Nick Drake was an English singer-songwriter who emerged in the late 1960s and quickly became one of the most revered and influential musicians of his time. With his distinctive voice and introspective lyrics, Nick Drake helped to define the sound of the folk and acoustic genres and inspired countless musicians around the world. Over the course of his tragically short career, he released a handful of classic albums and songs that continue to resonate with music fans of all ages.
In this article, we will be exploring the 20 best Nick Drake songs of all time. These are the tracks that have defined his career and cemented his place as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. From early classics like “River Man” and “Cello Song” to later hits like “Pink Moon” and “Northern Sky,” we will be taking a deep dive into Nick Drake’s discography and exploring what makes these songs so special.
Nick Drake’s music is not just about beautiful melodies and poetic lyrics; it’s also about the beauty and mystery of life. His songs are filled with emotion and a sense of longing, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians today. Listening to Nick Drake’s music is like taking a journey through the depths of the human soul, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and music lovers.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Nick Drake or just discovering his music for the first time, this article is sure to provide insights and appreciation for the musician’s incredible body of work. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the 20 best Nick Drake songs of all time.
1. ‘Marvin’s Room’
Marvin’s Room is a song by Drake, released in 2011, as a part of his album Take Care. The song talks about a phone conversation between Drake and his ex-girlfriend’s new lover. In the conversation, Drake tells the new lover about the problems his ex-girlfriend is facing and how he feels like he can still make her happy. The song is emotional and introspective, as Drake contemplates the consequences of his actions and the consequences of his past relationships. The slow and melancholic beat, combined with Drake’s raw and vulnerable lyrics, make Marvin’s Room a powerful and relatable track.
2. ‘The Motion’
The Motion is a song by Drake, released in 2013, as a part of his mixtape, “Nothing Was the Same.” The song talks about the ups and downs of fame and fortune, and how it affects Drake’s personal relationships. Drake reflects on how some people only want to be around him because of his success and how it can be hard to trust people. The song’s beat is upbeat and lively, featuring a catchy sample from Sampha’s “Indecision.” The Motion showcases Drake’s lyrical prowess and his ability to create catchy hooks and memorable melodies. It’s a reflective and introspective track that showcases Drake’s versatility as an artist.
3. ‘Started from the Bottom’
“Started from the Bottom” is a 2013 song by Canadian rapper Drake, from his album “Nothing Was the Same.” The song’s lyrics tell the story of Drake’s rise from humble beginnings to success in the music industry. He speaks of his early struggles and the hard work he put in to achieve his dreams. The song features a catchy chorus and a heavy bass beat, making it an anthem for those who have struggled to achieve success. Drake’s delivery is confident and braggadocious, reminding listeners of his journey and the obstacles he has overcome.
4. ‘Know Yourself’
“Know Yourself” is a 2015 song by Drake, from his album “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.” The song’s lyrics are centered around Drake’s hometown of Toronto and his experiences growing up there. He talks about his rise to fame, his relationships, and his personal struggles. The chorus features the famous “running through the six with my woes” line, which has become a popular catchphrase. The beat is minimalistic, featuring a simple but memorable drum pattern. “Know Yourself” is an introspective and reflective track that showcases Drake’s ability to connect with his audience through his personal experiences.
5. ‘I’m on One’ (DJ Khaled feat Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne)
“I’m on One” is a 2011 song by DJ Khaled featuring Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne. The song features a slow and ominous beat, with each rapper delivering verses about their success and the haters that come with it. Drake’s chorus emphasizes the idea of living in the moment and enjoying success while it lasts. The song was a commercial success, reaching number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. “I’m on One” has become a classic hip-hop track, known for its dark and brooding atmosphere and its catchy hook.
6. ‘Crew Love’
“Crew Love” is a 2011 song by Drake, featuring The Weeknd, from his album “Take Care.” The song’s lyrics focus on Drake’s relationship with his crew and the bond they share. The Weeknd’s chorus emphasizes the idea of loyalty and being there for each other through thick and thin. The beat is atmospheric and ethereal, featuring dreamy synths and a simple drum pattern. “Crew Love” is a reflective and introspective track that showcases Drake’s ability to connect with his audience through his personal experiences. The song has become a fan favorite and a staple in Drake’s discography.
7. ‘Hold On, We’re Going Home’ feat Majid Jordan
‘Hold On, We’re Going Home’ feat Majid Jordan is a smooth R&B and pop-infused track from Drake’s 2013 album ‘Nothing Was the Same.’ The song features Majid Jordan on the chorus, with their falsetto vocals perfectly complementing Drake’s verses. The beat is built around a catchy synth riff that gives the song a retro vibe, while the lyrics center around a love interest who Drake wants to hold onto and take home. The track was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on several charts and earning critical acclaim for its infectious melody and well-crafted production.
8. ‘5am in Toronto’
‘5am in Toronto’ is a rap song by Drake, released in 2013 as a standalone single. The track features a dark and brooding beat, with eerie synths and a heavy bassline setting the tone for Drake’s aggressive rhymes. The lyrics touch on themes of success, fame, and the struggles that come with them, as Drake takes aim at his critics and competitors in the rap game. The song was praised for its introspective lyrics and Drake’s confident flow, solidifying his status as one of the most dominant rappers of his time.
9. ‘Too Much’
‘Too Much’ is a reflective track from Drake’s 2013 album ‘Nothing Was the Same.’ The song features a slow, piano-driven beat with atmospheric synths and a guest appearance from British singer Sampha on the chorus. The lyrics explore Drake’s struggles with his newfound fame and success, as well as his concerns about his family and friends back home. The song’s introspective tone and personal lyrics earned praise from critics and fans alike, showcasing Drake’s vulnerability as an artist.
