Drake’s ascent to global music icon is undeniable. With a career spanning over a decade, he has consistently delivered hits that have topped charts and dominated playlists worldwide. But with such an extensive discography, pinpointing the very best can be a challenge. This list dives deep into Drake’s catalog to rank 30 of his good songs, exploring the tracks that have defined his artistry and cemented his place in music history.
30. Forever (feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem) (2009)
Fueled by a powerful horn section and featuring rap royalty, “Forever” marked Drake’s grand entrance into the major leagues of rap. His opening line, “Last name ever / first name greatest,” while somewhat boastful, declared his ambition. Some lines may verge on the corny, and punchlines like the insensitive “at the club you know I balled: chemo” haven’t aged well. However, the sheer confidence is infectious, and the chorus hook remains undeniably catchy, making it a memorable early hit.
29. 30 for 30 Freestyle (2015)
Drake’s collaborative album with Future, What a Time to Be Alive, has its moments, but “30 for 30 Freestyle” stands out. While some criticize Drake’s ventures into Atlanta trap, this closing track showcases his unique “executive slam poetry” style. Imagine Drake delivering introspective verses in a first-class airport lounge, engaging businessmen near the Nespresso machine. The jazzy backdrop perfectly complements his conversational, thoughtful delivery, making it a sophisticated and often overlooked gem.
28. Demons (feat. Fivio Foreign and Sosa Geek) (2020)
Despite his reputation for experimenting with global music trends, Drake has surprisingly dabbled little in drill music. “Demons” from Dark Lane Demo Tapes hints at his potential in the genre, showcasing his adaptability to the genre’s heavy bass and sharp cymbal rhythms. It leaves fans hoping his Certified Lover Boy album would further explore this sonic direction.
27. Fake Love (2016)
“Fake Love” echoes the tropical vibes of “Hotline Bling” but with a slightly darker edge. Lyrically, it touches upon the familiar Drake theme of dealing with insincere people in the spotlight. While the subject matter might not be groundbreaking, the chorus is undeniably catchy, perfect for karaoke nights. Drake’s passionate delivery in his higher register adds to its impromptu, club-performance feel.
26. God’s Plan (2018)
In an era of streamlined rap songwriting, “God’s Plan” exemplifies melody-driven hits. While the verse melody is somewhat subdued, the bridge elevates the song, leading to what is arguably Drake’s most impactful punchline moment. The song’s cultural impact and chart dominance are undeniable, even if some find the core melody a bit repetitive.
25. Ignant Shit (feat. Lil Wayne) (2009)
“Ignant Shit” from Drake’s breakthrough mixtape So Far Gone is a bold statement of intent. Using a Jay-Z beat that samples the Notorious B.I.G., Drake confidently steps into the spotlight. He and Lil Wayne trade verses over the disco-infused track, showcasing youthful energy. While Drake’s lyrical prowess and flow would later refine, So Far Gone tracks like “Ignant Shit,” “Successful,” and “Say What’s Real” are captivating due to their raw hunger and ambition.
24. From Time (feat. Jhené Aiko) (2013)
Drake excels when he delves into personal narratives, moving beyond generic boasts and vague diss tracks. “From Time” is a prime example, exploring his relationships with family and lost loves. The mention of “Courtney from Hooters on Peachtree” became a pop culture moment, and Jhené Aiko’s beautiful chorus elevates the track further. “March 14,” reflecting on his newfound fatherhood, is another example of Drake’s strength in personal storytelling.
23. Mob Ties (2018)
“Mob Ties” sees Drake adopting a tougher persona, claiming connections to organized crime. Lines like “I fuck with the mob and I got ties / Knock you off to pay their tithes” create an image of simmering resentment. While Drake’s “criminality” is more theatrical than actual, the track effectively conveys a sense of simmering anger and power.
22. Wants and Needs (feat. Lil Baby) (2021)
“Wants and Needs” demonstrates Drake’s mastery of Atlanta trap rhythms. The song opens with a rapid-fire verse that perfectly lands on beat, transitioning into a surprisingly melodic chorus. This recent single showcases Drake’s ability to evolve with contemporary sounds while maintaining his signature artistry, creating an intriguing shift in emotional tone.
