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Apollo XXI
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Apollo XXI Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length solo studio release for The Internet guitarist features guest appearances from Daisy and Amandla Stenberg.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Exclaim
    May 29, 2019
    90
    An intoxicating mix of celestial soul, sprightly funk and glossy, luxurious rock'n'roll, Apollo XXI is a self-assured and sonically robust exploration of love, lust and identity politics. Lacy scatters pearls of post-adolescent wisdom in the lyrics, and drives the album forward with infectious melodies and an angelic falsetto. But Apollo's chewy production is where Lacy makes his mark.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    May 29, 2019
    90
    One of the most anticipated debut albums of the year is also one of the best.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 29, 2019
    80
    From the get-go, his highly-anticipated debut album delivers exactly what it promises with its stylish, nostalgic artwork: a distinct world filled with hazy strings, warped synths and vocals that range from a flawless ’70s-style falsetto to laid-back speech. It’s retro-inspired through a modern lens.
  4. Clash Music
    May 29, 2019
    80
    The ambition behind Apollo XXI was already easily perceptible on singles like ‘Playground’, whose energy could best be termed ‘Yung Prince’, and becomes clearer still over the course of its other 11 songs.
  5. AllMusic
    Jun 11, 2019
    80
    Apollo XXI, his first album, is a little more refined, advancing his lazing, heartfelt mix of soul and funk with minimal varnish and no evident fuss.
  6. HipHopDX
    Jun 12, 2019
    76
    Filled to the brim with ideas even when it sometime sounds as if he’s creatively a little too all over the place. Thankfully, even when he fails, listeners should be fascinated by even those attempts.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    May 29, 2019
    60
    On this sprawling, often horizontal record, Lacy’s default setting is a blissful Los Angeles funk that bleeds easily into punchier hip-hop passages. Occasionally, he’ll show off his Prince 2.0 soloing skills on songs like Love 2 Fast.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. hmkkbjuss
    May 31, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. one of bests r&b album of the year so far, steve so talented, this album saved my life.… Expand
  2. Larren
    Jun 3, 2019
    10
    A debut album that's taken 6 years since Steve kicked off his music career on The Internet's Ego Death, Apollo XXI is well worth the wait.A debut album that's taken 6 years since Steve kicked off his music career on The Internet's Ego Death, Apollo XXI is well worth the wait. Steve brings raw truthfulness, beautiful melodies and lush production on an album that perfectly captures the chaos, melancholy and introspection that coming of age brings.… Expand
  4. Jeremy_Davis
    Jun 21, 2019
    10
    Consider this the all-encompassing principle of how to invite good reviews for your business. In whatever field or industry your businessConsider this the all-encompassing principle of how to invite good reviews for your business. In whatever field or industry your business operates, seek to distinguish your brand by not only meeting but exceeding customer expectations. The more you can do to stand out amongst your competitors, the more your customers will be motivated to spread the (virtual) good word.… Expand
  5. petrichor1975
    Jun 7, 2019
    7
    The debut solo album from The Internet's Steve Lacy is an enjoyable listen. Even though most of the record is repetitive, "Like me" is fun andThe debut solo album from The Internet's Steve Lacy is an enjoyable listen. Even though most of the record is repetitive, "Like me" is fun and boastful, in the best way possible, and "Basement Jack" is buoyant and has a catchy melody.… Expand
  6. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 6, 2022
    5
    I really enjoyed this record ! Steve has a rich soulful vouce that thrives when accompanied by the rnb jazzy production hes become known for.I really enjoyed this record ! Steve has a rich soulful vouce that thrives when accompanied by the rnb jazzy production hes become known for. Hate CD is my favorite off of this record.… Expand
  7. sammyanthony
    Jul 6, 2019
    3
    Steve Lacy had the potential and experience (The Internet is the evidence). Instead, he produced the cringiest possible of a debut album. MostSteve Lacy had the potential and experience (The Internet is the evidence). Instead, he produced the cringiest possible of a debut album. Most of the songs are wearisome. The song 'Like Me' is really disoriented as Steve decided to put every transitional elements that caused it to be a complete disharmony. Furthermore, he put a collaboration track sample (from Solange's When I Get Home) to his own closing track, and it's getting more repetitive and long.

    It seems like he's not ready to publish the record out, but he did it anyway for the sake of deadline even though it flawed so bad.    … Expand
  8. HercMatheus
    May 31, 2019
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Esse album é uma bosta meu Deus do céu uma das piores coisas que ja ouvi em toda minha vida… Expand

See all 8 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Shared Album of 2019

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