maydogsuths

an album i reach for, an album that has always reminded me my experiences are not entirely unique. i believe this album subtly changed the trajectory of modern rnb, in its vulnerability in a less dramatic, more honest and stripped back manner than her predecessors. its a reliable body of work, with each song capable of standing independently. nothing is more striking here than her inclusion of her mother and grandmother's words before and after songs - to receive the second hand guidance ... read more

it feels obvious to praise something so intracately crafted. a combination of incredible vocals, rap ability, and the reoccuring classroom discussions beginning and ending tracks is what makes lauryn's album so perfect. her raw emotion, and critique of the music industry and conventions of her generation make an easily digestible album feel brave. incredible features, covers, self-reflection and moments of ambiguity make her work stand alone. perhaps the knowledge this album has no studio ... read more

lana's best album - leaning into her image and creating a perplexing but clear niche of romantic realism and feminine misery. her influences are clear, but her inability to sugarcoat her turmulous experiences feels unique. her take on simone's classic is gorgeous, and her crude, cutting lyrics combined with a softness of vocal performance and rich backing is incredible. 95 instead of 100 because i am unfortunately not 14 anymore so it doesn't hit the same - music devastatingly ... read more

surreal - uniquely profound, every track sounds the same but in a manner that is impressively coherent instead of repetitive. emotional and moving, in its creativity and simplicity - doesn't strive to be relatable. encapsulates learning to live with sadness, and the beauty in that. deeply personal, without forcing incredible vocal performances. purposefully unsettling at points, but equally comforting also. heavy focus may be the only barrier to its perfection, as it is too simplistic.