This is the project that made me become a fan of The Weeknd all the way back in 2012. In my opinion, HOB is the most important R&B record of the 2010s. It changed the landscape of what R&B could look like, sound like and overall be. The moody, ominous, drug filled persona of the Weeknd & his music showed us that you didn't have to be a crooner in the rain or have the most powerful voice to make it in R&B but instead can live in obscurity and let the music do all the ... read more
A very interesting choice as a lead single, considering how subdued she is throughout the song. After about 3 listens I’ve already come to like the song more than I did at first. Living in her (gorgeous)lower register she alludes to the parasocial relationship her fans and critics have with her, similarly to we can’t be friends. It feels more like an enjoyable album deep cut rather than a lead single. I’m curious to hear how the rest of the album sounds in relation to this ... read more
A beautifully crafted album that feels like an ode to being in love. She made this for the lovers (me). This album gives you the warm and fuzzy feelings that are akin to being with that special person represented on no better song than "I Want You Around". It's brilliantly penned and soothingly sung. A very enjoyable listen.
A personal favourite from the year 2024. Sir served great vocals and told a story of a man finding himself and acknowledging his short-comings and regrets and professing a desire to be better. The trackl-isting of the album may be one of it's greatest strengths and the album never lags to make the listener disinterested and all the collabs work. Sir delivers strong performances throughout but songs like Poetry in motion, Karma, Only Human and satisfaction stand out along with a great intro ... read more
An album buoyed by the strength of its singles and boy are they incredible. You couldn't escape any Rihanna song during this time. This album forged and legitimized her name as a true pop princess. She was also led the charge into EDM club bangers. However, while the singles are extremely good, the album reinforces why Rihanna has been considered a singles artist for nearly all of her career. Yes it does feel like a mashup of songs, and they suffer from a lack of lyrical depth but when ... read more
This album is the culmination of Rihanna's career and she's performing at the peak of her powers. Each song is like a mini time capsule that takes you away on its individual journey. Rihanna seamlessly sifts through various genres on this album but no song (nor the fact that she's singing them) feels out of place. Starting with the SZA Infused Consideration, moving to Kiss it Better which for me is up there as one of THE best R&B songs of the decade. The confidence and ... read more
| 100 | ||
| 90 - 99 | 12 | |
| 80 - 89 | 44 | |
| 70 - 79 | 23 | |
| 60 - 69 | 5 | |
| 50 - 59 | 1 | |
| 40 - 49 | ||
| 30 - 39 | ||
| 20 - 29 | ||
| 10 - 19 | ||
| 0 - 9 |