Reviews (page 5 of 8)
I think this could have been trimmed in some way to bump to a 4, not overly long just some stuff wasn't as good as the rest
Нежно. Методично. Нравятся.
Much more downbeat and minimal than I expected. There's an intimate feeling to the production and it sounds fresh and world-music inspired at times. Beautiful voice too. Cranes in the Sky starts with a breakbeat and meanders along, synths and bass adding to the layered sound. Then on Mad, a duet with Lil Wayne, the beat is even more deconstructed but the effect is surprisingly pretty. Later, I like Borderline with an old school sounding piano, and Don't Wish Me Well has a cool repetitive synth melody - maybe my favourite track on the album.
A consistent record that reaches its peak early with the fantastic 'Cranes In The Sky', and levels out after without feeling it plateaus. The interludes between most tracks are hit and miss, and ultimately doesn't really add anything to the experience. Nothing absolutely extraordinary, but certainly not bad. Best Tracks: - Cranes In The Sky - Borderline (An Ode To Self Care) Worst Tracks: - Mad Rating: 6/10
I feel like I need to actually sit down and listen to it again because I was pretty distracted this time. Regardless, it wasn't bad and I felt myself bopping along a few times.
Smooth R&B with some occasional and pointless hiphop interjections. I played it several times and don't remember any of it. Only woke up when Spotify played some Sade - at which point the increase in quality was too obvious to ignore.
Textural without going (too?) overboard in production - like the songs actually breathe. I suppose the easy thing is to make the sister comparison and I'll bite - this is much more listenable and sincere-sounding than Beyonce. One of the most-positive aspects for me - which I've just found a few ppl criticized - is that her voice is *not* mixed way up high like so much modern pop. Can we please make that a trend? Negatives: it's too long for what it is - not enough variety, which might seem contradictory since what I like about it is that it is chill. Probably could have chopped this at about 40 minutes and it'd be perfect. Easily my least-favourite aspect as always: the features. Just always takes me out of the moment, out of the trance. The interludes tho are actually ok here - powerful messages and might be the first time I was kind of into this concept. Being not much of a neo soul fan (often too much processing/sterile studio manufacturing) surprisingly I didn't mind this - there's nothing that ever jumps out and grabs me so it wouldn't be a favourite but maybe that's part of the reason - the music is nice enough to have as background music. I'll skip Lil' Wayne's rasp every time tho. 6/10 3 stars.
this was fine. production was good and she has a good voice. the songs all sound pretty similar and the slow nature of them makes them feel like they are dragging on even though most are not that long.
En af mine mest cancellable opinions er at de 1.000 interludes tager en del fra pladens flow og føles lidt som at læse Huffington Posts twitter feed cirka 2016. Får pladen til at føles meget længere end den er. Sangene lyder til gengæld pisse godt, vildt godt produktion og hun er en ekstremt god sanger.
Solange has a lovely voice and the songs are a fine listen, with deep messaging. But it's a bit dull musically.
nýsál, með tölvutöktum. leiðarstefið er réttindabarátta svartra í bandaríkjum norður ameríka sem fólk fékk mjög tímabundið áhuga á fyrir tæpum áratug. krúsídúllusöngur skemmir aðeins en áheyrilegt og á skilið meira. 3,5.
She had a nice singing voice, but the songwriting and instrumentation wasn’t anything special. Seems likely this one benefited from family connections
I enjoyed the production on this one - I'm sure it would be fantastic on a pair of good headphones. A little out of my wheelhouse, but I will say this is the first time I've ever enjoyed a Lil' Wayne verse.
Cranes in the Sky is such a good song. This album is really cool. I love the slow vibes and message of the album. I especially liked her inclusion of the Interludes and the colabs.
i think some of these beats are lovely and funky and what it is trying to express is incredibly important but also it is just a smidge boring and slow
Very R&B, which is usually not really my thing, but some interesting polyphony gave it some extra appeal. Just like most R&B, it would be suitable as background music in almost any situation, but if I have some attention to spare I think I would prefer a different album.
Bueno
finally trying out solange! i liked this but didn't love it, and i thought the beginning was stronger than the second half. i'm baffled by the 1-star reviews, though - at worst, this is inoffensively chill r&b. i like solange's more delicate voice compared to beyonce's belting. but not a lot of standout faves from here. easy to listen to, though.
Solid rnb album with a polticial touch here and there.
Kudos to Solange for not trying to follow in her very famous sister’s footsteps and forging her own path here It’s generally very reserved, and I like the interludes with other artists. It discusses black culture, feelings, and struggle, but not in an overbearing way (which some would argue is a weakness of the album) but probably makes sense logistically to appeal to a larger audience. Its an album which is pretty good, tho not really my speed and maybe not really intended for me as the audience? I’m not sure. Favorite - Cranes in the Sky
Some may know Solange as Beyonce's younger sister. She certainly shows her musical and lyrical chops here, in what was her first studio album after eight years at this point. Touching on her identity and self-empowerment as a black woman, Solange uses her platform as an artist to get personal here and send a message to the listeners. That's also driven home by the many interludes featured throughout. It borders on the line of being a little too preachy at some points, but I wasn't burned out or anything at the end of the day. The neo soul, R&B, and funk aspects make this a fairly easy and low energy listen. Plus, some familiar names such as Lil Wayne, Q-Tip, and The Dream (among others) lent a hand. I truly don't know if Solange did anything noteworthy after this release (looks like she released one follow up album a few years later to similar acclaim, perhaps worth checking out), but she certainly stepped out of her older sister's shadow here if anything. You hear the emotion delivered the various messages throughout, but it wasn't consistent enough I felt. Only a few tracks really grabbed me. Best tracks: Cranes in the Sky, Don't Touch My Hair
Correcto
groovy
An album that says a lot but doesn’t say it in a memorable or interesting way. So why bother with it.
Thoughts before listening: Beyonce's sister. I know she made some critically loved albums that didn't become hits like her sister's albums. I think I tried listening a few times and didn't really get the hype. Review: This is definitely more of a jazzy r&b sound than her sister's over the top bangers. It's a little boring to me although there are some good songs like "Cranes in the Sky". 3 stars
Lovely voice from a talented family.
Not my kind of music but very well written and produced. Good sound. Great interludes!!
