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Aquaria Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the artist best known for his producing work on FKA Twigs' M3LL155X and Beyoncé's self-titled albums, features a guest appearance from Angel Deradoorian.
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Top Track

C.U.R.E.
Cure! Ambulance Who's watching your family, kid? Get paid off damages Who's collecting millionsis Suffrages Do you think you could get me good... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Nov 16, 2015
    80
    Nothing on Aquaria seems out of place, but each song brings something new to the party.
  2. Nov 11, 2015
    80
    What he delivers doesn't disappoint, and it's a tantalising glimpse into where R&B might be heading in 2016.
  3. Nov 11, 2015
    80
    Despite its depth of ideas and imagery, AQUARIA starts to feel a little thematically one-dimensional until you get to 'Only', a straight ahead piano-driven, introspective slow jam.
  4. 60
    The problem is, these impressive production techniques are in greater abundance than actual tunes. With clever tricks rather than pop hooks, expressionistic (and often mumbled) lyrics and a lack of relatable themes, Aquaria can feel cold and self-involved.
  5. Dec 3, 2015
    60
    This guy is less interested in building his resume than pinning down his own dark artistic impulses on his own terms.
  6. Nov 12, 2015
    60
    He certainly has the production skills to create unusual pop, but Asher’s vocals are often outmoded--the stoned rap style of Bran Van 3000 lurks within the juddering, alien basslines.
  7. Nov 11, 2015
    50
    Asher is manifestly talented, so perhaps Aquaria is best described as a tentative testing of the water before his next big production job. But there’s not a lot of fun to be had by the listener here.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Nov 18, 2015
    9
    Captivating, moody and experimental as hell, "AQUARIA" is an album full of emotion and catchy hooks, that will make you think, feel and aboveCaptivating, moody and experimental as hell, "AQUARIA" is an album full of emotion and catchy hooks, that will make you think, feel and above all love it from the first track. Expand
  2. Mar 31, 2016
    8
    Leaves some more to be desired lyrically, but Boots' production chops are absolutely killer. Experimental, introspective, and catchy as hellLeaves some more to be desired lyrically, but Boots' production chops are absolutely killer. Experimental, introspective, and catchy as hell at times. Looking forward to what's ahead for him, whether it be collaborations or solo work.

    Fave Tracks: Brooklyn Gamma, Bombs Away, I Run Roulette, Only
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