High Expectations
by Mabel
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Aug 2, 2019
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. DIY Magazine
    Aug 8, 2019
    60
    There’s no faux-earnestness here. Whether Mabel is singing about messy break ups, mental health or empowering herself to move on, High Expectations is effortlessly cool.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 5, 2019
    60
    With the exception of OK (Anxiety Anthem), produced unmemorably by the usually excellent MNEK, these 14 tunes could have been made by anyone with a well-oiled larynx. Even as Mabel’s voice stands proudly without Auto-Tune, High Expectations is just disappointingly all right, lacking any playfulness, or top spin, or a sense of who Mabel is.
  3. Q Magazine
    Aug 2, 2019
    60
    A highly polished R&B-pop collection about every millennial issue from empowerment and self-love to mental health. [Sep 2019, p.112]
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  5. Uncut
    Aug 2, 2019
    60
    Despite some pleasant enough tunes, she lacks the vocal charisma to stand out from other wannabe Rihannas, Mileys and Dua Lipas. [Aug 2019, p.29]
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  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 2, 2019
    60
    Mabel’s gorgeous silky vocals soar, the glossy production is stellar, but the exuberance and effervescent attitude that make tunes like ‘Don’t Call Me Up’ so brilliant aren’t found throughout.
  7. The Guardian
    Aug 2, 2019
    60
    As it is, you’re left with a solid, well-made pop album that occasionally hints its maker might be more interesting and individual: time will show if that’s the case, but the immediate future seems secure.
  8. The Skinny
    Aug 2, 2019
    60
    Despite some over-zealous Top 40 attempts, High Expectations is a well-rounded pop record.
  9. PopMatters
    Aug 14, 2019
    50
    She sounds set in her ways, reluctant to break free of the trends which made her and so many other acts of today famous.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Discussed Album of 2019
87
#87 Most Shared Album of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 42
  3. Negative: 4 out of 42
  1. HerickDiener
    Aug 3, 2019
    6
    Eu definitivamente não vou me esquecer e nem deixar de amar os singles "Don't Call Me Up" e "Mad Love", porém esperava um pouco mais do álbum.Eu definitivamente não vou me esquecer e nem deixar de amar os singles "Don't Call Me Up" e "Mad Love", porém esperava um pouco mais do álbum. É bem repetitivo e quando termina sentimos falta de baladas (Especialmente uma que mostrasse o ótimo alcance vocal que a intérprete tem) e outras músicas incrivelmente pop como os primeiros singles. Mas minha 'expectativa' foi salva por canções ótimas como "Trouble" e "Selfish Love".… Full Review »
  2. Akura-ou
    Feb 1, 2023
    8
    The album is really good, but something is missing in it, but unfortunately it's hard to say what. The success of 'Don't Call Me Up' may haveThe album is really good, but something is missing in it, but unfortunately it's hard to say what. The success of 'Don't Call Me Up' may have slightly raised expectations for the album, so some may be disappointed.… Full Review »
  3. RegularStart
    Jul 15, 2022
    8
    Great album Mabel is one of my favorite pop singers to date and yeah this album is so good so yeah not much to talk on this album but it’s aGreat album Mabel is one of my favorite pop singers to date and yeah this album is so good so yeah not much to talk on this album but it’s a good pop album so yeah Rating 8/10 like I said I love Mabel one of my favorite singers.… Full Review »
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