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Natural Brown Prom Queen
by
Natural Brown Prom Queen Image
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

  • Summary: Race, womanhood and relationships are some of themes on the second full-length release for Los Angeles-based violinist/singer Sudan Archives.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Consequence
    Sep 8, 2022
    100
    Even when Parks tries on different hats, Natural Brown Prom Queen still manages to feel cohesive and genuine. ... Meanwhile, songs like “Ciara” and “Freakalizer” feel like hits ahead of their time.
  2. Uncut
    Sep 7, 2022
    90
    Natural Brown Prom Queen revels in ear-catching beats and hooks while still maintaining Parks’ mile-a-minute rate of musical ideas. [Oct 2022, p.34]
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  3. Pitchfork
    Sep 12, 2022
    90
    Building in the steps of Black women and their sonic architecture, Natural Brown Prom Queen thrives on improvisation, daring lyricism, and technical ingenuity.
  4. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 7, 2022
    80
    Over Natural Brown Prom Queen’s 53 minutes and 18 tracks, the Cincinnati-born Parks displays her compositional skills, penchant for winning melodies, and versatility as a performer. Most strikingly, the set documents Parks as she integrates myriad approaches, balancing discipline and the hedonistic impulse.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Sep 12, 2022
    80
    If the sound of Beyoncé‘s similarly sonically adventurous Renaissance whetted your appetite for challenging, demanding soul, then Sudan Archives’ latest could be just what you’re looking for.
  6. The Telegraph (UK)
    Sep 9, 2022
    80
    While this album invigorates and intrigues, in future I would hope to hear her expand lyrically, while exploring the hauntingly melancholic sounds her violin can produce. For now, at least, the defiant joy her work evokes is a stimulating jolt to the senses.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Sep 7, 2022
    70
    ‘Natural Brown Prom Queen’ is Sudan Archives’ most accessible record to date. An unashamedly brash and confident one, but much more subtle and realistic. Rumbling beats, smooth R&B grooves, with just a touch of the experimental. Yet, in opening itself wider, it loses some of the sharp idiosyncrasies that made the early material so exciting.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. ethelcain
    Sep 16, 2022
    10
    impressive sophomore from Ms. Parks, she's evolving as a producer and flirting with 2000s pop culture, but making it artsy. the lyrics areimpressive sophomore from Ms. Parks, she's evolving as a producer and flirting with 2000s pop culture, but making it artsy. the lyrics are very fun and it's probably an AOTY potential… Expand
  2. hipsinpeace
    Mar 5, 2023
    10
    At the beginning you listen strings hitting far and coming deep to protagonists acordes would say. The beauty in this vocals, lyrics that mixAt the beginning you listen strings hitting far and coming deep to protagonists acordes would say. The beauty in this vocals, lyrics that mix feeling as sexy and fear, as this persona fly for a majestic start, middle and not yet an end.… Expand
  4. thesadflute
    Sep 29, 2022
    10
    No albums this summer have quite distracted me from my other listening as NBPQ has. It is a truly incredible follow-up to Athena, featuringNo albums this summer have quite distracted me from my other listening as NBPQ has. It is a truly incredible follow-up to Athena, featuring her most audacious and daring lyrics that exude a confidence that is so satisfying to see. Straddling the sexy/sultry, fun, and emotional - all within a wholly unique and impeccably manicured sound world - NBPQ is a stellar display of her sprawling skill. "Milk Me," "Loyal (EDD)," and "ChevyS10" are my personal standouts, but you can't go wrong with any of them.… Expand
  5. Evic21
    Feb 16, 2023
    10
    Boundlessly creative and totally original, Sudan shines brighter and more confidently than ever while also remaining relatable and honest.
  6. Qazasdr
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    I really like this one. It’s a very smooth album, and I love how well the songs flow together. Overall a great album for easy listening, and II really like this one. It’s a very smooth album, and I love how well the songs flow together. Overall a great album for easy listening, and I would personally recommend it to those who haven’t heard it.… Expand
  7. All_ButTrU4
    Sep 9, 2022
    7
    Impressive personal statement that sees Sudan elevate nor only as a singer but as a songwriter and violinist. The clash of **** grooves andImpressive personal statement that sees Sudan elevate nor only as a singer but as a songwriter and violinist. The clash of **** grooves and airy rnb highness in a foundation of deep stamping beats and layering. This album is a manifesto of femininity, dependent independence and joy. Definitely AOTY contender.… Expand

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