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Saturn
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Saturn Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release for the British R&B artist features guest appearances from Kwabs and SiR.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The Skinny
    Oct 25, 2018
    100
    The vividity of NAO’s lyrical expression leaves the listener deeply enthralled and invested in her stories. Thankfully, downtempo closing track A Life Like This provides some reassuring confirmation that everything has come together.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 24, 2018
    90
    It’s a work that’s in a constant state of flux, the flow giving and yielding just like our emotions. A sense of healing and growth radiates from it, with the sparkling pop feel of “Yellow of the Sun” bringing the album round to a complete and circular ending.
  3. Mojo
    Oct 24, 2018
    80
    The Londoner's high soul voice shines through on astral-themed second album. . [Dec 2018, p.94]
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  4. Q Magazine
    Oct 24, 2018
    80
    Saturn isn't afraid to show her playful side. [Dec 2018, p.105]
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  5. Clash Music
    Oct 25, 2018
    80
    Nao is entirely galactic on this record--there is an omnipresent sensation of otherness throughout the album. Whether it be in the trademark effluvient vocal or in the consistently atmospheric and glistening instrumental, Saturn is spacial.
  6. 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.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Oct 26, 2018
    60
    Despite the album’s beginning in confusion, Saturn sounds genuinely uplifting throughout with her impressive vocal range being the focal point.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. 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. HerThis 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.… Expand
  2. 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?
  4. jsingh
    Oct 31, 2018
    9
    Mixes old school RnB with contemporary styles and flavors. All songs are well-written and very personal.
  5. 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.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 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

Awards & Rankings

88
#88 Best Album of 2018

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