Sawayama
by Rina Sawayama
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1138 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,056 out of 1138
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 1138
  3. Negative: 57 out of 1138
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  1. Victoriar
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This is an incredible debut album - there was a lot of hype surrounding it, and it definitely lives up to expectations, which is incredibly refreshing in today's musical landscape!
  2. Simone1990
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This is the first album in a LONG time I have played all the way through without skipping a track. Each song tells a different story that is super relatable. Some great club tracks on there, some emotional ones and also some that make you wanna hit sh*t! There is def a number one hit in this album, dope as f**k! Impressive
  3. stens03
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    The album flows beautifully, the production and writing are spectacular, their is not one fault about this album.
  4. Tigg
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    What a debut! All the expected appeal of an excellent pop album, mixed with the unexpected complexity brought by an intelligent, woke songwriter. It’s somehow nostalgic, contemporary and futuristic all at the same time - it sees you, it raises you.
  5. Finbo
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    The best Pop Album since Charli XCX self tilted Album. "Sawayama" is an ambitious take, Rina blends old school and new school pop together and creates a perfect Album.
  6. duasson
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    One of the best albums released in 2020 (or maybe even in the 2000s). Every single song has a meaning, the lyrics are fantastic. Rina really knows how to surprise the listener, because she's mixing every single genre and still getting a masterpiece as a result. She's been literally reinvesting the music industry for a while now and I'm excited to see what the future holds for her. I knowOne of the best albums released in 2020 (or maybe even in the 2000s). Every single song has a meaning, the lyrics are fantastic. Rina really knows how to surprise the listener, because she's mixing every single genre and still getting a masterpiece as a result. She's been literally reinvesting the music industry for a while now and I'm excited to see what the future holds for her. I know it's just the beginning. She ATE that.… Expand
  7. Vyperdysch
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    She really knows what she's doing here. A lot of genres can be seen in this album, but there's still a certain sound that makes her music so special. She's a genius. A lot of the lyrics have a deeper meaning. The album is extremely enjoyable. She's definitely an artist you should look out for.
  8. misterydungeon
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    A true imersive travel beyond pop-rock music mixing references of nu-metal, j-pop (hi ayumi hamasaki) with true vivid emotional lyrics about her life story, an ode to all emo pre-teen who spent all entire day listening to Avril Lavigne pretending she was Nirvana.
  9. lexannay7
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Insanely good! A powerful voice, entertaining melodies and an excellent production ! What a good way to start the decade.
  10. Simmie
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Sis absolutely serves!!! Never heard any music for her until today and I’ve been absolutely blown away. An absolutely solid album in every way. I’m already a fan!
  11. negativeboy_
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Rina entregou o melhor em seu debut! Já era de se esperar uma obra de arte, pois seu EP Rina é perfeito do início ao fim.
    Enaltecendo sua raiz japonesa e trazendo o POP dos anos 90 de volta, além de misturar Rock, ela merece todo reconhecimento
  12. patosaldana
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    We have found a jewel in the storm. From beginning to end SAWAYAMA has shown us what a born prolific artist is able to do. Just magnificent!
  13. LuVincents
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Rina já havia entregado conceito e coesão em seu primeiro mini álbum, mostrando que veio pra conquistar o mundo com muita personalidade e identidade artística. Mas esse álbum literalmente superou todas as minhas expectativas como fã e seguidor de seus lançamentos desde Where U Are. Em momento algum Sawayama deixa a desejar mesmo quando se tem uma canção mid-tempo dentre tantas up-tempo,Rina já havia entregado conceito e coesão em seu primeiro mini álbum, mostrando que veio pra conquistar o mundo com muita personalidade e identidade artística. Mas esse álbum literalmente superou todas as minhas expectativas como fã e seguidor de seus lançamentos desde Where U Are. Em momento algum Sawayama deixa a desejar mesmo quando se tem uma canção mid-tempo dentre tantas up-tempo, esta é tão bem produzida quanto as outras. Versatilidade é o que mais me atrai em um artista, e a Rina conseguiu entregar isso de uma forma tão magnífica e perspicaz que nos tira o ar quando escutamos canções como Dinasty, XS e até a enigmática Akasaka Sad. Minha nota é 10 porque Rina Sawayama é sinônimo de personalidade, criatividade, coesão, coerência, qualidade e versatilidade, simplesmente eu não ouvia algo tão bom em anos como amante da música pop.… Expand
  14. Cyberpolice
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This is absolutely fire. Rina kills it with her vocals, blended with amazing choices for production on every song on this album. From the build-up on Dynasty, to her sampling her prior work in 10-20-40 and Take Me As I Am on Rina in F*** This World (Interlude), she does no wrong on this album and it's an amazing listen whether it be the first time listening or the enthh time listening.
  15. Ritzy
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    It’s a fun, bold, glitchy, experimental take on pop and yet still sounds familiar as you can hear the 90s pop influence.
  16. ArkangelIII
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Simplesmente perfeito, eu amei, gnt eu recomendo que sabor, ela foi genial e perspicaz
  17. kaceymusspraise
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Amazing amazing amazing
  18. stanlooona
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    album of the year.. we have to stan yassssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
  19. badkiddieguito
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    It is an unpredictable mix of sounds is the creation of a new genre a new branch of rhythms and blues. its R & B-CORE.
  20. limabean01
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    I literally made an account just to write this review.

