Hip-hop/R&B artist Drake’s new album, “FOMO,” has given listeners new music to add to their playlists, but students at OH have different reactions to the release.
Some students were quick to check out “FOMO” as soon as it dropped, eager to see what Drake had to offer. For others, the anticipation was met with mixed feelings once they listened.
“This is a decent album. I listened to him when it first came out. It could be a little better,” said OH sophomore and longtime Drake fan Ian Petraza. When asked if the album’s staggered release changed his experience, Petraza reflected, “Not really.”
For Petraza, picking a favorite Drake song is tough, but he said, “I’d probably say God’s Plan.”
Other students have been following Drake for years and were ready to dive into “FOMO” as soon as it became available. “Yeah, I did listen to it a little bit,” shared OH senior, Charlie Cooney. “But like 4 years now,” he added, describing his history as a fan.
For Cooney, the new album offered something fresh. “My new favorite song from the album is definitely Cold Shoulder,” he said.
While students like Petraza and Cooney wasted no time in listening, not everyone at OH has heard “FOMO” yet. For some, Drake’s latest release isn’t a priority. When asked about the album, OH junior Samuel Smith, simply replied, “No.” Even so, Samuel keeps Drake in his rotation, whose favorite current Drake songs is “Jaded.”
These varying responses highlight how students engage with new music in different ways. Some are eager to press play as soon as new tracks drop, while others stick with old favorites or wait until the buzz settles before checking out what’s new.
“I wasn’t sure if I would like the new album, but after hearing my friends talk about it, I decided to give it a listen. Now I have a few songs on repeat,” wrote one student in a 42Fifty Google Form poll response, showing how word-of-mouth can lead to new favorites.
Meanwhile, some listeners are loyal to Drake’s classic tracks. “I still listen to ‘One Dance’ and ‘Marvins Room’ all the time,” shared another OH sophomore on a form. “But I like checking out what Drake does next.”
Whether students are die-hard Drake fans or casual listeners, “FOMO” has definitely given OH plenty to talk about. With streaming making it easy to access the album anytime, no one really has to miss out—unless they choose to.
As students continue to listen and debate their favorite tracks, “FOMO” is becoming a soundtrack to the fall semester at OH. Some students noted that Drake’s collaborations brought a new dynamic, while others felt that a few songs didn’t quite meet their expectations but appreciated the variety in style.
As one group put it: “It’s always interesting when Drake drops something new. Even if you’re not a huge fan, you want to know what everyone’s talking about.”
No matter their opinion, one thing is clear: at OH, Drake’s latest release has everyone aware of the fear of missing out.