Was surprised by how much I liked this album as it’s not in my typical wheelhouse. Very great
Alright, it's just a shame that once this album ended the songs that played by her from different albums were immediately better. Definitely prefer her tracks like losing you and stay flo or songs in the same realm but by different artists like Her light by cleo soul or Blood and Marrow by Hiatus Kaiyote more than anything off this album. A great artist, phenomenal even, just not her best stuff imo Album is super backloaded too, and I think she knows this by the way it's structured with those song by song interludes at the very back. 6/10 Fav tracks - Junie, Don't Wish Me Well, Scales
I had this on in the car but not sure what to make. It was really pleasant background, slow and meandering. I wasn't listening too hard for lyrics. Saying all that it did feel a bit thin on reflection. Need a second listen
I initially thought this was on here by contrarian type voting it to say they prefer this lesser celebrated Knowles sister, but it was pretty interesting in itself. One I would relisten to sans all the interludes. Like she knew Beyoncé was nailing the main stream so she could just make whatever she wanted without pressure.
Hey guys, Tina Knowles second child wants you to know she’s had it rough. I dog the message, but it’s a little too heavy-handed to the point that it’s tone deaf. Kendrick does this space well and Sola he should stick to her silver-spooned lane. 3/5
Solange’s musical style is not one that resonates with me much. But I am impressed with the seriousness of intent behind this album. Instead of just vacuous pop she has created a piece of work that uplifts, educates, proclaims pride in herself and her community. Well-done.
very chill, quite enjoyed it
I thought this album was good. I'm not sure how often I will return to it, but there are some really good songs here. She is a really talented singer and the rhythm parts were fun! I did think having an interlude between practically every song was a bit much. Liked songs: "Cranes in the Sky" , "Mad" , "Where Do We Go" , "F.U.B.U." , "Junie" , and "Scales"
liked songs: Weary I have to give this album some credit. Great production, especially the vocal layering, good structure/flow. I give Solange credit for a great vocal performance and putting together a cohesive piece of art with a good message. Unfortunately, this genre doesn't really do much for me. I liked Weary, but the rest of the album didn't really grab me at all. 2.5
A good idea, poorly executed
Very nice to listen to, but didn't really grab me. It's lacking memorable choruses / hooks, and I wasn't crazy about the many interludes. They were OK, but they broke up the flow for me.
Listened Before? N Didn't even know this person existed. Beyonce's sister has the family pipes! Nice voice and great writing on this one. Great mood piece and feels classic. Not really my cup of tea but I wouldn't complain if someone wanted to put this on at a party. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Cranes in the Sky
Good but maybe a bit self-important.
Goed album. Relaxte sound
A few decent tunes fail to save this snooze fest of a record.
I enjoyed this more than i thought. Its my usual stuff but why not. I enjoyed the softness, the subtlety, and the vibe. The squelchy synths and production drew me in. Its difficult not to compare her to her sister and this is much more interesting
Disappointing because Cranes in the Sky is a banger. I like the vibe but the music doesn’t do anything interesting
6/10…r&b, neo soul
This soulful record is a nice departure from other current pop artists. Solange really has a lovely voice, and that coupled with the cool drum tracks and jazzy piano made for a very interesting listen. Notable Tracks: - Cranes in the Sky - Don't Touch My Hair - Where Do We Go - Borderline (An Ode to Self Care) - Junie 6/10
A Seat at the Table is an incredibly solid Neo-Soul record that lyrically offers both political views and personal trauma. This is a record that you can put on and let play and thoroughly enjoy while simultaneously offering much more depth for a focused listen. The over abundance of interludes definitely get in the way of the flow of the record, but are necessary to help complete the story that Solange is trying to tell. I enjoyed this record, but I’m unsure why it’s included on 1001albumsgenerator.com. It’s very solid throughout and culturally significant, but I don’t think it stands up to other Neo-Soul records of the 2010s.
Not really my style, but this was decent background music while I was working.
Well produced music...not really my type though....It's good, but definitely not that great? I feel like there could be one of this kind of album every year or two...? Not unique, if I may say. A decent 3/5. I like the bass groove in Mad. Also the interludes are more interesting than the music itself.
I liked the soulful sound on this one. Had a hard time connecting to any of the lyrics, which I guess is to be expected as it says pretty explicitly that it's not "for me". Oh well, still a pretty interesting listen.
id be saying less like i forgot
Я помню, что этот альбом взорвал уши и сознания слушателей и критиков в момент релиза, но сам я впечатлен не был (потому что музыка это, в общем, не совсем моя). В целом, послушав его вот в очередной раз, мне понравилось (но это всё еще не моя музыка). Лучшая песня - Cranes in the Sky.
I wanted to like this. She sings well and has a nice voice. The racial and cultural commentary is all spot on. It's just that none of it is compelling for me. She sings in a way that shows she has a pretty voice but fails to make me want to listen to it. I liked the percussion at first, but it started to just feel like someone annoyingly tapping a pencil on a table. The racial aspects feel so common that they make it all just feel generic. Anyone who is listening isbalmost certainly to have already heard these basic philosophical points. Anyone who needs to hear them is just as certainly not drawn to the album. That doesn't mean they arent worth repeating or the album wasn't worth making, it just doesn't do much for me.
01) Rise - 7,0 02) Weary - 7,5 03) Interlude: The Glory Is in You - / 04) Cranes in the Sky - 7,5 05) Interlude: Dad Was Mad - / 06) Mad - 7,0 07) Don't You Wait - 7,0 08) Interlude: Tina Taught Me - / 09) Don't Touch My Hair - 7,0 10) Interlude: This Moment - / 11) Where Do We Go - 7,0 12) Interlude: For Us by Us - / 13) F.U.B.U. - 7,0 14) Borderline (An Ode to Self Care) - 7,0 15) Interlude: I Got So Much Magic, You Can Have It - / 16) Junie - 6,5 17) Interlude: No Limits - / 18) Don't Wish Me Well - 6,5 19) Interlude: Pedestals - / 20) Scales - 6,5 21) Closing: The Chosen Ones - / TOTAL: 6,96 (70/100)
3.5 rounded down to 3. Love her voice and liked the album as a whole but no individual songs grabbed me.
This might have been a 4 except for those danged interludes. Decent songs, good arrangements, it held my interest when there were songs.
