IRL
by Mahalia
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jul 14, 2023
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. DIY Magazine
    Jul 13, 2023
    90
    Striking a perfect balance between familiarity and unpredictability, immediate choruses coexisting with a relaxed, breezy sound, ‘IRL’ is a delight.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Jul 21, 2023
    80
    It’s an assured, charismatic release with a consistency that sets her above her contemporaries.
  3. AllMusic
    Jul 21, 2023
    80
    IRL doesn't truly feel like a return or even a follow-up. Still, she immediately set this album apart from Love and Compromise by previewing it with the fluid and bumping "Terms and Conditions," a shrewd collaboration with RAYE that is unequivocal about its "rules in place" for a potential lover.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 17, 2023
    80
    When unaccompanied, it’s clear that her 12 years in the industry have given the singer ample voice and a formidable ear. On IRL, there was little need for big names, since Mahalia is star enough to hold her own.
  6. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jul 14, 2023
    80
    Though certain tracks like In My Head leave you wishing she’d cut through the glistening sounds and breathy choruses with some power vocals, Mahalia’s pen is sharp, and her raw take on relationships and self-development is delivered with the diva attitude of Mariah Carey and the raspy cool of Erykah Badu.
  7. Clash Music
    Jul 14, 2023
    80
    A glittering gem amongst recent releases, ‘IRL’ sees Mahalia defining herself as a long-standing name within British RnB.
  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 13, 2023
    80
    ‘IRL’ reflects a young woman fully becoming herself, not just confidently throwing her hands up but boldly letting her guard down too.
  9. The Line of Best Fit
    Jul 13, 2023
    70
    If IRL is not as consistent as her previous output, this new album still cements Mahalia as a major R&B/Soul fixture both nationally and abroad.
  10. The Skinny
    Jul 13, 2023
    60
    While IRL is satiny and consistent, sonically and lyrically you’re eager for some bigger swings. At times operating in truisms, you await unspooling of edgier insight. IRL is like a path reflecting dappled sunlight: we can see patches of brightness but its full light is obscured.

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Lajaleaa
    Aug 24, 2023
    8
    For my first time listening to Mahalia, this is a pleasant surprise. Nothing too spectacular, but there is a strong pop and R&B star risingFor my first time listening to Mahalia, this is a pleasant surprise. Nothing too spectacular, but there is a strong pop and R&B star rising right here, and I'm excited to follow her music career. The lyrics are dynamic, the production is rarely flat, and the composition makes a good job to give something different to Mahalia and still placing this album as one of the strongest contenders for R&B of the year with no special guarantees.
    The deluxe version keeps on exploring this sensual and upbeat concept, which makes it great already. Do give it a try if you have the time and love R&B no matter what.    … Full Review »
  2. Gurv707
    Jul 14, 2023
    10
    Perfect features, perfect production, deep and extremely vulnerable/ deep lyrics. a severely underrated artist, who needs more attention andPerfect features, perfect production, deep and extremely vulnerable/ deep lyrics. a severely underrated artist, who needs more attention and recognition!!… Full Review »
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