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Gifted
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Gifted Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the Jamaican reggae artist Koffee features production with JAE5 and Frank Dukes.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Rolling Stone
    Mar 25, 2022
    80
    The album’s musical backdrops range from breezy to absorbing, but it’s Koffee’s performances that are consistently bewitching.
  2. The Guardian
    Mar 25, 2022
    80
    Gifted covers a lot of musical ground in less than half an hour, from the sweet, harmony-laden lovers rock of Lonely to Shine’s dabbling in the kind of easygoing acoustic reggae beloved of beach bars the world over, albeit underpinned by an immense electronic bass.
  3. Beats Per Minute
    Mar 30, 2022
    80
    Each track finds her motivation intact, with almost no trace of despair that isn’t equally met with perseverance. While it finds the singer consistently laid back, Gifted pushes forward constantly – displaying its creator’s unique resolve.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 25, 2022
    80
    Given its creator’s effortless vocals, smart lyricism and obvious ability to craft new bangers, ‘Gifted’ will only add to the clamour surrounding Koffee’s name: time will tell how far she will continue to rise from this point.
  5. The Telegraph (UK)
    Mar 25, 2022
    80
    Gifted keeps giving: Koffee achieves a brilliantly confident debut with the promise of more good things to come.
  6. Pitchfork
    Mar 29, 2022
    80
    Uplifting music can tend to grate rather than inspire, but Koffee hits a satisfying midpoint, free of didacticism and never forced; she’s simply inviting us into her world.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Mar 25, 2022
    60
    Koffee is charming and winningly wholesome in the first mode [expressing her gratitude to be alive], but her attempts to meld tributes to family and life’s simplicities with designer name drops and empty boasts can feel awkward and misplaced. ... An album that doesn’t always play to its young creator’s strengths.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. ilovedogs033
    Mar 25, 2022
    10
    Stellar debut! Really enjoyed Shine, Where I’m From, Gifted and Pull Up. Can not wait to hear more.
  2. kevfitz
    Apr 4, 2022
    9
    Koffee deserves to be massive. This is a terrific album full of bubbly reggae in a very 2022 way.
  4. highballslider
    Mar 26, 2022
    8
    Really enjoyed 13 out of 18 songs, she already won a grammy, I first heard of her on NPR and If you enjoy her I recommend checking out her NPRReally enjoyed 13 out of 18 songs, she already won a grammy, I first heard of her on NPR and If you enjoy her I recommend checking out her NPR Tiny Desk Concert ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Cmzn8BIOdA… Expand
  5. clem666
    May 21, 2023
    5
    This first album is like an experimental field: Koffee slowly moves from one genre to another. She does master those basics and with aThis first album is like an experimental field: Koffee slowly moves from one genre to another. She does master those basics and with a undeniable harmony and ease. But "Gifted" sounds as meticulous and cautious as it is disaffected, where Koffee's interesting voice never gets a chance to really shine. Production however benefits from bright choices, especially on 'Gifted' (the fourth track) and on 'Where I'm From'.
    This project seems to have been created with the perfect pop standards : easy-listening melodies and rhymes, good vibes only, and a dose of money-driven choices. While it does not really sound bad, it clearly feels like it is missing a precious part of humanity, or experience.    … Expand

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