What makes Laugh Now Cry Later by Drake notable?

'Laugh Now Cry Later' achieved significant commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and later reaching number one. The track received widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its catchy hook and lyrical depth, contributing to its status as an anthem of resilience during challenging times. Released as a lead single for his sixth studio album, 'Laugh Now Cry Later' marked a notable moment in Drake's career, coinciding with his ongoing reign as a top-tier artist in contemporary music. By this point, he had already established himself as one of the genre's most influential figures following previous successes like 'Scorpion' in 2018 and 'Views' in 2016.

How many songs are on Laugh Now Cry Later?

Laugh Now Cry Later has 1 track, running approximately 4 minutes.

Laugh Now Cry Later

Drake · 2020

4 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

A blend of introspective lyrics and vibrant beats that seamlessly fuses hip-hop with pop sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Laugh Now Cry Later — This title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of balancing joy and sorrow while showcasing Drake's signature melodic flow over an infectious beat.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The track combines strong production with engaging lyrics, making it a notable single in Drake's discography.

What we noticed

The track features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered synths and a prominent bass line that drives the rhythm.
Drake alternates between rapping and singing, creating a dynamic flow that emphasizes both his lyrical delivery and melodic hooks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — The single reinforced Drake's leading status in pop culture and chart performance.
Themes: celebratory melancholy· urban resilience· dualities of success
Moods: Melancholy· Introspective
Career context: Released as a lead single for his sixth studio album, 'Laugh Now Cry Later' marked a notable moment in Drake's career, coinciding with his ongoing reign as a top-tier artist in contemporary music. By this point, he had already established himself as one of the genre's most influential figures following previous successes like 'Scorpion' in 2018 and 'Views' in 2016.
Stylistic neighbors: The Weeknd· J. Cole· Travis Scott