LEGACY! LEGACY!
by Jamila Woods
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 83
  3. Negative: 6 out of 83
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  1. musicwizard636
    May 10, 2019
    8
    Despite keeping us waiting for six long months since dropping the first single, Jamila Woods' "LEGACY! LEGACY!" is a lush, exquisitely produced Pop record. At it's heart is Woods' unwavering attitude, harmonious vocals, and cutting-edge production all condensed into one effective, cohesive sound. To accompany this sound is a large list of important poets, artists, and activists from theDespite keeping us waiting for six long months since dropping the first single, Jamila Woods' "LEGACY! LEGACY!" is a lush, exquisitely produced Pop record. At it's heart is Woods' unwavering attitude, harmonious vocals, and cutting-edge production all condensed into one effective, cohesive sound. To accompany this sound is a large list of important poets, artists, and activists from the Civil Rights Movement to which this album was inspired by. Undoubtedly a highlight of 2019.… Expand
  2. drums_n_scotch
    May 29, 2019
    10
    I created a Metacritic account just to be able to praise this album. From start to finish, it's the most immediately captivating, note-for-note perfect album since Kendrick's To Pimp a Butterfly. Each listen brings new depth and unveils new treasures. It's an instant classic, the kind of record that comes along only every few years, reminds listeners of the true power of music, and shouldI created a Metacritic account just to be able to praise this album. From start to finish, it's the most immediately captivating, note-for-note perfect album since Kendrick's To Pimp a Butterfly. Each listen brings new depth and unveils new treasures. It's an instant classic, the kind of record that comes along only every few years, reminds listeners of the true power of music, and should be studied for years to come.… Expand
  3. TrentRey
    May 15, 2019
    9
    An amazing album from start to finish with a unique sound. This is one of the best neo-soul albums that I've heard in a long time.
  4. noequ
    May 17, 2019
    10
    I wasn't too familiar with Jamila Woods, but I decided to listen to it, since I'm a fan of R&B, and the only thing I have to say is that the production in this is just great, her voice is beautiful and it is a great project overall.
    Also, that Saba verse was one of my favorite parts on the album. I highly recommend it.
  5. Xar
    May 17, 2019
    6
    The production and instrumenalitation is great but her voice seems flat to me, also is not a big change from her first album.
  6. DwightDavis
    May 16, 2019
    4
    Tons of respect for Woods' lyricism and ambition on this project. However, I'm afraid I didn't find the majority of her melodies or backing tracks very interesting. I also feel like she kept at the same volume and energy level in her delivery throughout the whole album. Perhaps this was on purpose, but I fear that this choice drained a lot of the potential emotion and impact from the finalTons of respect for Woods' lyricism and ambition on this project. However, I'm afraid I didn't find the majority of her melodies or backing tracks very interesting. I also feel like she kept at the same volume and energy level in her delivery throughout the whole album. Perhaps this was on purpose, but I fear that this choice drained a lot of the potential emotion and impact from the final product.
    With some more interesting tracks, catchier melodies, and bolder vocal takes, this could have been a superb album. As it is, it feels to me like a mediocre album dressed up in truly excellent lyrics.    … Expand
  7. Carlos1979
    Nov 23, 2019
    10
    Incredible unic album A MUST for any music lover! Her voice, vibe, instrumentation, lyrics... wrapped in perfection!
  8. prestonhung
    Aug 4, 2019
    7
    I think this is a really decent and solid album overall. Definitely one of the best R&B albums of 2019!
  9. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    9
    Exceptional ! Exceptional ! Exceptional !
    This is an artist at their peak. Unfiltered and unrestrained. On her second release she tackles the legends of black icons. She encompasses their stories without sounding didactic, stiff or losing the musicality. The concept is fulfilled from start to finish as if written by each icon. The confidence and praise of the black and female experience    Exceptional ! Exceptional ! Exceptional !
    This is an artist at their peak. Unfiltered and unrestrained. On her second release she tackles the legends of black icons. She encompasses their stories without sounding didactic, stiff or losing the musicality. The concept is fulfilled from start to finish as if written by each icon. The confidence and praise of the black and female experience is more in depth than her debut. She confronts cultural appropriations, antagonizing racial questions, black isolation,love,education-this is a fnk.ng thesis! The zen opener BETTY(as in Davis) burst with confidence onto the scene. Introducing the new sonic pallet of "legacy!legacy!". She takes society's attempt to reduce Betty Davis to one thing:miles davis's wife,sexy sapphire but never the innovator she was. She destroys the entire basis of toxic masculinity with one verse. The fleeting "Zora" tells us how nothing is certain and that she has dimensions not apparent to the eye. The bridge for "Giovanni " is as wordy as it is catchy with the slow conversational "Sonia" which discusses treatment of women by the partners in their lives ,the reality of slavery's brutalitay and impact with a emotional verse from Nitty Scott. "Frieda " longs for distance from a romantic partner. The penultimate track and what might be Jamila Woods best track is "Baldwin " it perfectly summarises police brutality against the micro agressions that incite them but ultimately admits how despite herself she still tries to love those who hate her. The production is adventurous in this album from the manipulation of vocal distance and bubbling energy of the track in "BASQUAIT". This album is definitely a grower but it grows onto you like ivy. Worth the attention. Favourites:BALDWIN, EARTHA,BETTY,MUDDY    … Expand
  10. maxmkennedy
    May 15, 2019
    10
    Jamila Woods proves she can sing beautiful hooks and spit the coldest rhymes. Compared to 2016's Heavn, the production on Legacy! is lush and varied. No more minimal beats. I appreciate both sounds but I think Jamila's vocal talent really works better within the more layered production of Legacy! Lyrically the album is dense, each song captures the essence of someone's Legacy. Whether it'sJamila Woods proves she can sing beautiful hooks and spit the coldest rhymes. Compared to 2016's Heavn, the production on Legacy! is lush and varied. No more minimal beats. I appreciate both sounds but I think Jamila's vocal talent really works better within the more layered production of Legacy! Lyrically the album is dense, each song captures the essence of someone's Legacy. Whether it's painters like Basquiat and Frida Kahlo, or musicians like Miles Davis and Muddy Waters. She doesn't stray from heavy, emotional topics.… Expand
  11. Halfwholehalf
    Jun 10, 2019
    10
    Legacy!Legacy! begins with a lone piano playing ii-V-I chords, announcing it's jazz-based foundation. It then layers polyrhythms and polygenres over 12.5 tracks that take us on a tour of Ms Woods' Heroes. The lyrics are a gem. Ms Woods mixes herself with her subjects, singing in the first person, unifying her essence with that of her Heroes. Ms Woods oozes a relaxed, self-assuredLegacy!Legacy! begins with a lone piano playing ii-V-I chords, announcing it's jazz-based foundation. It then layers polyrhythms and polygenres over 12.5 tracks that take us on a tour of Ms Woods' Heroes. The lyrics are a gem. Ms Woods mixes herself with her subjects, singing in the first person, unifying her essence with that of her Heroes. Ms Woods oozes a relaxed, self-assured confidence that seeps into the listener's subconscious. As Betty Davis-Jamila, "I am different I'ma cup of mild sauce, sweet tongue" and " I am not your typical girl"
    As Zora Neale Hurston-Jamila, " my weaponry is my energy. I tenderly fill my enemies...with white light!"
    As Nikki Giovanni-Jamila, "momma Burt sage for me, none can take that energy away from me." You will inherit an extra strut in your step after a few listens.