10. ‘Versace Remix’ (Migos feat Drake)
‘Versace Remix’ is a high-energy trap song by Atlanta-based group Migos, featuring Drake. The track features a catchy hook, hard-hitting beats, and aggressive flows from both Migos and Drake. The remix was a huge commercial success, helping to launch Migos’ career and solidifying Drake’s status as a dominant force in the rap game. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of wealth, power, and fashion, with each artist flexing their success and status in the industry. The track’s catchy chorus and infectious beat have made it a fan favorite and a staple in hip-hop playlists.
11. ‘0 to 100/The Catch Up’
‘0 to 100/The Catch Up’ is a two-part rap song from Drake’s 2014 album ‘If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.’ The first half features a hard-hitting beat and Drake’s confident flow as he raps about his success and rise to fame. The second half slows things down with a more introspective tone, as Drake reflects on his personal life and relationships. The song’s production, courtesy of Boi-1da, is praised for its intricate layers and transitions between the two parts, and the track has become a fan favorite and a staple in Drake’s discography.
12. ‘Tuesday’ (ILOVEMAKKONEN feat Drake)
‘Tuesday’ is a melodic trap song by Atlanta-based artist ILOVEMAKKONEN, featuring Drake. The track features a laid-back beat and catchy hook, with Drake contributing a memorable verse. The song’s lyrics center around partying and enjoying the nightlife, with each artist describing their own experiences and indulgences. ‘Tuesday’ became a viral hit in 2014, thanks in part to Drake’s feature, and helped to launch ILOVEMAKKONEN’s career. The song’s popularity also led to a number of remixes and covers, further cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
13. ‘How About Now’
‘How About Now’ is a soulful R&B track from Drake, released in 2014 as a standalone single. The song features a sample from Jodeci’s ‘My Heart Belongs to U’ and a slow, hypnotic beat that sets the tone for Drake’s vulnerable lyrics. The song’s subject matter deals with past relationships, as Drake reflects on a former lover who didn’t appreciate him at the time. ‘How About Now’ showcases Drake’s introspective side and his ability to tap into emotions that resonate with his fans.
14. ‘Best I Ever Had’
‘Best I Ever Had’ is a smooth and catchy hip-hop track from Drake’s 2009 mixtape ‘So Far Gone.’ The song features a sample from Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds’ ‘Fallin’ in Love’ and a bouncy beat that showcases Drake’s melodic flow. The song’s lyrics center around a love interest who Drake sees as the ‘best he ever had,’ with playful wordplay and clever metaphors. ‘Best I Ever Had’ was a breakout hit for Drake, helping to launch his career and earning critical acclaim for its infectious melody and playful lyrics.
15. ‘Worst Behaviour’
“Worst Behaviour” is a song by Canadian rapper, Drake, featuring rapper, Future. The song is a braggadocious ode to their lavish lifestyles and their disregard for societal norms. The lyrics highlight their rebellious nature and the lengths they will go to flaunt their wealth and success. The production features a heavy bassline and trap-inspired beats, which creates an energetic and aggressive atmosphere. The music video, which features Drake and Future partying on a private plane and in a luxurious mansion, reinforces the themes of excess and indulgence.
16. ‘Think Good Thoughts’
“Think Good Thoughts” is a song by American rapper, B.o.B, featuring singer, Lizzy Hale. The song encourages listeners to focus on positive thoughts and manifest their dreams into reality. The lyrics emphasize the power of the mind and how it can shape one’s reality. The production features a mix of rock and hip-hop elements, which creates an anthemic and motivational sound. The music video shows B.o.B and Hale performing the song in a church, surrounded by a choir and congregation. The visuals reinforce the positive message of the song and the importance of having a positive mindset.
17. ‘Cameras/Good Ones Go’
“Cameras/Good Ones Go” is a two-part song by Canadian rapper, Drake, from his album “Take Care.” The first half, “Cameras,” is a confessional track where Drake reflects on his rise to fame and the challenges that come with it, such as the constant scrutiny of the media and public. The second half, “Good Ones Go,” is a slower, more emotional track where Drake laments over a failed relationship and the struggle to move on. The production features a mix of moody instrumentals, including piano and strings.
18. ‘The Search’
“The Search” is a song by American rapper, NF, from his album of the same name. The song is a deeply personal and introspective track where NF reflects on his inner demons and struggles with mental health. The lyrics highlight his determination to overcome these challenges and find inner peace. The production features a mix of hip-hop and rock elements, including heavy drums and guitar riffs. The music video shows NF wandering through a dark forest, symbolizing his search for inner peace and self-acceptance.
19. ‘Headlines’
“Headlines” is a song by Canadian rapper, Drake, from his album “Take Care.” The song is an anthem to Drake’s success and his rise to the top of the music industry. The lyrics boast about his achievements and his determination to keep pushing forward despite the obstacles in his way. The production features a mix of hard-hitting drums and atmospheric synths, which creates an energetic and anthemic sound. The music video shows Drake performing the song in various locations, including a concert venue and a skyscraper rooftop.
20. ‘6 God’
“6 God” is a song by Drake, released as a standalone single. The song is a braggadocious track where Drake asserts his dominance over the rap game and his competitors. The lyrics highlight his confidence and his ability to deliver clever wordplay and rhymes. The production features a mix of eerie synths and booming bass, which creates a dark and aggressive atmosphere. The music video shows Drake performing the song in various locations around Toronto, surrounded by his crew and fans.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
