User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Black Pumas
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Black Pumas Image
Metascore
77

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

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the Austin duo of Adrian Quesada and Eric Burton who were named Best New Band at the 2019 Austin Music Awards.
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Jun 24, 2019
    89
    From the opening drum breaks of "Black Moon Rising," a sinister slice of psychedelic R&B, the LP ignites as one long, slow burn.
  2. Mojo
    Jun 24, 2019
    80
    While such songs can be taken on a simple level as a promise between two lovers, like so much great soul music, tghere's a sense that Black Pumas, responding to the current mood of division and fear, are providing a what-the-world-needs-now- is-love message. [Jul 2019, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Q Magazine
    Jul 2, 2019
    80
    Transcends its hackneyed backstory on account of its sheer quality. [Aug 2019, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. American Songwriter
    Jun 24, 2019
    70
    The 10 tunes fly by in the fastest 40 minutes of your life. No need to pick and choose favorites either, because there’s little filler on a debut that knows the approach it wants and nails it with graceful professionalism and buckets of passion.
  5. Pitchfork
    Jul 1, 2019
    70
    Burton sings about interior voyages and the tracks were usually constructed by no more than two musicians; it’s music made at home, for home listening. That’s all well and good, since the duo has considerable skill, but this existential lonerism underscores a chasm between the pair and their influences. Unlike the icons of the era they find so inspiring, Black Pumas rarely look outside of themselves.
  6. Uncut
    Jun 24, 2019
    70
    The duo's lesser songs may not stray from a familiar pocket of retro-soul, but it's a very fine pocket nonetheless. [Jul 2019, p.24]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. AllMusic
    Jun 28, 2019
    60
    A substantial portion of the album is either reverential or referential to a degree that it can sound more like an exercise in homage or a licensing tactic than a distinctive work.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. hellokittypie
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    Black Pumas, thanks for this incredible and inspiring record, I can feel every letter and melody of every second. One of the best jobs done inBlack Pumas, thanks for this incredible and inspiring record, I can feel every letter and melody of every second. One of the best jobs done in 2019, you can take us to another universe of empowerment. A magnificent blend of soul, funk and blues.… Expand
  2. Chinasky93
    Jul 31, 2019
    10
    Great combination of soul, funk and blues!
    Memorable choruses, and such a great voice!
    Beautiful stuff
  4. lulabymusic
    Sep 13, 2019
    10
     ____ "Black Pumas" is a very rich, musically aggressive (in a good way) record in the best traditions of this direction. "Fire", "Colors", ____ "Black Pumas" is a very rich, musically aggressive (in a good way) record in the best traditions of this direction. "Fire", "Colors", "Black Moon Rising", "Oct 33" with its string part - bright, catchy tracks that will not leave indifferent any music lover.
    Burton's voice surprisingly successfully fits into the composition, glides in the music stream and gives some special flavor.
    I will say that this is a fairly high bar for all artists of this genre. Aesthetics and style at the highest level.    … Expand
  5. clem666
    Apr 15, 2022
    8
    Great soul, highly soothing and agreeable. Terrific riffs, amazing production and patterns. Lyrics could have been a bit more deep andGreat soul, highly soothing and agreeable. Terrific riffs, amazing production and patterns. Lyrics could have been a bit more deep and creative but the material is definitely here. Short and striking album ! Still waiting for their next effort to come.
    The start of the project is particularly shocking and puts us in the universe they create, but the second third tends to be less surprising, less notable. Fortunately the very end sees a burst of creativity and allows the album to conclude itself in very good terms. Another flaw to me was the lack of a 'second reading': once you have listened to 'Black Pumas' several times, the magic eventually fades away, or at least diminishes quite strongly.
    Very peaceful though. I should go back to it in a few months and hope the magic comes back.    … Expand
  6. Osama_13
    Dec 7, 2020
    0
    I don’t understand how people would call this a good record??? Literally one of the most forgettable albums of this year I can’t remember whatI don’t understand how people would call this a good record??? Literally one of the most forgettable albums of this year I can’t remember what the songs sound like after 2 listens… Expand

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
92 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
92 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
87 Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker
All Current Music »