A velvet lined lounge Hosts soul singer laced in pop Making people hot
Pretty good vibe. I zoned out a bit, not gonna lie. 3/5
è strano ma molto carino come sottofondo. un pò stile aikko ma un pò stile anni 90 come sound.
Pretty good.
I liked a lot about this album. The lyrics, the vibe. My favorite part was the spoken interludes. My least favorite part was that the vocals were all sang in a high register. I would have preferred a little more vocal grit.
Well I learned that Solange is Beyonce's sister that flies below the radar. By writ of birth and upbringing I'm not an authentic audience for the messaging, but I get it's important. The music is nice for background.
MESSAGE!
This isn't really my style. It's not bad but nothing really kept me interested.
Not bad. A few songs that I'd listen to again even if I didn't find the whole album that incredible.
Nothing wrong with it...just not my thing.
I read the accolades for this album and had high hopes. Unfortunately for me it was boring and repetitive. Beautiful voice! Kudos for the powerful messages & theme spread throughout. 2.6
3/5
I thought this would be another coffee shop Mariah Carey, but was very surprised by the depth and diversity. An enjoyable listen, even though not my typical go to.
This was a groovy, laidback listen and I liked it. Not really my style, but I hummed along and enjoyed the music. The lyrics, when I noticed them, were a bit... juvenile? Trite? I don't know. They were alright. The progressive topics were fine -- I agree with all of the stuff in the interludes and interviews, but I'm not really sure they enhanced the _music_ of it all. Three stars.
Not Beyonce. Not Destiny's Child. Not horrible.
Did not give the attention it needed…. Need to go back and listen to properly
Favorite Track: Cranes in the Sky
I've heard that this is a good album so I'm glad it's on the list. It sounded nice but was kind of boring, I was able to do work when I was listening to it.
Back to rating things west coast time rahhh. Didnt' realize til now that Solange is Beyonce's sister. This album was fine but I don't really like any of the songs enough to listen to them again. Maybe I'm the problem. Also after knowing how picky they r w/ newer albums ive been a bit more scrutinous(Idek if thats a word) when we get a post 2000 album. Like ur telling me I need to hear this more than arcade fire, kendrick, Adele, mgmt, MIA... I guess they r different genres but still. Side note, I listened to one song off arular bc it's mentioned in the top of the expunged thingy and im so hyped for that album! anyways... mid 6/10
Fine
Notable tracks: Cranes in the Sky, Mad (feat. Lil Wayne
Buena voz y poco más. Decente.
Nice one Solange
LoFi chill beats to be black and empowered to. In a less pithy way, this album is all vibes. Solange's voice is quietly powerful and the production is immaculate. I appreciate the message behind it, especially in the context of 2016 when it dropped. All that said, there just isn't enough juice for its run time. It doesn't feel bloated by any means, just airy. I wanted one or two bangers or at least contrasting ideas through the run time. I liked it. It's a strong three but I can't get to a weak 4.
I didn't even know Beyonce had a sister.
decent album many of the songs seem simular but was an entertaining listen
Cool harmonies, has interviews and “skits” interlaced within the music
Nothing besides F.U.B.U. stood really out for me, the rest was basically the same in different variations. Not bad, mind you, but also not really good.
This had some powerful, well written messages. Musically, though, it was too same-y all the way through without being something I really enjoy listening to. A good album for sure, but perhaps just not for me.
I'm not fond of (or familiar with) this genre, so I'm giving it a neutral vote.
6/10
I expected to hate it but I was pleasantly surprised.
Enjoyed it
Didn’t mind it but didn’t love it 5/10
It's interesting and I appreciate the interludes. I don't find myself too compelled by the songs, but appreciate it for what it is.
Great music but could have done without the interludes.
Some interesting stuff here but I never really got into it.
Pretty voice
Meh sounds like every other person of this genre
well recorded album with the production. cranes in the sky has really nice drums. the bass maraca combo in mad is cool. though i cant quite put my finger on what isnt making me click with the album. something like this is usually something id enjoy, but i dont really feel it as much with this album. perhaps its the direction of the album? i think a clear critique i can pinpoint is that there is a lack of a standout track; it all sounds pretty one noted. 3 personal favs: cranes in the sky, mad
I enjoyed! 3.5
an un-apologetically black album. it was a nice listen, but i think the message itself coming out of these songs was more impactful than the music itself.
This album starts out really gorgeous but honestly the sound gets a little stale by the end, as the album doesn’t really try to evolve it throughout the tracklist. Lyrics were also a little uninteresting for me. Would’ve liked some more engaging lyrics for these gorgeous instrumentals. I just wish the album would try to express its themes in a more interesting way. I wish I liked this album more than I do. Fav Tracks Rise Mad (ft. Lil Wayne) Strong 5/10
3.5
I've tried to listen to this album twice in two days, and I just keep getting distracted, and its fine, but I also need to move on with my life so let's just say 3 stars and forget all about it. It's fine 3/5
so long!
Decent enough. But not groundbreaking.
So distorted in Spotify … hard to enjoy
Enjoyed it overall. Interesting album. Standout songs: Mad FUBU Dont wish me well
Solid
I suppose if you love R & B, you will love this album
Though I am not a fan of this particular music style, I was surprised and quite taken by this. I appreciated the production and the songwriting here. Lots of detailed work on the soundscapes. I really loved the bass, the liquid textures here and there. Solange's voice does not particularly touch me, but I love the self affirmation that comes through her lyrics. The community comes through here: friends come in and out of the songs, bring their gifts, stay for a while and leave, giving it the feel of a moment in life. It is open, it breathes, it is joyful and free without shying away from the pain. A really thoughtfully constructed album, and another testimony of Black brilliance.
No la conocía de nada, o al menos no la había escuchado nunca o con la suficiente atención. Suena muy bien, algunas canciones tienen arreglos que me han gustado bastante además de su voz. Me he guardado "Don't you wait, Borderline y Don't wish me well.
Very chill vibes. I like the heavy use of harmony. Favorite song so far was Mad because Lil Wayne added in a bit of diversity in the sound. Pretty good.
It would suck to be beyonces sister. Especially if you’re not as good singer and not as good looking. I guess her name maybe is a little cooler than Beys? This was just aight for me
As far as the social commentary goes, I can see why this album has so much acclaim. Musically, the album kept my attention the entire time and there were a few songs I enjoyed. I’m not saying the lack of “radio hits” brings it down, I’m just assuming that’s why I’m so unfamiliar with the whole thing. It’s an album I’d check out again, but didn’t leave me wanting to listen to it again right away.