    But the infusion of confidence is only part of what you gain after listening to Legacy! Legacy!
    Ms Woods imparts aching, heartbreaking accounts of her experience as an African American and a woman in America. As Zora-Jamila, "I've always been the only, every classroom, every home, kiss of chocolate on the moon"
    As Giovanni-Jamila, "I am the kingdom, I am not your queen."
    As Sonia-Jamila, "You can call them and item. Funny how a title makes them think they own you telling you how to dress, who to talk to. fella please. Nobody ask you"
    As Eartha-Jamila, "who gonna share my love for me with me?"
    As Miles-Jamila,"I do, what I do, not for you"
    And most poignantly as James baldwin-Jamila, "somebody's daddy always laid out on the street and for what? Your precious. Lethal. Fear"

    Thematically, lyrically, musically, Legacy! Legacy! Lives up to it's name. In paying tribute to her Heroes, Ms Woods becomes one herself.
    Best album of 2019.

    And one more thing, the guest raps on Sonia (Nitty Scott) and Basquiat (Saba, just wows here with a mastery of rhythm) both add immeasurably to songs you thought could not get better.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 2019
100
#100 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Paste Magazine
    Dec 11, 2019
    87
    Not only is LEGACY! LEGACY! one of the best albums of the year with its incandescent power and hooks that never stop giving, it achieves the remarkable feat of crafting a cohesive whole out of a dozen disparate stories.
    Read full review
  2. No Ripcord
    Jun 19, 2019
    80
    Woods uses the strength of her vibrant band to mask her reedy vocals, a minor drawback in an otherwise enlightening offering that positions her as one of neo-soul's essential new voices.
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    May 21, 2019
    80
    Although the album explores intergenerational black trauma and joy, Woods’s personal insight into such experience functions as the album’s anchor and serves as a more accessible entry point.
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