Take Me Apart
by Kelela
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Oct 6, 2017
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Oct 10, 2017
    60
    For the most part, Take Me Apart is sonically more akin to a soundtrack, one for neon-tinged late-night driving. Or for bedrooms with ceiling mirrors--those slippery reflections.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Oct 6, 2017
    60
    On the likes of ‘Enough,’ the layers of electronica and muffled beats become oddly oppressive, competing against her--and winning the battle. It’s in moments like this where Take Me Apart proves to be frustrating. When it’s at its best though, it’s an album that invites the listener to do just what its title invites.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best Album of 2017
73
#73 Most Discussed Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 162 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 138 out of 162
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 162
  3. Negative: 13 out of 162
  1. navyofbadgals
    Oct 6, 2017
    10
    OMG we love talent, don't we. Kelela is TALENT on this album, with a cohesive and magnificent body of work, that will be remembered for itsOMG we love talent, don't we. Kelela is TALENT on this album, with a cohesive and magnificent body of work, that will be remembered for its quality. Legends only whew… Full Review »
  2. aleppo
    Oct 7, 2017
    9
    Damn, Kelela. This is her third major release, and she continues to impress and improve with each output. On 'Take Me Apart,' the singerDamn, Kelela. This is her third major release, and she continues to impress and improve with each output. On 'Take Me Apart,' the singer manages to construct a cohesive body of work that simultaneously refines and expands her signature sound. The album's flow is all the more impressive considering the multitude of producers she appointed to create this record. Kelela's 'Take Me Apart' is not only defined by its sonic innovation, but also the emotional nuance depicted by the lyrics. Whether expressing a desire for something casual, enticing her partner to explore her, or lamenting a relationship's inevitable end, Kelela communicates her thoughts and feelings about a circumstance with an intricacy matched by few in today's pop music. And let's not forget her silky smooth vocals, which are key in conveying the complexities this album explores. For me, the only questionable moves the record makes are found in the meandering, somewhat half-hearted production on 'Turn To Dust' and 'Altadena's' piano-ballad ending. However, these are comparatively minute mistakes on a dynamic and exploratory collection of songs that ought to contend for recognition as one of 2017's best.

    Highlights include 'Frontline,' 'Enough,' and 'Truth or Dare'.    … Full Review »
  3. DavidWasHere
    Oct 6, 2017
    8
    This was a fun album! Kelela has a great voice that while not showy, is subtle and does slide into all the addictive electro-R&B grooves andThis was a fun album! Kelela has a great voice that while not showy, is subtle and does slide into all the addictive electro-R&B grooves and tunes here. The production is lively, energetic, and sensual with slow tracks like Better. The only downsize is that there isn't anything all that new when it comes with R&B, especially contemporary alt-R&B, but Kelela's debut does have a lot of character here that it does stand out. Plus it is a fun album and does manage to go down smoothly with a run time of almost an hour without feeling it's length.… Full Review »
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