’s what ultimately frustrates your dedicated rap listener because it doesn’t make sense why it’s so damn popular. When you throw the poor writing on top of this, and some real hit-and-miss production into the mix, “Certified Lover Boy” may well be Drake’s worst album.
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  2. Slant Magazine
    Sep 13, 2021
    40
    Drake comes across as an artist who’s bought into his mythos and persona a bit too ardently. ... The production on Certified Lover Boy is svelte yet airless, filled with lots of solemn piano lines and muted snares but absent of big flourishes or attempts at pop crossover. It’s an approach that’s likely aiming for tasteful restraint, but the effect is languid and rather directionless.
    Read full review
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 13, 2021
    40
    Things start promisingly with the undulating Champagne Poetry dextrously reflecting on loneliness (“career is going great, but now the rest of me is fading slowly”), while Papi’s Home recalls early Kanye, of all people, with its sped-up samples and laid-back flow. Later, however, that playfulness calcifies into headline-grabbing stunts. ... This is an album destined to be filleted for various #mood playlists, anchored only by its creator’s untouchable fame.
    Read full review
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