IRL
by Mahalia
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jul 14, 2023
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
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  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 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 contendersFor 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.    … Expand
  2. Gurv707
    Jul 14, 2023
    10
    Perfect features, perfect production, deep and extremely vulnerable/ deep lyrics. a severely underrated artist, who needs more attention and recognition!!

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. musicOMH.com
    Jul 21, 2023
    80
    It’s an assured, charismatic release with a consistency that sets her above her contemporaries.
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  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
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