CASE STUDY 01
by Daniel Caesar
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
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  1. Exclaim
    Jul 8, 2019
    80
    Although CASE STUDY 01 may not receive the same critical reception as Freudian, it's a solid effort by an artist who is, more or less, still a rookie, attempting to diversify his sound early on in order to avoid cementing himself into gospel music for the entirety of his career.
  2. Pitchfork
    Jul 15, 2019
    67
    While there are flashes of wisdom on Case Study 01, there are also a handful of clunky moments when Caesar’s out of his depth. ... Like his contemporaries 6LACK and Brent Faiyaz, Caesar is clearly talented, but he’s got a lot of learning to do.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Jul 8, 2019
    60
    As a listener you want the artist to sound comfortable in their own skin. But by the end of Case Study 01, it’s hard to be convinced that this is really him.
  5. NOW Magazine
    Jul 8, 2019
    60
    The album wouldn't be satisfying if it was just another version of Freudian. But Caesar calls the album an experiment, and that's often what it feels like. He's still figuring it all out.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Jul 8, 2019
    60
    Case Study has gorgeous moments, but it lacks the overall clarity and focus of Freudian.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. jeffer21
    Jul 11, 2019
    7
    Caesar brought a nice album, melancholic but at certain moments lacking more depth
  2. clem666
    Apr 8, 2022
    8
    Daniel Caesar offers us here a experimental effort characterized by minimalist but however questioning production. It remains accessible, evenDaniel Caesar offers us here a experimental effort characterized by minimalist but however questioning production. It remains accessible, even if it fights for not being mainstream. It remains clearly less familiar than his last LP 'Freudian'.

    Caesar tests his abilities and 'Case Study 01' sees great vocal performances attached to what seems to be lazy instrumentals and vice-versa. In the end, few tracks manage to benefit from both. The help from Jordan Evans & Matthew Burnett is notable. We can notice that Caesar surrounded himself with great artists. Brandy's presence and performance were great even if not that original, making 'Love Again' a very classic R'n'B song. Pharrell Williams wasn't necessary at all on the opposite. His influence on the track was way too intense for me. Plus I can't stop thinking he very often sounds the same on the several featurings he appears on. Like it's absolutely not the same tone but there still are major similarities with 'Neon Guts' of Lil Uzi Vert... Anyway, disappointing to me.

    Daniel Caesar definitely has some talent but he clearly needs to redefine the artistic direction he wants to evolve in. Maybe he should be more focused on creating tracks that craft great vocals with interesting lyrics in addition to decent instrumentals ? Because here he sometimes feels like being out of the line.

    I found the two last tracks 'Complexities' and 'Are You Okay?' amazing as outro of 'Case Study 01'. They both take time to settle down and install a gorgeous atmosphere. Promising LP but it also showcases major points Caesar still has to work on.    … Full Review »
  3. Real_g22
    Jun 1, 2020
    9
    Hermoso álbum de un gran cantante. Muy buenas letras y ritmos pegadizos y disfrutables.
    Este cantante sin duda tiene una de las mejores voces    Hermoso álbum de un gran cantante. Muy buenas letras y ritmos pegadizos y disfrutables.
    Este cantante sin duda tiene una de las mejores voces en la industria y en la historia. Muy destacable Superposition la cuál es su mejor canción en mi opinión respecto a producción, ritmo, lírica.    … Full Review »
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