Solange - When I Get Home

8.8

With When I Get Home, Solange reaffirms her unbeatable ability to concoct effortlessly sequenced tracks that seem like a whole long song while still sharing varied layers and moods altogether. Not only that, but she cements herself as an unstoppable force redefining soul and crafting galactic production that plays with ambient and stoic repetition. More of a complement of than a contraposition to her previous magnum opus, the album lulls with the universal and the sensual in a work of art that transcends and awes from beginning to end relentlessly.

Highlights

- The stellar production team, in love with tiny details, delirious moods and constant magic.

- Solange's voice, as deadpan as savvy, offering just as much as it wants to and no more.

- The sequence the songs hold is a feature few other artists can show off.

Lowlights

- The use of repetition does have a purpose, but it gets excessive at certain parts.

- The majority of the tracks seem like interludes or mini-songs. While they find ways to grab power and substance, one is left wanting for even more.

Standouts

- Almeda

- Down With The Clique

- Binz

Country: USA

Released: March 1, 2019

Length: 39:02

Ariana Grande - thank u, next

6.8

Outbursts of empowerment, reflection and resilience are stubbornly paired up with underdeveloped and redundant trap pop tracks. But despite its turbulence and hurry, thank u, next stands as Ariana's most down-to-earth, sonically consistent and laid back record in her ever-ascending career.

Highlights

- It's good to know it's her first album with all songs co-written and produced by herself, and with no vocal guests at all.

- Most of the tracks are greatly formed and are undeniably catchy.

- The artist's emotional versatility and vulnerability pay off, especially on the slower parts.

Lowlights

- As tightly packed as it seems, there's little coherence in motifs and well-thought connectivity between songs.

- Some less impressive standouts seem equal between one another.

- Ariana's voice doesn't seem to be catching up with her full potential, not even by a half.

Standouts

- thank u, next

- needy

- ghostin

Country: USA

Released: February 8, 2019

Length: 41:10