21. Blem (2017)
Drake’s forays into dancehall have been met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing his appropriation of Caribbean slang. However, “Blem” showcases his talent for navigating these rhythms. The production is lush and atmospheric, and Drake’s melodic delivery shines. Even the use of slang like “wasteman” feels less forced within the context of the song’s overall vibe.
20. Energy (2015)
“Energy” is a confrontational track where Drake addresses the “vampiric forces” in his life over a hard-hitting trap beat. His cynical observations about superficial encounters, like women borrowing his Wi-Fi to showcase their social media, are delivered with wry humor and relatable annoyance.
19. Ice Melts (feat. Young Thug) (2017)
“Ice Melts,” produced by Supah Mario, benefits greatly from a Young Thug chorus from his creative peak era. Thug’s contribution adds a whimsical, almost ethereal quality. Drake plays the role of a patient suitor, waiting for a woman to move on from a past relationship. The underlying irony, given Drake’s discography, adds a layer of self-awareness to the track.
18. Find Your Love (2010)
“Find Your Love” is another dancehall-infused track and Drake’s first UK Top 40 hit. It’s his purest pop moment, with a chorus melody that possesses a timeless quality. The song transforms hopeful longing into determined pursuit, making it universally appealing.
17. Marvin’s Room (2011)
The artwork for Take Care, Drake’s second album, ironically captured the downsides of fame. “Marvin’s Room” embodies this sentiment, portraying a life of empty encounters. Drake’s melancholic delivery sketches a portrait of loneliness and detachment as he navigates a relationship, leaving the listener to question his true intentions and emotional state. The song’s numb chords and haunting chorus melody create a chilling and introspective atmosphere.
16. Worst Behaviour (2013)
Despite some critics labeling Drake as “soft,” “Worst Behaviour” showcases a raw, aggressive energy. While his attempts at “hardness” can sometimes feel forced, this anthem possesses an unhinged quality in his stop-start delivery. The memorable “Remember? Motherfucker?” adds to the track’s confrontational and anthemic nature.
15. One Dance (feat. Kyla & Wizkid) (2016)
“One Dance,” Drake’s biggest hit, sampled UK artist Kyla’s “Do You Mind?” and propelled her into the spotlight. Slowing down the UK funky track to a dancehall tempo, “One Dance” retained Kyla’s sultry essence and became a global phenomenon. It’s a quintessential dance track and a cultural touchstone of the 2010s.
14. Take Care (feat. Rihanna) (2011)
Drake’s appreciation for UK music is evident in his collaborations. “Take Care” samples Jamie xx’s remix of Gil Scott-Heron’s “I’ll Take Care of You,” creating a poignant backdrop for Drake and Rihanna’s duet. Rihanna’s take on Scott-Heron’s chorus is both powerful and tender, while Drake seamlessly transitions between rapping and singing, portraying a sense of vulnerability and emotional turmoil.
13. Feel No Ways (2016)
Produced by Majid Jordan, “Feel No Ways” has a nostalgic yet futuristic feel. The beat evokes Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis through a hazy filter, punctuated by Malcolm McLaren’s ghostly vocal samples. The song is rich with vocal melodies, blurring the lines between verse and chorus. Drake’s line about searching for elusive feelings is particularly striking and emotionally resonant.
12. Controlla (2016)
“Controlla” is arguably Drake’s best dancehall track. The production subtly layers trap percussion over the Caribbean beat, creating a complex and captivating rhythm. Drake’s delivery of “I think I’d lie for you / I think I’d die for you” has a jazz-like freedom, effortlessly locking back into the groove. Despite criticisms of his Jamaican accent, the performance is undeniably seductive and nuanced.
11. In My Feelings (2018)
While Drake’s later dance craze attempt “Toosie Slide” felt forced, “In My Feelings” organically sparked a global dance phenomenon thanks to Shiggy’s viral challenge. The song itself is a classic Drake track, showcasing his signature yearning lyrics and a vibrant Miami bass-inspired beat. It’s a testament to Drake’s ability to create both emotionally resonant and danceable hits.
