• Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Aug 26, 2008
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 37
  2. Negative: 3 out of 37

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  1. Jan 28, 2021
    3
    An interesting though sometimes derivative homage to 70's motown . The songs have the confidence and swagger of a veteran. Though it is sometimes pandering it makes it up in its length and ambition.
  2. DougD.
    Aug 31, 2008
    6
    Decent album but it's a bit too derivative of pretty much the span of Diana Ross' career. From the upbeat big drum Motown to the more seductive 70's era, she'd pretty much covered that part of DIana Ross' career. It also reflects in the "I Decided" video. I guess Beyonce's sister doesn't want to be known as Beoynce's sistem because she wants to be Decent album but it's a bit too derivative of pretty much the span of Diana Ross' career. From the upbeat big drum Motown to the more seductive 70's era, she'd pretty much covered that part of DIana Ross' career. It also reflects in the "I Decided" video. I guess Beyonce's sister doesn't want to be known as Beoynce's sistem because she wants to be known as a Diana Ross wannabe. Expand
  3. JarrellC.
    Aug 29, 2008
    10
    I heard "ChampagneChroniKnightCap" and "White Picket Dreams" about a year and a half ago, and I have been anticipating this album since then. The wait has been well worth it. Solange's creativity is unbelievable, and I am totally blown away by this album. It is better than anything Beyonce has ever released as a solo artist. Yes, I said it. It's fresh, the lyrics are great, and I heard "ChampagneChroniKnightCap" and "White Picket Dreams" about a year and a half ago, and I have been anticipating this album since then. The wait has been well worth it. Solange's creativity is unbelievable, and I am totally blown away by this album. It is better than anything Beyonce has ever released as a solo artist. Yes, I said it. It's fresh, the lyrics are great, and the vocals are amazing. Definitely check out "Ode to Marvin," "Cosmic Journey," "Would've Been the One," "Sandcastle Disco," and "This Bird." Collapse
  4. TracyR.
    Aug 28, 2008
    10
    Refreshing and different! I love the swagger in the lyrics! It is different.
  5. SallyW.
    Aug 28, 2008
    7
    Great fun, I think maybe she is better than her big sis. Has a nice feel to it, very 70ish but with a vibe of today.
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. In spots, it sags, and a couple tracks seem more like sketches than neatly bundled songs, yet it's one of the year's more entertaining and easily enjoyable R&B releases, fronted by someone who does not take herself all that seriously.
  2. On her sophomore set, Solange not only takes on a sound that differs from her pop-driven 2002 debut, but demonstrates that unlike her sister Beyoncé--who she vehemently refutes comparisons to on 'God Given Name'--she has no reservations about sharing personal experiences.
  3. Sol-Angel is savvy R&B with a gloss you can check your reflection in, but it falls short of what she intended: to make the record Dusty Springfield or Minnie Riperton would have made, were they around in 2008.