It's fine.
Artistic, minimal, atmospheric R&B that tells a narrative about being black. Like it said in one of the songs, this is not for me. I did appreciate the use of interludes throughout the record. They were frequent, after most songs, and helped create a line through the whole thing. Solange does have a very nice, tender voice. As I listened I felt like I had wanted more on the instrumental front, maybe it felt a bit too barren. This album is quality but did not appeal to me. Standouts: Cranes in the Sky, Max, Don’t You Wait, and Don’t Wish Me We’ll.
Sembra particolare, non l'ho finito di ascoltare
I can see that it is a good album but not really my thing so probably won't listen again
# Playlist track - Weary # Notes - When I first listened to the album I found it to be *mostly* uninspired. It's good-enough soul. A bit too light, too diluted. Not too bad, not great. 4/7. - Reading about it, it seems that there is some good songwriting in there, but I didn't pay attention while listening, so take that into consideration.
Un muy buen álbum de R&B por parte de la hermana de Beyoncé. Con una temática social sumamente marcada y un sonido pulcro, Solange se luce en gran parte de las pistas del largo LP. Si tuviera algo que criticar es que el trabajo se siente innecesariamente largo, y el primer y tercer cuarto del disco son sumamente olvidables.
Doesn't come close to the heights of "Losing You".
valkoistettu mustat kun alkoi laulaa kun keijukaiset... kuiskutellaan sipsutellaan ei uskalleta laulaa.. en osaa oikeasti laulaa nii sen sijaan ollaan hiljaa hyshys... smaal voice it sound good right??...ei... new age r&b... ja nyt tämä lasketaan ''soul'' musiikiksi.. huoh... onneksi oli lil wayne kohta ilman lil wayne verseä en olisi tykännyt ollenkaan. noh siinä meni täydellinen 2016 striikki ei ollutkaan täydellinen musiikkivuosi heh.. saa kolmosen koska en jaksa laittaa kakkosta, to succeed i must fail f.u.b.u....
Not bad but nothing that really jumped out for me too much. I just don't think she's got enough *something* in her vocals that makes the album worth placing on the list. I did like the beat on Don't Wish Me Well.
Good album with some classics on it and some cool ad libs 6/10
Weinig dingen zijn gemener dan iemand steevast wegzetten als 'de zus van', 'de zoon van', 'de vrouw van'. Ik ga dus niet de nadruk erop leggen dat Solange de zus van Beyoncé is. Als je de andere reviews of de Wiki leest kom je daar vanzelf achter. Mij zul je niet horen zeggen dat ze de zus van is en de dochter van een platenbaas. Ik zal nooit beweren dat ze hier staat door haar connecties. Dat zou echt laag zijn. Ik loop te kutten. Ik heb eigenlijk niks tegen dit album. Het is niet helemaal mijn muziek, maar er is weinig mis met het album en het luistert zelfs best prettig weg. Ik vind dit sowieso fijner en beter dan het oersaaie Cowboy Carter van haar zus (Beyoncé). Vreemd genoeg zit dit voor mij in het Mariah Carey hoekje, maar Solange (een Knowles telg) is wel 20x fijner om naar te luisteren dan Mariah met d'r piepend gehijg continu. Sowieso minder hysterisch qua ad libs ook. Ietsjes aan de lange kant, maar dat heb ik vaker bij wat langzamere muziek. Vanaf 'Junie' had ik het een beetje gezien. Verder heb ik hier weinig tegen. Drie sterren haalt het wel.
Sattumoisin oon kuunnellut tätä taustamusiikkina vuosina, koska sinänsä tämä on aika tylsä ja aivan liian pitkä albumi, mutta tunnelma on kauhean miellyttävä. Kaunis
Started off strongly, thought I'd really like it. Slipped away once the features started racking up
Decent R&B. Few unnecessary spoken interludes, otherwise a fine album.
Not my style. This may be great but I have no framework to judge it
Pretty nice album 3.5/4
Boring
I rather enjoyed this. A solid 3.
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I enjoyed this one. Not really my type of music, but that's the whole point of taking on this project...exposing myself to music that I'd otherwise never listen to.
Not my usual style, but I've a bit of an unexplained soft spot for Solange. This is an album to be heard as a whole, though, and it takes some patience. It's brave and raw and digs into an experience that I (as a middle class white dude) will simply never be able to fully understand. But I don't think it's *for* me, and I appreciate it for that.
My 1001 album … and then I receive this notification: Done? Not quite! Congratulations, you've just got your album number 1001 generated. It's about time to let you know this generator is including albums from all editions of the book, meaning the total amount of albums is close to 1100.
If you like this genre I'm sure you will love it. It's very well composed and executed, but appeals to musical tastes that I dont personally have. A 3 based on taste but its very good.
Okay
I liked that the vocals are not a clone of Beyonce. I liked the message on the whole. But not an album I would listen to again.
A decent enough album but for it to be on the list over some brilliant albums that came out in the same year is crazy to me…
3/5 No real opinion on this. Didn’t love it but was still good listening. She has a great voice.
Nice, never listened to Solange before but seen her LP in record stores. I didn't enjoy it enough to buy it, but I didn't turn it off.
Skulle villa ha mer energi men kova
Love the message but not a fan of the melodies. Also, must be nice being the kids of a music industry exec.
I kinda like it, kinda think its wasted opportunity land. Too minimalistic, too hushed vocals. YNN
Not bad. Got my head bopping. Not an expert in the genre, but I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this, but I felt like it didn’t really go anywhere. It was just at the same level throughout, and there weren’t really any energy peaks or valleys. I could’ve used some more variety.
I'm pretty sure I've listened to this a couple of times before. I like it well enough!
Musicaly a very goof album. I felt very disconnected from the content as I am not american and I am white from a country where White people are the minority. so the contemnt while powerful and valid in its own context felt very disconnected from my personal experiences. that does not invalidate the struggles at all
All in all, a goodish album. It ran a little long for the homogeneous sound of most of the songs. The interludes were too abundant and more of a distraction than anything in the end - for a self-titled album there wasn't too much of her personality shining through here. The songs that stood out were very, very good. All together: 3/5.
