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IN SHORT

A self conscious, occasionally self deprecating R&B release

REVIEW

R&B is a genre that ive been trying to get into for a while now. I have a few albums I really love in the genre, but its definitely not my strong suit. That being said, i love what ive heard of the genre, and i always like listening to new albums. This one got really good reception, and ive heard SZA on a number of features so i decided to give it a try.
This album is a bit unpredictable, with the moody synths on “Love Galore” (with a Travis Scott feature) all the way to the jazzy interludes of “Pretty Little Birds” and melancholic electric guitar instrumentals on the opener and closer. It plays with a lot of sounds and for the most part its really successful.
One way id say the project is kind of lacking is the features. Despite being a lot of big name artists, very few of them do anything to contribute to the song exponentially. The best feature here is easily Kendrick Lamar. He has a great verse here, and is a highlight of the album. Travis’s verse is pretty by the numbers for him, and Isaih Rashad may take away from “Pretty Little Birds” more than he does contribute.
“The Weekend” is a much more traditional, almost 90s sounding R&B track. It's got a great hook too. “Wavy” is just an interlude, but it is one of the stronger tracks on here. I think the features pretty good here too.
SZAs vocals are pretty out there. She's always got a very extravagant hook or two up her sleeve. Lyrically, the album focuses on a lot of self esteem issues in relationships and complicated feelings… you know, R&B stuff. It's a particularly vulnerable and at times self deprecating album though..
I think the first leg of the album is a bit weak. “Supermodel”'s instrumental doesn't really do enough for me, and “Love Galore” is too long for its own good. “Doves in the Wind” is the first great track here to me. I think “Anything” is one of the lesser tracks on here, and “Go Gina” has grown on me a bit. “20 Something” is also a bit of a weak closer.
I really like this album. I've got a few issues, but i think its worthy of its high reception.

Fav Track: The Weekend
Least Fav Track: Supermodel