    SAWAYAMA is an excellent, triumphant debut from one of the most exciting voices in pop music today. every track is expertly produced and created with clear intent behind every sound, every lyric, and every transition. I have genuinely never experienced an album that so expertly wields different genres - not just for the sake of it    I literally made an account just to write this review.

    SAWAYAMA is an excellent, triumphant debut from one of the most exciting voices in pop music today. every track is expertly produced and created with clear intent behind every sound, every lyric, and every transition. I have genuinely never experienced an album that so expertly wields different genres - not just for the sake of it (or to show off about musical capabilities), but because it actually furthers the messages being put forward.

    from every conceivable standpoint, this album is phenomenal. as mentioned before, the production is top-tier and i'm super impressed with rina and clarence's work. the lyrics are exactly what they need to be and where they need to be to fit each songs themes, and astoundingly wind between different and very deep-rooted emotions. on top of that, this album is politically aware and culturally important, thanks to the messages presented in chosen family, XS, STFU, and more (pretty much every track actually).

    just all around fantastic. i truly hope it gets the recognition and success it so evidently deserves.    … Expand
  21. Louuis12
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Album of the year!!! She created a mix of sonorities which are all very diferent from themselves but together worked really well. Also, the lyrics are incredibly good.
  22. perryodt
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This Album was a Pop masterpiece, it completely mastered her refined aesthetic while taking daring and elegant genre risks, this album had original and personal stories unique to Sawayama which made the listener feel a range of emotions throughout the album.
  23. sugsrcents
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    it's the best pop music of the year. i love rina so much and i have expected this album since 2017
  24. CeciliaVert
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Honestly, just a really good album. The production over all is really beautiful made.
  25. Borgeswoper
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Meu deus, tá incrível demais, nenhum defeito, lenda. VOCE FOI PERSPICAZ RINA
  26. jamesmackey
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    One of the most daring, inventive, gleeful, pop albums. Despite being a debut album, it feels like a culmination of things: a kaleidescopic journey through family, identity, pain and triumph, but most of all an expression of the sheer thrill of pop music in all its shapes.

    Each track is so distinct, yet as a listening experience it's incredibly fluid, disarming and immersive. The whole    One of the most daring, inventive, gleeful, pop albums. Despite being a debut album, it feels like a culmination of things: a kaleidescopic journey through family, identity, pain and triumph, but most of all an expression of the sheer thrill of pop music in all its shapes.

    Each track is so distinct, yet as a listening experience it's incredibly fluid, disarming and immersive. The whole thing is presented with an attitude that's at once knowing, playful, but winningly sincere.

    The full-throttle energy, infectious maximalism, genre-fusing bravado: a real pop big bang moment.    … Expand
  27. Hmysle
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Authentic Pop
    Legendary Utopian Sounds

    Will never here another one like this    … Expand
  28. rinasawayamafan
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Absolutely incredible. The medium diversity in this album is stunning. A truly remarkable artist.
  29. Heinrix
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amei a variedade temas abordados , a mistura de gêneros músicais é incrível… Expand
  30. crystallized
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Fantastic! Rina Sawayama did it again. She’s unique and talented, and SAWAYAMA show us her personal side flawlessly executed from Dynasty to Snakeskin.
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 2020
20
#20 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. AllMusic
    May 19, 2020
    80
    On this stunning debut, Sawayama captures Dua Lipa's future nostalgia and Poppy's metal-meets-pop savvy, rightfully making it her own with more depth, bigger thrills, and a limitless palette.
    Read full review
  2. Consequence
    May 4, 2020
    91
    SAWAYAMA appears poised to be one of the best pop albums of the year and sets Sawayama up as a pop force to be reckoned with.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    Apr 30, 2020
    75
    The album is a complicated picture of Swayama’s past, present, and future. It is rare to see a debut album with such a fully realized voice and vision behind it. What’s more, she exorcises her personal demons amid some of the year’s best dancefloor-filling pop.
    Read full review
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