Decent lyrics, decent production, good voice…seemed like a good album if you’re into R&B, which I’m not really. Basically felt like one long song with interludes in between. “Junie” was the most interesting song to me since it had some funk happening.
Cranes in the Sky is a 10/10.
Not sure how to feel about this one. Might need a relisten with a more clear mind. Wouldn't be listening to this against my own will, but also wouldn't call this a must listen to.
Better than I expected but still very middle of the road. 58/100
3/5 Best Track: Cranes in the Sky
Favorites: Cranes in the Sky I got so much magic
R&B. Every once in a while it has flashes of interest but not often enough.
Easy to listen to and flows very well. Probably won’t go back and listen to many tracks tho. Rating: 2.9
This was unexpectedly pretty nice. Mellow, cool, and a little bit sexy. 3 stars.
It’s a real beautiful album, I like the interludes and I was particularly interested in the bass lines and beats. This is not a genre that I particularly go for, but this still was enjoyable and she has a wonderful voice.
I appreciate this album and really enjoyed the listen. I probably won't listen again but found it to be a good album!
Her voice is nice and I like the music, but while I love that she's putting the history of the Black experience into words, I'm not. I'm another minority, so there's some commonality, but the connection is touch and go. I would recommend it to other people, but it's not for me. Every single person is not necessarily the proper audience for every piece of art, even if they could enjoy it.
It was just “okay”. I wish the music drew me in as much as the themes and subject matter.
A beautiful voice, very soothing.
Music does often times serve as a vehicle for social change, or to raise certain awarenesses. This album fits that bill and much to its credit. The album is a good listen, and it is evident that talent in the Knowles family runs deep with Solange's soulful delivery. Human themes like happiness, joy, escapism, especially amidst social issue messaging, give the album a direction of sorts for Solange, but ultimately the album is outward and about us. However, whether or not one should hear this before succumbing to mortality is not the resounding 'yes' that this reviewer feels it should be.
It trys so hard to say something and fails so miserably, I get what it's trying to do (pro BLM and equal rights) but it just gets a bit dull and reparative. It's a 3 that should have been a 4
Not my style, beautiful voices tho6
Cool and smooth, well sung, well produced R&B with a strong positive racial commentary, although too many interludes that get on the way on subsequent listens. Kind of more accessible than Beyonce's more recent albums. Particularly enjoyed the rhythm in Cranes and the electro in Don't Wish Me Well.
Good but not My favourite
Bra modern RNB. Många 3or på rad men länge leve normalfördelningen
meh
Enjoyed the beats and the message. Would like to listen again a little closer to the lyrics.
Tight, mellow but angry solid sorta minimilat priduction. Prefer to yonce
I enjoyed this. It was news to me, having never heard Solange before. The comparison of her soprano vocals with those of the great Minnie Ripperton are well-founded. I think Andy Gill from The Independent nailed the album’s shortcomings : "there's little punch or pop charm to the album, which boasts a surfeit of luscious textures and feisty attitudes, but a shortfall of killer melodies." And that is the main problem with this record - it all starts to sound the same. But there are a few real standouts - Cranes In The Sky deserves the kudos it gets. And I love F.U.B.U. I’m interested to know where she went from here.
The first song was really different, like 70s progressive soul, almost acapella, reminded me of SAULT. After that it slipped into more standard R&B vibe and there are only a handful of artists, IMO, who impress from that genre.
Very chill, reminds me of The Internet. Also, much better than the Beyonce album. 3 mmHg of blood pressure lowered out of 5 💗💗💗
This was new to me. It's an atmospheric album. The vocals are understated, almost apologetic. This feels a little wasted. The message is far more important than the music. Decent.
Surprisingly decent. The pacing was a bit slow but overall this is solid neo-soul. I remember when this came out and it was huuuuuge. Some great tracks on here and the production is solid.
Good album. Didn't do much for me. 51 minutes long and it seemed like it would never end. Not really my style of music so my listening enjoyment was just ok.
Oublié de préciser la semaine dernière que cet album était chiant au possible, et qu'evidemment mon camarade d'écoute robserpillère se fera un malin plaisir de lui accorder une note exceptionnelle.
4-5 star kunnes tina interlude. TURPA KIINNI 1-2 star mindset... through album.. 3 star resolution.. Anteeksianto.. Joskus pitää yrittää ymmärtää..
A couple of nice songs, but nothing that stood out to me. I liked the 'vibe' moreso than a lot of other songs, but the songs themselves under scrutiny offered very little for me.
rated
2.5
Rise - 8.5/10 Weary - 8/10 Interlude: The Glory is in You - 7/10 Cranes in The Sky - 8/10 Interlude: Dad Was Mad - 7/10 Mad - 7.5/10 Don't You Wait - 8/10 Interlude: Tina Taught Me - 7/10 Don't Touch My Hair - 8.5/10 Interlude: This Moment - 8/10 Where Do We Go - 7.5/10 Interlude: For Us By Us - 7/10 F.U.B.U - 8/10 Borderline - 7/10 Interlude: I Got So Much Magic, You Can Have It - 7/10 Junie - 8/10 Interlude: No Limits - 7/10 Don't Wish Me Well - 8.5/10 Interlude: Pedestals - 7/10 Scales - 8.5/10 Closing: The Chosen Ones - 7/10 TOTAL - 160/210
Cool vibe.
Important because of its message(s) but not great music.
pretty good, no standouts but super consistent throughout
The songs were quite good. Interludes were horrid.
Considering its R&B which I never listen to off my own back this isn't too bad. I will never truly get it so this review should come with a grain of salt but 3/5, doesn't annoy me and the vocal arrangements I largely liked.
Nice chill vibe
not my favorite but i can see how people would love this shit
“Mad” and “Don’t wish me well” 👍🏼
Pretty good, I should probably listen to it again to form a better opinion tho, but it's too late now
Was ok. Not my biggest genre. Liked "Don't Wish Me Well"
An extra point for attempting to hit Jay Z in the lift.
It's fine, I'm not really a fan of Solange personally but this is one of her better albums
I think I’ve heard some of her songs before. I really like her style. Tremendous voice and she’s an excellent writer and composer. Very cool that she started her own recording label, too, good for her!
