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High Expectations
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High Expectations Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length studio release for the daughter of Neneh Cherry includes production from MNEK, Steve Mac, and Fraser T Smith.
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Top Track

Finders Keepers
Yeah Yo yo yo yo Mabel, uh Mama, don't run away You know I got it, I know you want it I'm a full call away on my mind I know that you wanna stay Let... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. musicOMH.com
    Aug 5, 2019
    80
    As a debut album it goes over well, with a convincing display of versatility and quality songwriting that firmly establishes Mabel as a force to be reckoned with in UK pop.
  2. Clash Music
    Aug 14, 2019
    70
    Sometimes they feel almost too airbrushed, with Mabel playing it a little too safe to qualify being described as wholly original or progressive. There are moments of talent and flair, but it would’ve also been refreshing to hear more personality (and less autotune). Nevertheless, it’s an album that contains some real highlights.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  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]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. kendal145
    Aug 3, 2021
    10
    this album is one of the best albums i’ve ever listened to, you can really tell she poured her heart and soul into this album! my personalthis album is one of the best albums i’ve ever listened to, you can really tell she poured her heart and soul into this album! my personal favourites are selfish love and we don’t say. such an amazing album… Expand
  2. DisconsiderMe
    May 30, 2020
    10
    There's literally no bad songs on this album, even the intro and the outro are great. / Não tem literalmente nenhuma música ruim nesse álbum,There's literally no bad songs on this album, even the intro and the outro are great. / Não tem literalmente nenhuma música ruim nesse álbum, até mesmo a intro e a outro são incríveis.
    Top 5 songs/músicas:
    5- FML
    4- Not Sayin'
    3- OK (Anxhiety Anthem)
    2- Don't Call Me Up
    1- Mad Love    … Expand
  4. myla
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Best album of 2019! So much variety and the vocals are incredible, a really good debut album from Mabel
  5. 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.… Expand
  6. 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.… Expand
  7. EvanMagal
    Oct 9, 2019
    7
    I believe the only mistake is that there are no tracks that better explore Mabel's vocals
      However, as much as it is not a great pop album,    I believe the only mistake is that there are no tracks that better explore Mabel's vocals
      However, as much as it is not a great pop album, it remains linear from beginning to end.    … Expand
  8. HopelessHelena
    Jul 14, 2022
    3
    Mediocre album with little to no personality. Mabel is clearly a strong vocalists and has many good to great performances here but theMediocre album with little to no personality. Mabel is clearly a strong vocalists and has many good to great performances here but the songwriting is severely lacking and almost in it's entirety the melodies are fairly repetitive and generic. The lead single is the only highlight here… Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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