Know It All
by Alessia Cara
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2015
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 18, 2016
    80
    For all this uncertainty, the record is incredibly assured.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Mar 11, 2016
    80
    Know It All isn’t perfect, but it’d be a challenge not to fall for even just some its charms.
  3. AllMusic
    Nov 16, 2015
    80
    Going by the level of potential shown here, it's evident that Cara will eventually need a lot less creative assistance.
  5. Billboard.com
    Nov 16, 2015
    80
    As first impressions go, Know-It-All is a charismatic balance between dreams and reality that makes its author stick out in the most impressive way.
  6. Exclaim
    Nov 16, 2015
    80
    Know-It-All is clearly the end result of Cara's vision by way of major label collaboration. So while it's a tad formulaic, it's terrifically executed and solidly produced.
  7. Sputnikmusic
    Nov 16, 2015
    74
    Subtly exploring pop, soul and contemporary R&B, the nineteen year old recalls everyone from Lauryn Hill to Alicia Keys, and Lorde to Rihanna, on this thirty-five minute record... Often within the same song!
  8. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 10, 2016
    70
    Despite her enormous talent, Know-It-All can feel a little rushed. Fair play to want to capitalise on momentum, but artistically it would have been interesting to hear what could have been achieved with a little more time spent finding Cara's own sound, rather than mixing so many in to ten tracks.
  9. Clash Music
    Mar 9, 2016
    70
    For the most part Know-It-All is a debut that allows the unfiltered voice of a refreshingly real, young star-in-the-making to shine through.
  10. The Guardian
    Mar 10, 2016
    60
    Too often here Cara is let down by bland arrangements and underbaked melodies, from the Swift-by-numbers of opener Seventeen to the banal balladry of Stars.
  11. Rolling Stone
    Dec 10, 2015
    60
    There's nothing quite as sharp here as, well, "Here."
  12. NOW Magazine
    Dec 2, 2015
    60
    Yet for a singer/songwriter who has one of the most emotive voices on the charts and mesmerizes live, the album lacks a certain swagger, thanks to super-slick pop production.
  13. Pitchfork
    Nov 16, 2015
    55
    Writing from the heart does not automatically imbue lyrics with depth. Never is it more apparent that the factory approach is not allowing Cara to fulfill her potential than on “Scars To Your Beautiful.”
  14. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 14, 2016
    40
    Know-It-All has sweet spots, but doesn’t match the promise.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Most Discussed Album of 2015
98
#98 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 126 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 109 out of 126
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 126
  3. Negative: 11 out of 126
  1. thaleslucas
    Nov 17, 2015
    9
    What happens when you combine talent and magnificent voice in a girl of 19 years? Comes a Alessia Caracciolo in music.

    Her way of composing    What happens when you combine talent and magnificent voice in a girl of 19 years? Comes a Alessia Caracciolo in music.

    Her way of composing is really interesting and engaging, is something that we all stop to listen to what she has to say. This album, "Know-It-All," is just an experiment for the world than Alessia aims to bring to us in her music, it's only a starting point for her career - in which I desire to be very successful.

    I must admit that the production of some tracks, as much as I like, got a little repetitive, but still fit well in young sound that the album brings, mixing Pop with influences by Contemporary R&B. Also, by the way, they should have put the tracks in a better position.

    But in the end, however, the album is great and good dynamic for a first in music at age 19. Alessia deserves all good and better.    … Full Review »
  2. DigitalWitness
    Nov 16, 2015
    10
    Amazing record. Hope she gets the recognition she totally deserves.Amazing record. Hope she gets the recognition she totally deserves.AmazingAmazing record. Hope she gets the recognition she totally deserves.Amazing record. Hope she gets the recognition she totally deserves.Amazing record. Hope she gets the recognition she totally deserves.… Full Review »
  3. ibetyou
    Nov 17, 2015
    10
    Alessia cara is amazing, this album too. Her voice is so expressive and the lyrics are so powerful, full of soul and truth. Hope she gets theAlessia cara is amazing, this album too. Her voice is so expressive and the lyrics are so powerful, full of soul and truth. Hope she gets the recognition, because she totally deserves it in every way. My favorites tracks is obviosly Here and Scars to Your Beautiful! ♥… Full Review »
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