This thing has luscious vocals and instrumentation but as a whole it just doesn’t do that much for me compared to R&B records like it
норм! рнб не моё, но было интереснее чем Бейонсе и чем я раньше пыталась Соланж слушать
Kinda ponderous but still more listenable than her sister
Digging the groove, and this was a completely new one to me. A lot of the production felt like homemade 90’s - like if Happy Rhodes made a soul record.
musically very good, lyrically thoughtful if a little preachy at times (spoken word parts). A fine album in sum. 3.5 stars
This is an interesting album, but it never quite delivers on its potential. I think that it's a little too "light touch" to full achieve what it could. Not bad in any way, just not moving beyond "pretty good".
Not my usual sort of thing, but I can appreciate it.
Relaxed, night driving music? Not my style, but chill.
3.5 stars. Laidback, modern R&B with interesting beats. Pretty voice, hits high notes in a nice way. Interludes weren't irritating. Standout is east-Asian influenced "Cranes in the Sky".
Good messages in the songs but other than that it felt kind of boring
Cool album gonna have to grow on me for a bit I think, felt a lil bloated but had nice transitions and a good voice. Favorite Tracks: Cranes in the Sky, Mad, Don't Touch My Hair, F.U.B.U
Beautifully done but not for me
Album 123 of 1001 Solange - A Seat at the Table Rating : 3 / 5 This was much more enjoyable than I anticipated. Not my normal genre but happy to give a listen. Not sure about all of the interludes, but I guess that was the thing at the time. Good tunes. Obviously very well produced. While not really my thing, I see why it was so successful. My ears were not totally displeased but any album with lyrics that I'm banned by society from singing isn't something I'll be listening to again.
Never heard of her before and didn’t know what to expect. I absolutely loved the cover art - love the stare, the hair, the clips. However, as for the music, I have rather mixed feelings. I enjoyed the beats and the smoothness of it all. I think it lacked a bit of stronger hooks sometimes because I’ve listened to this like three times today and I hardly remember any melodies. The lyrics are ok, but sometimes seem a bit too naive I guess? In particular the Cranes song I felt like these metaphors were a bit like something this one artsy friend from high school might have written. I much preferred the lyrics of the interludes which is a bit ironic. Also, I think that it’s one of the rare occasions where the album is backloaded. Don’t touch my hair and FUBU are my favourites! I don’t know how to rate it, the vibes were great but there’s this feeling of something missing. Let’s try 3.5 down to 3 for now with a definite potential to grow on me with more listens.
The sound of this album is so intricate and perfectly executed, and there are a lot of really strong messages that are well communicated through the lyrics and the interludes. Something has just never fully clicked with me though, and I seem to be one of the few who prefers her follow-up to this
Nice music.
There is an ultra clear vision happening on this record, and I really appreciate that. I think if you cut a few interlude tracks, you have a tight, chilled out record that really sticks around way after you’re done listening to it. But as it stands, I think it lingers a bit too long, and that length leaves a bigger impact than what’s trying to be communicated. Well worth it for the vocals and superb production.
Good but not great, interludes work well, decent but forgettable songs, a worthy inclusion but not one I am likely to come back to.
Better then I thought. The political message was nice and some of the tracks catched me
Nepobaby? Kan hende. Jeg synes det er et album helt på det jevne, ikke dårlig, men heller ikke inspirerende. Behagelig å ha på øret når man jobber med noe sol krever litt fokus.
Well ain’t that some smueth rhythm n blues for a Friday afternuen
Nice alternative R&B. Like it more than Beyonces recent albums so nice job lil sister
Smooth and relaxing
Kind of dull. Good vocals but the music is just boring and lifeless.
Ultimate a very boring and uneventful R&B album
I do enjoy listening to very passionate projects with a clear story to tell, but musically there wasn't much that piqued my interest. The slower pace made it harder to stay engaged, but otherwise it was nice to feel like I gained a perspective that I would otherwise never have.
Good, not great.
This 2010s release is a poignant and introspective album, focusing on a sonic narrative that tackles issues of race, identity, and empowerment with grace and vulnerability. The album flows seamlessly, with each song transitioning into the next, resulting in a cohesive and immersive experience. Solange's soulful vocals effortlessly guide us through a captivating journey of self-reflection, as she explores the complexities of her own experiences. Whilst the songs blending together is a nice touch sonically, it does lead to the album losing it’s excitement factor at times. The album tackles themes of black womanhood, social justice, and the quest for self-acceptance in a society that often marginalizes and silences marginalized voices. Tracks like "Cranes in the Sky" and "Don't Touch My Hair" serve as powerful anthems of resistance, highlighting the struggles faced by black women and their determination to reclaim their narratives. It’s a lyrically powerful stance from Solange as the message proves to be the album’s most important and shined upon asset. It’s a powerful record and a good soft listen.
Con ritmo y estilo. Pop femenino. Buen timbre de voz. No es un estilo que me guste.
A Seat at the Table is the third album by American singer-songwriter Solange. This funky, neo soul, and R&B album was acclaimed by critics and was her first number one album on the Billboard 200. The lead single "Cranes in the Sky" won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance and the album has been certified gold in the US. This album was beautiful and had some social points to make. Besides that though, there wasn't much that intrigued me. The music didn't have that punch that I'm looking for, although it was soulful and had that feeling where you know Solange poured her heart into it. A great R&B album, but not the best.
Un album bien fait, se laisse écouter. Mais ce n'est pas tellement mon style de soul/RnB, donc je suis un peu biaisé. Mériterait une seconde écoute. 7/10
Nice vocals, nice chill out vibe, spoilt with the theme of black lives matter lyrics. Would be ok in the background, but it would be an album of choice to listen to.
Soul. R&B. Hip hop
Quite nice calm album, just not exactly in my type.
Good record, but not my kind of music :)
Nice voice and producion, liked the genre
A pretty good album elevated by a few great songs. This probably would have a tougher time making this list if it was made by anybody else, but she gets street cred for being Solange. Most of the songs don't really stand out on a first listen, sort of like background R&B music. The interludes don't do much either. They add context I guess, but I was never one for interludes in the first place so I think they could be omitted without affecting the album either way. However, the good songs are really good - Cranes in the Sky, Where Do We Go, FUBU, and Don't Wish Me Well. With some editing, this probably would have been a much better record.
Expected to like this more but her whisper singing gets annoying over the course of the record.
