And Then Life Was Beautiful
by nao
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Sep 24, 2021
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 24, 2021
    100
    ‘And Then Life Was Beautiful’ truly is a true celebration of R&B, yet – despite its nostalgic nods – Nao has still created a record that doesn’t sound like anyone else. If you need to do a little soul-searching yourself, this soulful record is a good place to start.
  2. AllMusic
    Oct 21, 2021
    80
    Once Nao enters on the finale "Amazing Grace," an ethereal original that shares some lyrics with the popular hymn and delivers another message of salvation, it becomes more clear why the title song, an ideal closer in just about any other context, starts the album.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 27, 2021
    80
    ATLWB feels like a step up, detailing an emotional journey that refreshes tired tropes with hard-won insight and musical self-assurance.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 24, 2021
    80
    Her vocals – and the album itself – are dextrous, flexing between those high notes and lower registers at the most unexpected moments.
  6. Clash Music
    Sep 24, 2021
    80
    This offers an unparalleled listening experience. Each quality – the gorgeous vocals, the radiant tones, the graceful guitar – manifests enlightened bliss. The expertly blended transitions between each track transform them into puzzle pieces that fit smoothly together.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Sep 24, 2021
    80
    Radiant, joyous record.
  8. The Guardian
    Sep 24, 2021
    80
    The mood never feels trite on And Then Life Was Beautiful, but oddly infectious instead, perhaps because the songs are really strong, the lyrics admirably uncliched.
  9. Pitchfork
    Sep 28, 2021
    75
    And Then Life Was Beautiful expands her musical range while deepening its emotional impact.
  10. musicOMH.com
    Sep 30, 2021
    70
    And Then Life Was Beautiful shimmers in the heat of the summer just gone, and strikes a good balance between exhortation and introspection.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best Album of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Heyitscarlos
    Sep 27, 2021
    10
    Nao once again proves that she is an artist to look out for. This record is proof that talent is still present in a cluttered market ofNao once again proves that she is an artist to look out for. This record is proof that talent is still present in a cluttered market of mediocrity. 2020 was a hell of a year for everyone on this planet and Nao does a beautiful job capturing the different emotions & experiences that individuals were having. Also lets not forget that uniquely dynamic voice that grabbed our attention in 2016 with "Bad Blood", it continues to grow stronger and be the center of all of Nao's follow-up records but this one especially. Some of the highlights for me were "And Then Life Was Beautiful, "Wait", "Postcards" feat Serpentwithfeet, and "Woman" feat Lianna La Havas.… Full Review »
  2. Guilhermeee
    Sep 25, 2021
    10
    This is the album of the year! Nao is amazing, and this record shows how beautiful her soul is.
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