In this review of Drake's ninth solo album, Iceman, Anthony Fantano gives the project a 2/10 rating. He characterizes the album as a deeply bitter, obsessive, and hollow response to the public Kendrick Lamar feud and recent industry challenges, rather than a compelling musical evolution.
Key takeaways from the review include:
Thematic failures:Fantano argues that the album relies heavily on stagnant grievances and forced martyrdom, making it feel like a "temper tantrum" (25:51) rather than a cohesive artistic statement. He notes that the record confirms criticisms of Drake being a "numbers-obsessed" artist rather than one focused on quality (11:06).
Production & Songwriting: The reviewer critiques the album's structure, noting a frustrating dependency on sudden beat switches when Drake runs out of ideas (13:36) and pointing out that many of the features—specifically Molly Santana—are some of the worst of his career (16:59).
Lyrical Content:Fantano highlights the track "Make Them Remember" (8:30) as a prime example of the album's obsession with the past, noting that many of the disses feel outdated or petty years after the events occurred (9:06).
Album Highlights & Lowlights:
Favorite Track: "Whisper My Name" (15:01) for its eerie, cold-blooded atmosphere, despite the follow-up flow switch.
Least Favorite Track: "Make Them Know" (23:45), which Fantano describes as the most rancid track on the project, concluding with an "anime villain" narrative that he finds particularly cringe-worthy (25:35).
Fantano concludes that while Iceman isn't necessarily his worst album technically, it is his most "sorry-ass" record to date (24:43), representing a significant low point in his discography.
In this video, Anthony Fantano discusses the leaked Drake track "1 AM in Albany" (1:20) ahead of his album Iceman. Fantano critiques Drake's continued focus on his past beef with Kendrick Lamar two years later, arguing that the rapper is relying on a stale formula and failing to move on.
Key takeaways:
Critique of the "Time and Location" formula:Fantano argues that Drake is repeating a tired, "woe is me" style of songwriting (2:55 - 4:10) that feels uninspired and repetitive compared to Kendrick Lamar's recent evolution.
The Beef is Over:Fantano emphasizes that, in 2026, the rap world has moved on, and Drake's continued attempts to litigate the feud in his lyrics come across as bitter and insecure rather than relevant (4:52 - 5:15, 8:42).
Lack of Catchiness: While Drake displays some decent wordplay, Fantano notes that the track lacks a catchy, infectious hook or musicality, which he believes is essential for Drake to reclaim his position in the mainstream (27:51 - 28:05).
The "Iceman" rollout:Fantano expresses skepticism about the lead-up to Iceman, suggesting that the use of "goofy" episodes and leaked snippets indicates Drake is struggling to find a clear creative direction for this new era (32:38 - 33:15).
Overall, Fantano believes that instead of focusing on old grievances, Drake needs to release "undeniably catchy" material to successfully reset his career and move past the fallout of the Kendrick conflict (29:34 - 30:20).
In this video, Anthony Fantano, the internet's busiest music nerd, discusses and argues about various user-submitted "best and worst love songs of all time." He shares his thoughts and opinions on each song, often adding personal anecdotes or musical insights.
Here's a breakdown of the songs and his commentary:
"This Must Be the Place (Live)" by Talking Heads (1:10-1:55): Fantano praises David Byrne's idiosyncratic lyrics and the playful groove of the live performance, calling it unique among romantic ballads.
"Lover, You Should've Come Over" by Jeff Buckley (1:58-2:54): He acknowledges Buckley's immense influence and vocal talent, noting how his expressive voice naturally lends itself to romance, even for a non-fan.
"Kiss from a Rose" by Seal (2:55-3:42): Fantano humorously highlights its inclusion in a Batman movie and commends Seal's "incomparably great vocals" and unique piano passages.
"Pagan Poetry" by Björk (3:58-4:40): He finds the song intensely emotional, magical, and mystical, especially the repeated "I love him" lines, which he feels capture the essence of love.
"God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys (4:41-5:36): Fantano believes this song universally resonates, particularly in expressing deep, long-term appreciation for someone's impact on one's life.
"Kiss of Life" by Sade (5:38-6:02): He describes the song as infinitely sensual, warm, and sweet, agreeing that Sade's music often lends itself to being considered among the best love songs.
"In My Life" by The Beatles (6:03-6:39): While not a personal favorite, he respects the song's sentiment of embracing new love while fondly remembering old, a balance rarely achieved in love songs.
"I Will Follow You into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie (6:41-7:06): Fantano acknowledges its bittersweet, melancholic vibe typical of the band but prefers The Postal Service's "Give Up" for love-themed tracks by Ben Gibbard.
"Take Me Back" by Miles and Anthony Fantano (7:29-7:49): He briefly mentions his own song, noting the "wonderful intent" behind the lyrics.
"Love Song" by The Cure (7:56-8:56): Fantano comically rejects this as a "driving at night with your significant other song," instead jokingly crediting Drake for the best "Drake and Drive" anthems.
"Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross (8:59-9:53): He praises its funkiness, hyperbolic lyrics, and Luther's refreshing vulnerability in expressing love.
"What You Won't Do for Love" by Bobby Caldwell (9:56-10:07): Fantano calls this a "banger" that also rides a "funkier line."
"It's Okay to Cry" by SOPHIE (10:07-10:23): He highlights this as a song about self-love, which he deems "the best kind of love."
"Hey Soul Sister" by Train (10:28-11:00): Fantano declares this the "worst love song," calling it "really annoying" and an "eject button" for someone with good music taste.
"Close to You" by The Carpenters (11:01-11:18): He finds it perfectly sweet, tender, and praises Karen Carpenter's close-to-mic vocals, noting it’s about how a person makes the world better.
"Bluish" by Animal Collective (11:43-12:54): Fantano appreciates its watery, trippy production and its portrayal of infatuation with a person's details, praising the band's ability to create beautiful yet decipherable strange sounds.
"The Louvre" by Lorde (12:55-13:22): He admires its beautiful and clever reflection of young, obsessive summer love, praising its production and structure.
"Heal Mode" by Jeff Rosenstock (13:48-14:21): Fantano sees it as a hopeful song that captures the pandemic-era feeling of dread being overtaken by love.
"The Moon" by The Microphones (14:22-14:59): He describes it as one of the most beautiful songs ever, with fantastic instrumentation and interesting lyrics about trying to forget a failed relationship.
"Ryderz" by Hudson Mohawke (15:00-15:20): Fantano praises this instrumental track for radiating so much "love energy" and getting his "hips moving."
"Everlong" by Foo Fighters (15:21-15:33): He notes its hard-rocking yet intimate and vulnerable nature.
"I Know" by De La Soul (15:34-16:15): Fantano calls it one of hip-hop's most charming and sweet love songs, highlighting De La Soul's unique, approachable style.
"To Fall in Love" by Navy Blue (16:26-16:44): He commends its description of a long-term, intimate romantic relationship.
"Layla" by Derek and the Dominos (16:45-17:41): Fantano has complicated feelings about this song, describing its production as depicting intense love switching to desperation and chaos, signifying "love sickness."