so sad so sexy
by Lykke Li
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jun 8, 2018
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 93 out of 108
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 108
  3. Negative: 5 out of 108
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  1. Brendonh93
    Jun 21, 2018
    6
    This isn't her best its too much pop and not enough uniqueness that makes me enjoy a good Lykke Li album. If anything I feel this has put her back and I hope she finds her sounds again because it just seems like an album catching trends that doesn't suit her or her body of music.

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  2. frankrog29
    Jun 8, 2018
    4
    Lykke Li has sold out and gone pop. So Sad So Sexy is without a doubt her worst album. If you want to listen to something that is inspired and that does not blindly follow musical trends, I recommend Wounded Rhymes or Youth Novels.
  3. ultipop19
    Jun 30, 2018
    6
    After the break-up album I Never Learn (2014), Lykke Li is finally back at it again with more love songs–this time with a new sound. 'so sad so sexy' is her most electronic release, diving into trap-influenced production and more manipulated vocals.

    The opening track "hard rain" is a gorgeous example of how she keeps these new influences in balance with her songwriting craft. Some of    After the break-up album I Never Learn (2014), Lykke Li is finally back at it again with more love songs–this time with a new sound. 'so sad so sexy' is her most electronic release, diving into trap-influenced production and more manipulated vocals.

    The opening track "hard rain" is a gorgeous example of how she keeps these new influences in balance with her songwriting craft. Some of the high-pitched vocals bring FKA Twigs to mind. The ballad is some of her best material to date. Another highlight is the closing track "utopia" with its haunting chorus that turns nightmarish in the end.

    "two nights" is one of the warmer tracks; a nice switch-up that features a rap verse by Aminé. The album's title track is more typical for her–a synth pop anthem with a strong chorus.

    But not everything is compelling. The trap bangers "deep end" and "sex money feelings" are catchy but rather generic–the same goes for "jaguars in the air".

    On this album, the lyrics are strong, most of the time–with "bad woman" being the exception. Lykke Li knows this territory of of love and heartbreak. 'so sad so sexy' is a fitting title–the album is sensual, attractive and drained in sadness, though not as much as the fantastic predecessor I Never Learn. Here, Lykke Li goes more with the times and tries out new forms and styles but doesn't quite nail every single one.    … Expand
  4. Edipomonteseu
    Jun 29, 2018
    6
    Talvez eu precise ouvir mais vezes, mas até agora acho que este seja o pior álbum da Lykke Li, porém têm algumas músicas boas para ouvir de vez em quando.
  5. SKSK
    Jul 21, 2018
    6
    It starts great, the first three songs are actually good, but then the album starts to feel just like a common and mainstream pop album and continues as it progresses.

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Most Discussed Album of 2018
21
#21 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. PopMatters
    Aug 15, 2018
    60
    There's a distance in these songs. Keeping the audience at arm's length ensures that the album won't get bogged down in pain, even as it willingly swims in that pain. While that distance also results in a slightly ephemeral experience, the result is mood music that works as well as a breakup album as it does a warm-up for the club.
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  2. The 405
    Jul 5, 2018
    60
    So Sad So Sexy is by no means a bad record, but while the Li of previous records was refreshing and stark showing us her vulnerability, the slickly produced nature of this means that’s often lost and in its place is cliché as Li tries to hang onto the weighty romance of youth.
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  3. musicOMH.com
    Jul 2, 2018
    80
    Sadness may remain her true love, but when she flirts with other emotions, the effect can still be magical.
    Read full review
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