Simplistic, honest and real. Those are just a few words to describe Drake’s new album “Nothing Was The Same,” released Sept. 24.

Drake’s new album is reminiscent of his Grammy award-winning album “Take Care,” but this time he takes it one step further both musically and artistically. Songs like the breezy “Come Thru” could be filler tracks on any other artist’s album, but Drake’s singing abilities make it a standout.

In the song, Drake reminisces about an ex-girlfriend and the times they spent together, crooning as he raps, “Why has it been so long?” The lyrics echo as the music swells and it’s easy to get swept up by all of Drake’s angst and heartache. The lyrics will probably make fans remember a time when they missed an ex and wanted to reconnect.

“Nothing Was the Same” seems like one love letter after another, all written to girls from Drake’s past.

In “Connect,” Drake toys with the idea of getting back together with an ex, singing “Oh, the idea is so fun every time.”

Above all else, the album’s lyrics are really the part of his music that grab his fans’ attention. They tug at the audience’s heartstrings and place them into whatever story Drake created through the song.

In “Too Much,” the lyrical and musical stand-out on the album, Drake tells a story about family heartbreak. It has traces of “Look What You’ve Done” from his previous album, but this rendition is even more haunting.

“Too Much” features Sampha, an R&B singer from London. The combination of his moving voice and the bewitching piano music in the background make for a song you can’t help but rap along to.

Fans are sometimes shocked by Drake’s blunt lyrics in which he lays out his problems for the world to see. Also on “Too Much,” he raps “Money got my whole family going backwards/No dinners, no holidays, nothing/There’s issues at hand that were not discussing.” Drake’s honesty propels the track, letting audience members know his vulnerable side.

Drake’s radio songs such as “Started from the Bottom” and “Hold On, We’re Going Home” are catchy, but the songs which tug at fans’ emotions are the true favorites.

“Nothing was the Same” is a perfect construction of his own flaws woven into melodic tunes. In “Furthest Thing,” for example, Drake acknowledges his own imperfections as he sings “The furthest thing from perfect, like everyone I know.”

I think that’s why this album will keep Drake’s head and shoulders above other rappers out there. The fact of the matter is that he’s not trying to out-do anyone else. Instead, he stays true to himself and shows us his most vulnerable colors.