The Ride, a journey through excess with Drake.
10. The Ride (2011)
“The Ride” features one of Drake’s most stunning productions. Layers of cooing vocals from The Weeknd create a soft, cashmere-like backdrop against stark bass and percussion. Drake’s often-used “me against the world” persona takes on a darker tone here, fueled by nihilistic energy. The track explores themes of wealth and fame, ultimately revealing a hollow emptiness beneath the surface, culminating in a disturbing image of superficiality and emotional damage.
9. Fancy (feat. T.I. and Swizz Beatz) (2010)
When Drake isn’t exploring darker themes, he often embodies the excitement of a night out. “Fancy” perfectly captures this pre-party anticipation, blending romantic drama with tequila-fueled energy. The song, from his debut album, focuses on the getting-ready process itself, with Drake admiring his girlfriend’s styling efforts over a celestial Swizz Beatz production.
8. Started From the Bottom (2013)
The authenticity of Drake’s “bottom” has been debated, given his early acting career. However, “Started From the Bottom” taps into the universal theme of upward mobility. The minimalist production and near-monotone delivery of the title line create a subtly mournful yet infectious musicality. It’s a testament to his journey and resonates with anyone striving for success.
7. Laugh Now Cry Later (feat. Lil Durk) (2020)
After the underwhelming Dark Lane Demo Tapes, “Laugh Now Cry Later” quelled concerns about Drake’s creative decline. This upbeat single is filled with subtle jabs at Kanye West, most notably the line about “closeable Gap,” referencing West’s design deal with the store. It’s a lighthearted and confident track that reasserted Drake’s position at the top.
6. Know Yourself (2015)
Every rapper needs a city anthem, and Drake delivered Toronto’s with “Know Yourself.” The song recounts his early years in the city (“way before hashtags”) over a steady, building beat. The climax, “I was running through the Six with my woes,” is a powerful, anthemic moment that ignites his live shows.
5. Portland (feat. Quavo and Travis Scott) (2017)
“Portland” opens with a quintessential Drake moment: scolding his girlfriend for delayed texts. This blend of cockiness and relatability is both loved and criticized. Set against a playful flute riff by Murda Beatz, the track becomes lighthearted and self-aware. “Portland” is a perfect example of the elusive “vibe” in music.
4. Hotline Bling (2015)
Drake famously sampled Timmy Thomas’s “Why Can’t We Live Together?” for “Hotline Bling,” transforming a ballad about racial harmony into a song about a booty call. Despite the unlikely source material, “Hotline Bling” became a defining anthem. While the lyrics are jealous and possessive, Drake’s charisma imbues the song with a poignant sense of fleeting desire.
3. Hold On, We’re Going Home (feat. Majid Jordan) (2013)
Nothing Was the Same continued the introspective themes of Take Care, but “Hold On, We’re Going Home” offered a return to the boyish romance of Drake’s early work. Lines like “I want your hot love and emotion, endlessly” might seem simplistic on paper, but Drake’s sincerity transcends irony. The song’s pure pop sensibility makes it universally enjoyable and perfect for carefree moments.
2. Child’s Play (2016)
Beneath the surface of Drake’s often-gloomy persona lies a sharp sense of humor. “Child’s Play” showcases this side, depicting a night out at Cheesecake Factory derailed by relationship squabbles. The self-deprecating detail of Cheesecake Factory adds to the comedic effect. The high-energy New Orleans bounce beat keeps the song moving at a playful pace.
1. Nice For What (2018)
“Nice For What” is a celebratory anthem that tops this list of Good Drake Songs. Murda Beatz’s ingenious sample collage of Big Freedia and a pitched-up Lauryn Hill creates an exhilarating club track. Drake acts as a motivational speaker, empowering women to embrace their confidence and independence, urging them to prioritize real-life connections over social media validation. The track’s fraternal energy and message of self-love make “Nice For What” a truly uplifting and unforgettable Drake song, capturing the pure joy of letting loose on the dance floor.
