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We Are King Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length release for the electro-soul trio of Anita Bias, and sisters Paris and Amber Strother.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Feb 8, 2016
    90
    We Are King is all about plush, impeccable grooves and spine-tingling harmonies. It's without fault.
  2. 80
    It’s a musicians’ album, going deeper into the strategies of a strain of R&B that might begin with Stevie Wonder’s “Music of My Mind” (1972) and continue through Patrice Rushen’s “Straight From the Heart” (1982), as well as any number of Prince ballads and Luther Vandross party songs.
  3. 80
    Every track on We Are King putters and glides by quite smoothly. It’s only gradually you notice how complex this dream state actually is.
  4. Feb 8, 2016
    80
    Debut LP We Are King finally gives the act room to stretch its crushed-velvet sound to its outer edges. The three voices often swirl into one, with lockstep harmonies that make challenging, constantly shifting melodies go down easy.
  5. Uncut
    Mar 22, 2016
    80
    The lovely songs have such a languid unity of purpose. [May 2016, p.75]
  6. The Wire
    May 9, 2016
    80
    We Are King is a lush, dynamic, and expertly crafted album that constructs a unique soundworld. [May 2016, p.50]
  7. Feb 8, 2016
    70
    Sequencing issues aside, the strength of Paris' production is the biggest standout aspect of the project. If the years spent between releases had anything to do with making sure the beats were adequately rendered, those were years well spent.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Aug 23, 2016
    9
    Like Janet Jackson meets Maxwell via TLC and, weirdly (in a good way), Steely Dan. Beautiful, eccentric, lush, soulful, wonderful. Layers uponLike Janet Jackson meets Maxwell via TLC and, weirdly (in a good way), Steely Dan. Beautiful, eccentric, lush, soulful, wonderful. Layers upon layers of complex harmonies and incredible hooks. One of the best albums this year IMHO. Expand

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