7 Songs Like Marvin’s Room: Feeling Drake?

Hey music aficionados! DJ TBone here, spinning the soundtrack of your lives. I’ve been noodling on the introspective, soulful vibes that songs like “Marvin’s Room” by Drake deliver, and it sparked an idea.

Why not dig through my extensive music library and handpick 7 gems that capture the same emotive essence? It’s the raw emotion, the vulnerability that strikes a chord.

These songs hit different when you’re in your feels, and it’s about time we appreciate their depth. So, without further ado, let’s dive into these heart-rending anthems that echo the sentiment of “Marvin’s Room”.

Ready to get deep with TBone? Stay tuned!

Here are the songs like Marvin’s Room that you can check out:

List Of Songs Like Marvin’s Room

Songs like Marvin’s Room in a list format:

1. The Weeknd – “Call Out My Name” (My Dear Melancholy, 2018, XO and Republic Records)

Canadian powerhouse, The Weeknd, gave us “Call Out My Name” from his EP, ‘My Dear Melancholy,’ back in 2018, released under XO and Republic Records. This track delves into the similar emotional depth as “Marvin’s Room”. Its haunting lyrics of lost love, accompanied by the artist’s signature moody synth beats, really resonated with me. Nicolas Jaar contributed to the production, enhancing the soulfulness. I chose this song because, like Drake, The Weeknd masterfully expresses vulnerability without surrendering his musical prowess.

2. Frank Ocean – “Self Control” (Blonde, 2016, Boys Don’t Cry)

From Frank Ocean’s critically acclaimed album ‘Blonde’ (2016) under his independent label Boys Don’t Cry, “Self Control” is a stellar example of modern R&B’s potential. The combination of Ocean’s honest lyricism and minimalist instrumentals provided by a team of musicians including Austin Feinstein, evoke feelings similar to those in “Marvin’s Room”. I selected “Self Control” for the list as it encapsulates the complex emotions surrounding unrequited love and the struggle of moving on.

3. Jhené Aiko – “Comfort Inn Ending (Freestyle)” (Sail Out, 2013, Def Jam)

“Comfort Inn Ending (Freestyle)” is a heartfelt track from Jhené Aiko’s 2013 EP ‘Sail Out,’ released under Def Jam. Aiko’s emotional outpouring about a relationship’s bitter end, paired with soothing instrumentals, echo the melancholic atmosphere of “Marvin’s Room”. I’ve included it in the list because Aiko’s ability to weave pain into poignant art is both cathartic and enchanting, much like Drake.

4. SZA – “Drew Barrymore” (Ctrl, 2017, Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA)

“Drew Barrymore”, from SZA’s 2017 ‘Ctrl’ album (Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA), is a raw examination of self-esteem and the need for acceptance in a relationship. The song’s production, handled by The Antydote and Carter Lang, complements SZA’s somber lyrics. It made the list because it shares the emotive, confessional style found in “Marvin’s Room”, bringing listeners on an intimate journey through her insecurities and hopes.

5. Sampha – “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano” (Process, 2017, Young Turks)

From Sampha’s 2017 debut album ‘Process’ under Young Turks, “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano” is a song that radiates an achingly beautiful nostalgia. It isn’t about a romantic relationship, but it speaks volumes about loss, love, and remembrance. Sampha’s solitary piano and emotionally raw vocals resonate similarly to “Marvin’s Room”. This song made my list because of its powerful simplicity and the sentimental depth it explores.

6. Bryson Tiller – “Exchange” (Trapsoul, 2015, RCA)

“Exchange” comes from Bryson Tiller’s debut album ‘Trapsoul’, released in 2015 under RCA Records. Tiller’s emotive storytelling about regret over a past relationship, coupled with an infectious beat by The MeKanics and SykSense, creates a mood reminiscent of “Marvin’s Room”. I chose this song because of Tiller’s eloquent articulation of regret, a sentiment that rings familiar in Drake’s masterpiece.

7. PARTYNEXTDOOR – “Come and See Me” (PARTYNEXTDOOR 3, 2016, OVO Sound and Warner Records)

“Come and See Me”, from PARTYNEXTDOOR’s third studio album ‘PARTYNEXTDOOR 3’, released under OVO Sound and Warner Records in 2016, gives us another dose of emotionally charged R&B. The song, featuring a smooth verse from Drake and melodious production by Noah “40” Shebib, examines the frustrations of a one-sided relationship. It’s on this list as it beautifully emulates the emotional vulnerability and introspective lyricism found in “Marvin’s Room”.

Fun Facts: Tracks Similar to Marvin’s Room

1. The Weeknd – “Call Out My Name”

Did you know that “Call Out My Name” was speculated to be about The Weeknd’s brief but intense relationship with pop singer Selena Gomez? The lyrics’ heart-wrenching content fueled these speculations, with many fans believing it revealed the singer’s emotional turmoil post-breakup.

2. Frank Ocean – “Self Control”

Interestingly, Frank Ocean recorded “Self Control” with a rare piece of music technology, the “Vocoder”. It creates a unique vocal effect that’s somewhat robotic and synthesized, contributing to the song’s distinctive sound during the outro.

3. Jhené Aiko – “Comfort Inn Ending (Freestyle)”

Jhené Aiko’s “Comfort Inn Ending (Freestyle)” isn’t just a song title; it refers to an actual incident. Aiko shared in an interview that she discovered her ex’s infidelity at a Comfort Inn, providing the raw emotion fueling the song.

4. SZA – “Drew Barrymore”

The song title “Drew Barrymore” pays homage to the actress and the 90s coming-of-age films she starred in, which SZA adored. Even more exciting, Barrymore herself appeared in the music video, making a delightful cameo!

5. Sampha – “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano”

“(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano” is a tribute to Sampha’s late mother and the piano in their family home. The track is emotionally raw and personal, connecting listeners to a piece of Sampha’s history.

6. Bryson Tiller – “Exchange”

“Exchange” samples K.P. & Envyi’s late 90’s hit “Swing My Way”. This adds a nostalgic element to the track, showing Tiller’s knack for repurposing old school tunes into his contemporary R&B style.

7. PARTYNEXTDOOR – “Come and See Me”

“Come and See Me” features an exciting collaboration with Drake. But another intriguing fact is that the music video stars Kylie Jenner, stirring up lots of buzz at the time of its release.

And there you have it, friends – seven soulful anthems that channel the same raw emotion as Drake’s “Marvin’s Room”. They offer an introspective journey through love, loss, and regret. Now, it’s your turn to explore these musical gems. Catch you on the flip side, until then – keep the beats alive!

Thanks for reading.

TBone