Take Me Apart
by Kelela
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Oct 6, 2017
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
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  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 its quality. Legends only whew
  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 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' isDamn, 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'.    … Expand
  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 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 ofThis 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.… Expand
  4. Music_Observer
    Nov 2, 2017
    6
    While vocally talented and good at imitating certain industry tropes, Kelela mostly struggled to find beauty over clarity with lack of broad shape and energy in the melodies and unnecessary or formulaic harmonies that followed a misplaced goal to relaxation, only being absolved by the smooth, spacious sound, making this a decent listen for lovers of the slow and chill. My Score: 115/180While vocally talented and good at imitating certain industry tropes, Kelela mostly struggled to find beauty over clarity with lack of broad shape and energy in the melodies and unnecessary or formulaic harmonies that followed a misplaced goal to relaxation, only being absolved by the smooth, spacious sound, making this a decent listen for lovers of the slow and chill. My Score: 115/180 (Good) = 6.4/10… Expand
  5. Ailew
    Oct 6, 2017
    10
    Frontline: 10
    Waitin: 9.0
    Take Me Apart: 1.0
    Enough: 10
    Jupiter: 10

    e o resto n ouvi pq to chapado e prefiro ouvir pink floyd, mas eu avalizei essas ai .... bjs
  6. bodakyellow
    Apr 22, 2018
    6
    Kelela's beautiful vocals often don't match her music's futuristic production, making many songs with great potential quite forgettable. Favourite tracks: Frontline, Enough, LMK, Onanon
  7. Evic21
    Oct 9, 2017
    8
    At first listen, Kelela fans may be disappointed at how understated this album may feel. But, upon further inspection, "Take Me Apart" reveals itself to be an incredibly intricate album that unravels with kooky sounds and sensual imagery. It shows that Kelela can be masterfully restrained and still engaging.
  8. PeterSant
    Mar 20, 2020
    10
    Kelela made a true capture of feelings, "Take Me Apart" presents everything that is present in a loving relationship, from passion, disappointment and those pauses between dating that lead to heartbroken.
    This album is one of those that you want to listen to tirelessly.
  9. AntonioUchoa
    Oct 13, 2017
    8
    Passionate with this album. Kelela's is an complete artist, mixing heartbreak's songs and desire with an R&B that I could not explain the feelings for. It's different and inspiring.

    Highlight: Take me apart; Frontline; LMK; Blue Light; Jupiter; Waitin; Truth or Dare
  10. andrevictor
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    Mostrando um R&B/soul eletrônico que poucos conseguem fazer hoje em dia, Kelela nos presenteia com o Take me Apart. Um álbum maduro e confessional, que só mostra o quanto a artista cresceu nas composições e na emoção de sua voz, nos proporcionando embarcar cada vez mais em seu mundo. Em colaboração com Arca em algumas faixas, isso só evidencia seu bom gosto na hora de escolher seusMostrando um R&B/soul eletrônico que poucos conseguem fazer hoje em dia, Kelela nos presenteia com o Take me Apart. Um álbum maduro e confessional, que só mostra o quanto a artista cresceu nas composições e na emoção de sua voz, nos proporcionando embarcar cada vez mais em seu mundo. Em colaboração com Arca em algumas faixas, isso só evidencia seu bom gosto na hora de escolher seus colaboradores.… Expand
  11. Malikx
    Oct 8, 2017
    9
    After many a delay, Kelela returns with Take Me Apart, her most cohesive and expansive project to date. Proudly boasting its grime, trip-hop, and traditional R&B influences, this album never feels predictable or boring, but rather an exciting emotional rollercoaster. Highlights are the Janet-evoking "Waitin" and the timeless Arca-produced "Onanon."
  12. Tsareena
    Oct 9, 2017
    9
    A beautiful debut album by Kelela. Love the sultry production on this. The album can get you in your feelings but you'll be bopping as well. Standouts: Blue Lights, Frontline and Take Me Apart.
  13. eduuu
    Nov 7, 2017
    10
    Her track 'Floor Show' on her Cut 4 Me mixtape was what first hypnotised me and I've been keenly observing Kelela ever since. This album shows how much she's grown and while her roots are now firmly planted in RnB she's still giving those dark corners of the universe vibes that I first fell in love with. My favourites are 'Frontline' for the ennui, 'Take Me Apart' for the raw uninhibitedHer track 'Floor Show' on her Cut 4 Me mixtape was what first hypnotised me and I've been keenly observing Kelela ever since. This album shows how much she's grown and while her roots are now firmly planted in RnB she's still giving those dark corners of the universe vibes that I first fell in love with. My favourites are 'Frontline' for the ennui, 'Take Me Apart' for the raw uninhibited joy and 'Truth or Dare' for the Janet Jackson reincarnate feels. After waiting so long for this record I am deeply, deeply satisfied.… Expand
  14. maydaysizzy
    Nov 30, 2017
    9
    Classic 90's R&B feel but sounds futuristic and fresh. Notable Tracks: Enough, Frontline, Onanon and Take Me Apart. However, a few tracks blend into each other. Particularly at the end.
  15. freshie
    Jan 9, 2018
    8
    One of alt rnb's greatest rising artist. A voice that astonishes accompanied by amazingly curated, and selected beats. Great follow up to her last equally amazing project
  16. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 11, 2021
    8
    A strong sensual fka twigs reminiscent record about vulnerability, trust and heartbreak from a strong rnb indie darling. Despite it's boughts of monotony that can make some songs blend into another it is never boring. It makes eye contact with you as it break your heart. It's the emergence of a rnb pop landmark in construction. Favourites: bluff,take me apart, blue light,ONANON

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Mixmag
    Nov 7, 2017
    90
    Bursts with textured atmospheres and danceable beats, all led by the unwavering might of Kelela’s lungs.
    Read full review
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Oct 26, 2017
    80
    Like kindred spirit Dawn Richard, Kelela veers from the requirements of mainstream R&B to explore her own course, and the result is a portent on the genre’s future.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    Oct 24, 2017
    80
    An album rich in swirling emotions, backed by inspired productions from electronica virtuosos Arca and London-based Jam City. [Dec 2017, p.106]
See all critic reviews »