Saturn
by nao
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Oct 26, 2018
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
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  1. jsingh
    Oct 31, 2018
    9
    Mixes old school RnB with contemporary styles and flavors. All songs are well-written and very personal.
  2. wildheart
    Nov 11, 2018
    8
    With "Saturn," Nao delivers a beautiful modern-R&B album and a true improvement from her previous project - which was already really good. Here, the production is more polished, Nao sounds more at ease and she really found the right way to use her sweet voice and unique tone on GRADES' productions. "Saturn" sounds also a lot more introspective than her debut album, Nao crafting heartfeltWith "Saturn," Nao delivers a beautiful modern-R&B album and a true improvement from her previous project - which was already really good. Here, the production is more polished, Nao sounds more at ease and she really found the right way to use her sweet voice and unique tone on GRADES' productions. "Saturn" sounds also a lot more introspective than her debut album, Nao crafting heartfelt love songs and lyrics about personal growth. The album is all throughout impressive and gorgeous, showcasing the singer's ability to mix emotions and fun while never settling on a specific genre of music. Mura Masa appears as a producer on the album, proving once again that Nao can feel perfectly at home on a smooth alt-R&B track ("Curiosity," "Orbit") or a much more upbeat pop jam ("If We Ever," "Drive & Disconnect"). A stellar work by a stellar- and slightly slept-on - artist.

    Key tracks: "If We Ever," "Orbit," "Saturn."    … Expand
  3. conorcd
    Feb 27, 2019
    9
    This album is groundbreaking and unique. At points her sound resembles D'Angelo, while incorporating pure pop and electronic music. Her singing is also amazing and combines well with the impressive instrumentals. I expect many artists to take inspiration from this album in the future. The album also has well written lyrics.
  4. jaydn
    Jul 17, 2019
    9
    A breath of fresh air. The best RnB album I've heard in a really long time. Each song is a hit and could be a single. Where is her Grammy?

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. No Ripcord
    Nov 14, 2018
    70
    The mixtape-like sequencing of Saturn occasionally minimizes her ability to write hit after hit--there's hardly a dud here--even if she just misses the mark at producing a more involving mood piece.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    Nov 2, 2018
    80
    That it reads like it came from NAO’s diary points to her greatest achievement on Saturn: every song can shine as a standalone track, but they sound even better together.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    Oct 31, 2018
    77
    Between Nao’s lush voice and the album’s glossy production, it’s easy to get lost in Saturn. A worthy successor to For All We Know, it homes in on a specific, if occasionally ham-fisted, conceit while expanding on her sound in clear, vibrant ways.
    Read full review
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