Unlike most mainstream hip-hop artists, Drake often places his vulnerability in plain sight, as is the case on his new single. “I can’t get over you,” he sings to his girl while trudging through waning ’80s synths, “you left your mark on me.” However, Drake’s delivery on “Hold On, We’re Going Home” is somehow even more unique. There aren’t many rhymers in mainstream hip-hop who could commit this wholeheartedly to unabashed crooning, but a fear of being construed as “soft” has never been a concern of the rapper. Drake’s singing voice is more solid than stunning, but it’s tender enough to hold the attention of R&B fans. Whereas “Started From the Bottom,” the lead single off “Nothing Was the Same,” was brash and bruising, Drake’s pleading here sounds deeply sincere and becomes wholly affecting.