It's a fine album, but such waste. An intro track that doesn't really lead anywhere, a closing track that fails to close, a bunch of interludes that aren't necessary (profound exceptions: Dad was Mad and Tina Taught Me). Just tighten the whole thing up into a 40 minute album. I mean, I get it. The album is aptly titled and the interludes try to get at that but the songs generally do a better job. Most interludes are too loose; like they got a soundbite that was good, just not totally on point. But even the songs drifted at times; lost focus on key messages. Like Scales, what was she trying to say? Just like her sister, Solange can sing, so let her at it. Less featured artists (Lil Wayne had a decent message in Mad but as a vocalist, he sucks) and more songs like Don't Wish Me Well (a lot of Solange with a cool spacey backup beat). Some beats were better than others - Cranes in the Sky is her big grammy winning song but Weary sounds better. Don't You Wait sounded like it sampled In the Air Tonight - whatever it was, great beat. Overall, the album was good, but it could've been a lot better.
Minimal, restrained grooves and good songs
6/10. Chill music, interesting interludes, but didn't drive me wild.
This was a pleasant listen with one track I particularly enjoyed so 3*
3/5
Couldn't get into it
Love the album cover. I like her voice and her vocal dynamics. Instrumentally fun and interesting, things like the drum beat in Don't Touch My Hair having one drum sound almost like metal on metal. Lyrically leans more poignant than carefree. One of the very few albums I feel like the interludes actually add to the album. I deeply respect the restraint to do an album with interludes that's not over an hour long. Favorite tracks were Junie, Mad, Don't Touch My Hair, and Borderline. There were a few tracks I couldn't get into. Don't You Wait was my least favorite.
This was fine, went into it with no expectations and can add it to the listen again someday pile.
The music may not hold my interest but the interludes and messages do.
The message that resonates the most is delivered by Interlude: Tina Taught Me. The speaker is spot on. The morons crying about white history month should be ecstatic about not needing one (nor a white pride month either). Too often, the music is too low key to hold my interest more.
Como album, fluye perfectamente, incluso a pesar de los interludios.
Not really my cup of tea and nothing stood out. It kinda sounds like someone had a megastar of a sister and was able to get a record deal as a result. Nice voice at times but don't really care for it. 6/10.
Lovely
On the second listen, I hear beautiful music, but nothing moving. It's an interesting conundrum, but I just can't get into it.
Well that was a sleepy bunch of smoothness. Or was it snoozeness? Enjoyable, admirable - and all in all mild.
It's fine, but I don't really understand why this album was so acclaimed when it came out. 3/5
This album really surprised me; I really like it. Clearly the more interestingly talented of the Knowles sisters.
Good songs but very same-y.
3, overall there is lots to enjoy
I think I liked it enough. May be worth another listen
Kuuntelen toisinaan pitchforkista hyviä arvosteluja saaneita levyjä, ja muutama genre on hyvin tyypillisiä siellä. Esim. just tämmönen poppis-R&B, jossa on rotuaiheita taustalla. Eipä siinä, ihan kiva levy, jossa on sen verran vilpittömyyttä, että voin pienestä tylsyydestä huolimatta antaa 3/5.
emmmmm nope, not my type, thank you, next
not my vibe
Solange has a beautiful like her sister Beyoncé but I don't think this is a must listen to album. It got some nice r&b soul but mixed with hip hop anger just doesn't quite fit for me. There are some strong topic here... love the black pride... not digging the "all my niggers in the world" call out like it's okay. The backing track instrumentation and the canned beats are uninteresting to me which should make them easy to convert to elevator music. Not sure why Rolling Stone magazine rank included it in there top 500 albums. This reminds me of just another kid with really good connections. I can listen to this album but it would quickly become background.
I enjoyed this OK. Didn't make much of an impression on me. Seemed pleasant enough in the background, but there wasn't anything that really grabbed my attention. Then again, I could see this growing on me if I were to give it more spins. I enjoyed it more than her sister's music, TBH.
Feels like an R&B version of TPAB. While I liked it, some of the songs blended together, and with the skits, the album felt longer than it actually was. Again, I liked the album, but I'm not sure if it has the staying power to be on the list long-term. Best Songs: Mad, Borderline Worst Songs: Weary
Absolutely love Solange's voice, and the album has an extremely powerful message. However, from a pure musical standpoint, not much stood out to me as interesting, or at least not as much as I was hoping for. Favorite track: F.U.B.U.
Nice, but really not my bag
Cool, nigga, chill, fresh, ok
If we put aside the fact she has a very famous singer sister, this album is okay, the singing is competent, the production is good and the music is alright, but overall this is nothing special and if she didn't have an "association" with Beyonce we probably wouldn't have heard of her. There are so many singers of this genre that sound just as good and the "train" of American Idol-ish singers will always be eager to record and flood the market. Clearly, I'm cynical, but why shouldn't I? I'm giving it a mid-range grade because there's nothing bad about this and it's listenable, but nothing more.
Pleasant enough, but lots of serious skits broke up the flow. Kind of drifted in and out of focus.
First time listener - pretty good! Nice voice, meaningful lyrics- I may listen again some day.
I’ve never fully connected with this one, I love the lyrics and messages but find it hard to focus on the songs themselves.
This was solid. A few tracks I’ll probably listen to again
ignore the lyrics and you got yourself an nice album
I like the message but the whispery musicality just didn’t work for me
Good album
Groovy. Black empowerment lyrics
Yeah that was good, I liked that overall.
Plaisant Prefs: Rise, Weary, Don't You Wait, Borderline (An Ode To Self Care), Junie, Don't Wish Me Well, les interludes. Moins pref: F.U.B.U.
I had no idea what to expect with this. Turns out it was a low key Lauren Hill stylie R&B number sprouting from a bygone time in the 90s.
I didn't even know that Beyonce had a sister! A lovely voice and some pleasant-enough beats.
Hlustaði tvisvar. Fyrra skiptið ár fínt en ekki mjög eftirminnilegt. Seinna skiptið var eins. Jú jú, ma hlusta með öðru. Næsta plata.
Never heard the album or artist before, enjoyed the chilled vibe.
Good album. Great to have in the background
3.8/5. This is sonically amazing 4/5 but there are too many interludes! the interludes do push a point/ theme but having so many is overkill. Cranes in the Sky is a BANGER 🔥🔥🔥
Good album, I don't get much of the hate on the reviews. It's quite enjoyable, do I think it belongs on the list? No.
