“Scary Hours,” a two-track EP featuring “God’s Plan” and “Diplomatic Immunity,” is Drake’s latest release. The EP’s cover artwork was allegedly stolen from a tour poster of electronic artist Rabit. Photo used under fair use guidelines, photo illustration by Katie Grace Upchurch.
Drake’s first releases of 2018, “God’s Plan” and “Diplomatic Immunity,” leave more to be expected from the Toronto-based rapper.
Fans were surprised when Drake announced his brand new project, “Scary Hours,” just a few hours before it dropped at midnight on Jan. 20.
Under the title “Scary Hours”, songs “God’s Plan” and “Diplomatic Immunity” mark Drake’s first releases since his well-received 22-song “playlist” “More Life,” which was released March 18, 2017.
While “More Life” was less dynamic than its predecessor, “Views,” the playlist maintained a consistent quality that proved more enjoyable. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about “Scary Hours.”
“God’s Plan” is a pretty average song. It’s biggest success is its introspection, which is typical of a Drake track. What is atypical is how much better he executes this introspection on “God’s Plan.” The lyrics are smooth and catchy, just not incredibly impactful.
The beat is enjoyable, but nothing stellar. Its whistling synths are reminiscent of “Views”’ closing track, “Hotline Bling.” Combined with Drake’s characteristic lackluster delivery, “God’s Plan” gets old after about a minute and a half.
The song did still manage to break both Spotify and Apple Music single-day streaming records, the previous Spotify record-holder being Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” off her November 2017 album “reputation.”
“Diplomatic Immunity” takes a pretty significant drop in listenability. The lyrics are harder to follow and significantly less catchy than “God’s Plan.” Drake attempts a more arrhythmic flow that sounds fine in theory but is ultimately disorienting given how dense the track is.
The instrumental’s shallow strings do not sit well with the boring trap-esque drums that populate the track with little variation. The production and grander structure are lazy and leave little to be excited about.
Though Drake’s 2018 return has been met with praise from his massive fanbase, “Scary Hours” has also been met with some controversy due to the artwork. The type style was allegedly stolen from electronic artist Rabit’s 2015 Communion Tour poster.
“Scary Hours” was a subpar project overall. While “God’s Plan” carries it well, “Diplomatic Immunity” weighs it down severely. If Drake evolves on the triumphs of “God’s Plan” and puts more enthusiasm into his future releases, he’s likely to strike platinum.
