Having stripped away the narrative cloak that shrouded the highlights of ‘Stillness In Wonderland’, she’s crafted a knockout record--and finally come true on her early promise. This is the best rap record of the year so far.
It swings. It grooves. It’s not bogged down by a self-consciously poetic concept. And it feels like a record rather than a showcase, anchored by the production work of Simz’s childhood friend Inflo.
On the whole, it's a smart and satisfying record. If she can achieve such mass appeal on an independent release, it will be fascinating to see where she goes if she agrees to sign with a label. Hopefully it won't trip up her laser focus on what matters: herself.
My fav album so far, so good. Have never heard anything like it! You feel like such a humble badass when u listen to it walking down thoseMy fav album so far, so good. Have never heard anything like it! You feel like such a humble badass when u listen to it walking down those streets. 10/10…Expand
Arguably the best album out of any female rapper, and probably my new favorite album out of the 2010s, Grey Area is hauntingly beautiful atArguably the best album out of any female rapper, and probably my new favorite album out of the 2010s, Grey Area is hauntingly beautiful at times, with lyrics that cut deep like a knife. A must-listen for all who like rap!…Expand
This album was a huge surprise in terms of its quality. Little Simz delivers a great and short album. The album really succeeds in its vocalThis album was a huge surprise in terms of its quality. Little Simz delivers a great and short album. The album really succeeds in its vocal delivery and Simz strong lyrics. Particularly great tracks: Venom, 101 FM, Sherbet Sunset, Flowers.
This album is a must listen for hip hop fans.
A look at this short verse shows her versatility in using multiple syllable rhyming with more than one rhyme per line and telling a very personal story:
I wonder what I did for me, I hardly remember me
What a waste of chemistry, energy and empathy
Wonder when you plan to let me know about her pregnancy
You have no integrity, emotion or respect for me
Clearly wasn't meant to be
This all temporary
This the clearest I've seen it, was bound to end eventually
Still it hurts tremendously, can't bear the intensity…Expand
Such a good album!! I already loved the singles that came out before the album so I was really hyped for this album. The production isSuch a good album!! I already loved the singles that came out before the album so I was really hyped for this album. The production is amazing, her lyricism and flow are some of the best of any MC I've heard in a while so this is definitely my favorite rap album of the year so far. This album has a few amazing hard hitting, grimy tracks like Offence and Boss, but also contains some beautiful storytelling tracks like Flowers and Sherbet sunset. I also love the track Pressure with little dragon. Overall I have to say that I prefer the singles over the other six tracks, which makes this a 9 out of 10 instead of a 10/10 for me. Still, this wil probably be one of my favorites of the year and I highly recommend listening to it!
Highlights: Offence, Boss, Selfish, Sherbet sunset and Pressure…Expand
It is rather a 8,5 out of 10. Shame on me I didn't know Little Simz before listening to her project 'GREY Area'. Fortunatefully this workIt is rather a 8,5 out of 10. Shame on me I didn't know Little Simz before listening to her project 'GREY Area'. Fortunatefully this work clearly made want to look closer at her other pieces of work. This particular project is as solid as everyone recognized it, no doubt of it. The first tracks do have an indescribable powerful taste as they instantly get you stuck into the rest of the album.
To be honest from the first song 'Offense' to the third 'Selfish' I have been appalled by the amount of valuable bars, conscient lines, striking beats and stellar production oozing straight from 'GREY Area'. Little Simz clearly showcases her gift to navigate between her vulnerabilities and her charismatic self-confidence. Tracks follow each other perfectly as a neat playlist as Little Simz appear to find the perfect balance between raw lyrics delivery and unavoidable silence invoking your hardest desires to hear more from her. Featurings are awesome and finding Little Dragon amongst these is a truly delightful surprise.
Yet the more I listened to it, the more I couldn't stand the chorus of 'Therapy'. I also felt an imperceptible downgrade as we got closer to the end. Separately, The tracklist is as great as it is consistent, but at times I felt like this album was a little too long despite its few ten tracks. That gave me a weird feeling. Entering and dig into the "GREY Area" will certainly remain a very pleasant moment for the times to come.…Expand
Very solid and consistently smooth album. Impressive lyricism, good beats, a poppy single surrounded by more traditional hip hop tracks, allVery solid and consistently smooth album. Impressive lyricism, good beats, a poppy single surrounded by more traditional hip hop tracks, all with her own unique touch. A decent amount of variety, but not quite enough to hold attention for the whole album. Nothing really blew me away but I've got to give points for consistent high quality.…Expand
Published: December 20, 2019We reveal the 40 highest-scoring album releases of the year, as well as some of 2019's bests and worsts in other music categories.
Published: July 4, 2019These were the best-reviewed new albums released during the first half of 2019.