In the final track of his 2018 album *Scorpion*, Drake seemed poised to embrace maturity, revealing the existence of his hidden son amid a turbulent feud with Kanye West and Pusha T. This introspective moment suggested a shift from the overgrown boyhood of his previous work toward a more adult perspective, marked by the responsibilities of fatherhood. However, more than three years later, when Drake returns with *Certified Lover Boy*, his first words on the opener “Champagne Poetry” still revolve around his son but quickly revert to familiar themes of wealth and conflict. Despite sporadic mentions of co-parenting victories, the album feels like a continuation of *Scorpion*, lacking the growth many anticipated.

As listeners familiar with Drake’s career might expect, *Certified Lover Boy* revisits his classic themes: past betrayals, failed romances, and ongoing feuds. Tracks like “No Friends In the Industry” and “7AM On Bridle Path” showcase his characteristic brashness and confrontation, particularly in his ongoing spat with Kanye. Yet, the album’s hedonistic and often cringe-worthy moments, such as “Girls Want Girls,” which treats LGBTQ+ themes with a dismissive punchline, reveal a troubling lack of sensitivity. While Drake’s previous work occasionally showed an awareness of social issues, *Certified Lover Boy* largely neglects these discussions, instead serving up recycled ideas and predictable themes.

The album’s attempt to capture the essence of stardom falls flat with uninspired tracks and repetitive sounds. “Fountains” feels like a lazy rehash of “One Dance,” and even his forays into R&B, such as “Race My Mind,” lack originality. The album’s superficial engagement with themes of toxic masculinity and its scant attention to contemporary issues make it feel out of touch. Ultimately, despite occasional standout moments and guest appearances, *Certified Lover Boy* struggles to present anything new or compelling, leaving fans with a sense of déjà vu and a missed opportunity for growth.