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Back Of My Mind
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Back Of My Mind Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 36 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length studio release for the California R&B artist features guest appearances from Chris Brown, Cordae, Lil Baby, DJ Khaled, Thundercat, Bryson Tiller, Ty Dolla $ign, Y.G., and Yung Bleu.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Exclaim
    Jun 22, 2021
    90
    On Back of My Mind, H.E.R. is in total control of her sound, with masterful command of her artistic direction.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 18, 2021
    80
    ‘Back of My Mind’ is a dazzling debut from an artist who’s so in command of her own sound that it’s almost jarring when “Exhausted’ includes a shout-out to producer Darkchild.
  3. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jun 18, 2021
    80
    Wilson unpacks her heart with poetically intimate lyrics about relationship troubles in a blur of downtempo RnB grooves and hip-hop flow, showcasing Wilson’s sensational multi-octave soul singing and masterful instrumental playing, all filtered through atmospheric digital effects that lend her old-fashioned analogue skills a contemporary sheen.
  4. Clash Music
    Jun 18, 2021
    80
    In its length and scope, there’s a feeling here of witnessing H.E.R. in 360 – panoramic R&B that more than justifies the wait, a sumptuous, multi-faceted jewel that seems to reveal fresh colour with each play.
  5. HipHopDX
    Jul 27, 2021
    72
    H.E.R. doesn’t push the genre or her artistry forward with this debut, but she more than proves herself a worthy torchbearer for the art of R&B balladry.
  6. Pitchfork
    Jun 23, 2021
    68
    Ballads were a staple of H.E.R.’s initial five EPs, and she again uses them frequently on Back of My Mind, for better or worse. Nearly all of them are simple and pretty. ... The choices she makes—from the glossy R&B production to favoring vocal riffing over a good hook—feel altogether safe, like she’s protecting a legacy she was born into.
  7. AllMusic
    Jul 9, 2021
    60
    While Ty Dolla $ign's street gospel support on the title song is a fine match, H.E.R. more often is too accommodating, most so on the Lil Baby meeting "Find a Way," where she drops de rigueur references to her bag, haters, and one of rap's most popular luxury cars. On a more discreet level, however, "Bloody Waters" -- a heady Kaytranada production tricked out with a delectable Thundercat bassline -- is a brilliant sequel of sorts to her Academy Award-winning "Fight for You."

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Jackclohisy
    Jun 19, 2021
    10
    Amazing! H.E.R. continues to prove she is a musical force lyrically and sonically. Showing off these skills in her first LP, H.E.R. has aAmazing! H.E.R. continues to prove she is a musical force lyrically and sonically. Showing off these skills in her first LP, H.E.R. has a long-lasting career in this industry. Highlights include the sultry "Come Through" featuring Chris Brown, "For Anyone," and "Bloody Waters." H.E.R. highlights her versatility as a songwriter coming fresh off her Grammy and Academy Awards releasing an astounding debut album.… Expand
  2. rihnavythang
    Jun 19, 2021
    10
    A solid album by H.E.R. it shows that she is not just one thing, very versatile and brilliant. From the magnificent opening number "We MadeA solid album by H.E.R. it shows that she is not just one thing, very versatile and brilliant. From the magnificent opening number "We Made It" with the goosebumps-giving guitar solo, old school R&B title track and lead single "Damage", a hip-hop leaning track "Find a Way" with Lil Baby, jazz inspired track "Don't", to her signature R&B sounds but done differently on tracks like "Process", "My Own" and "Exhausted".… Expand
  4. Guilhermeee
    Jun 18, 2021
    10
    This album is a masterpiece!!! H.E.R. is versatile, sensible and confident on this new project. Worth the wait!!!
  5. lucacritic
    Jun 26, 2021
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In this project, H.E.R. finds herself remaining loyal and true to the stripped down, seductive, and vulnerable sound she's most known for whilst displaying a growth to the texture of her arrangements. The album flourishes with addicting sounds from tracks like 'Process' and 'Bloody Waters', will have you in your feels with tracks like 'For Anyone', 'Don't' and the painfully beautiful 'Hard to Love'. As expected with an LP this lengthy, she ventures with a few tracks into some unexpected territory with some paying off. But in its entirety, the highs of the album far outclass its only two lows. It is the closest one could ever recommend to an encyclopedia of modern contemporary RnB music. We might just have an RnB album grammy worthy album on our hands.… Expand
  6. Hrisa76
    Oct 7, 2021
    8
    The best work. Some songs reminded me D'Angelo's work. And I say this as a compliment.
  7. CherryJones
    Sep 1, 2021
    8
    H.E.R really made a great album here, most of the record shines with calm, sasynes and great rhythms and tunes... But, somehow this album isH.E.R really made a great album here, most of the record shines with calm, sasynes and great rhythms and tunes... But, somehow this album is too long without having the need to be this long. At least 4 to 5 songs here are really really forgettable. I truly belive this album could have been a straight A+ only If the tracklist was better well put togheter Overall, a good debut album that is not trying to be that pretentious, but more lowkey great, fun, and intimate.… Expand
  8. caueplsk
    Jun 18, 2021
    5
    H.E.R has a beautiful voice and the production of the album is very decent, but 21 songs for this album is too much, after a few tracks itH.E.R has a beautiful voice and the production of the album is very decent, but 21 songs for this album is too much, after a few tracks it gets boring. It has some consistent tracks tho.… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Most Discussed Album of 2021

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