Ridiculously smooth.
interesting quirky sound. pretty good.
Pretty good, doesn't stand out.
Some of these songs are quite nice (e.g. Weary), but I didn't care for the interludes and many (most?) songs were not very interesting.
A lot of emotion on this one. I can for sure understand why it’s on the list. Not sure I would listen often due to it being more serious but it was good!
An OK hip-hop/soul record with some overlays of spoken word. Some important messages, but musically not a groundbreaking or particularly interesting album.
I spent my last review mentioning Pitchfork, and now here comes their critical darling Solange. Once again, I can't quite picture what the fuss with this laidback modern r'n'b album is all about, at least musically speaking. It's not that the music is bad: some arrangements are subtle and pleasantly intricate. And in a way, I can get *why* the whole aesthetics of this record are quite subdued throughout its course (more on that later). It's just that those aesthetics are a little too unobtrusive for my tastes. *A Seat At The Table* is no trip hop, that's for sure--it's not mesmerizing or repetitive enough. I wonder how it would have sounded if it had included more influences like that... I guess the whole idea behind this album was that the music should fit with the confessional atmosphere of the vocals while also retaining an alurring canvas on which Solange can brush very socially-conscious lyrics. So what we have here is *smooth* protest music, with very idiosyncratic ways to cover the grounds on which African-Americans view where they come from and who they are today. But even if it's *smooth*, it's protest music nonetheless. Which means that the lyrics are worth it, no doubt about that. And so is Solange's mellifluous performance, of course (I'm less convinced by the guest vocals, but they're a minor presence anyway). Some very clear emotions seep through such a performance, Solange perfectly understanding how to convey her views in a manner that's quite diginified and graceful. As Old Bob said, the times, they are-a changing, they did change in the past, and they are changing now. Such bridges between past and present are the ones Solange wants to build here. So, yes, *A Seat At The Table* is a record with that sort of ambition, and it should be commended as such. But to return to the music, I'd be lying if I said nothing rubs me the wrong way in it. On the paper, I still think the intent is marvellous. But I'm not so sure about the execution, though. Oddly enough, I wish Solange had taken a page from her elder (and more famous) sister's book when it comes to hooks and choruses. I don't mean she should necessarily have gone to the sort of pop extremes Beyonce Knowles is known for. Yet I feel like some middle ground would have made a stronger impression on me, and probably on many other listeners too, beyond music critic circles. In the meantime, I will leave this album the benefit of the doubt with a three-star grading, just because the lyrical contents are really personal AND interesting AND relevant when it comes to current topics. Maybe I just need more time to understand its music. This situation reminds me of Beyonce's *Lemonade*, actually, another critics' choice that left me a little nonplussed during the last decade... Yet even if I'm nonplussed, I get the picture somehow. After its heyday in the nineties and the naughts, "modern" r'n'b seems to go through an existential crisis of some kind, and as a result, It would be tempting to apply the prefix "post-" to it while listening to *Lemonade*, *A Seat At The Table*, or records such as Frank Ocean's *Blonde*, for instance. The only problem for me here is that such prefix wouldn't fully explain why artists and producers of such ilk are *also* having quite a hard time penning a melody that's memorable. Concept isn't everything in music. If it was, records would be... books. Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 946 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 24 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 15 (including this one) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important to me): 16
a ništa posebno, malo mi je dosadnjikav al ima ugodan glas pa evo
Okej ovo je sestra od Beyonce… Bila je dobra atmosfera dok san slušala album. Al ničim nije odskakala
It's unique. An interlude or commentary after each song. However, the bass is so overwhelming that it seems to detract from the album itself. I think it could use a bit of tuning down.
Definitely message HEAVY. The vignettes and songs definitely paint a picture which definitely delivers on what Solange wants. The music is fine, but uneventful. Nothing memorable but nothing difficult o listen to either.
So this is basically neo soul AFAIK, pretty lo-fi. Made by Beyoncé’s sister. Seems to be a concept album about the black American experience. This one was a pleasant listen. Solange had a great voice, which was really nice to listen to, but there’s not a massive amount of differentiation between the songs, particularly in an emotional sense. I feel like this album could do with being about 10-15 minutes shorter, then it’s Spiel wouldn’t get old so fast. They’re pretty basic stuff, nothing groundbreaking here. The concept of the album was interesting, though I would be surprised if this concept wasn’t well-covered ground in music. Instrumentation here is pretty basic. There’s these spoken word interludes which break up the songs. It’s nice how the album flows through these, making the whole thing sound like a cohesive project. A couple of these were pretty interesting anecdotes. However, I feel like spoken word stuff in general wears thin after several listens, so detracts from the longevity of the album. Overall I think another upper 2.5 stars. This wasn’t bad. But there wasn’t really enough to attract me for further listens.
Second listen needed
Again, not for me, but was nice to listen to.
I’m not the target market here, decent background play
A Seat the Table by Solange (2016) This smooth R&B 52-minute testimonial-laden therapy session is an elaborate product with 55 artists, producers, and engineers listed in the credits. It’s not so much entertainment as it is a manifesto of an aggrieved corporate soul. And its art is profound, but it’s limited by thematic isolation—fixated on the elephant in the room. And there is an elephant. And it is in the room. Musically inventive, exploring chords and melodies like we’ve likely never heard, with a soothing flavor, even on songs reflecting on the detrimental effects of sustained but justifiable anger, this album is very easy to listen to, but very hard to embrace. It is comfortable, but not comforting. Pulsing beats predominate, with elegant vocal harmonies, and absolutely no hesitation in utilizing the widest possible tonal range on every track. Very well done. The music is beautiful; Solange’s voice is angelic. The message is understandably cathartic, but it’s obsessive. It makes the listener want to hear what’s beyond this, with an eagerness to move forward. Her next album, When I Get Home (2019), is indeed better. 3/5
Reminds me of a smaller-scale, more intimate version of FKA Twigs' LP1. Smaller-scale tracks rich in lush production are complemented well by meaningful, socially-focused interludes that give a loose sense of narrative without distracting from the album's flow.
Not my style, but not bad overall.
Some alright songs but there's way too many interludes which absolutely kills the pacing of the album.
sick wayne feature