• Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Apr 6, 2018
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. 100
    Miraculously, it feels in no way forced: it’s a joy to witness her glide into any genre and totally own it.
  2. Apr 4, 2018
    92
    For an album that’s 15 tracks to be this consistently good is a rarity, an anomaly, and an artistic triumph that should place it on every Best Of list at the end of the year.
  3. Apr 11, 2018
    91
    On Isolation, she never sounds trapped in another era; she sounds free and inventive. And with nary a dud to be found among its 15 tracks, Isolation deserves a spot in the dance pop and neo-soul pantheons.
  4. Apr 11, 2018
    86
    Isolation is a star turn from an artist who has proven she’s ready for it.
  5. 83
    Uchis’s voice possesses a bit of that wooden Winehouse timbre, but it comes out the same way Uchis does everything else, leisurely. Its slight lilt sometimes puts her out of tune, yet the imperfections play very much into Isolation’s outsider status.
  6. Apr 6, 2018
    83
    As she breaks down the triumphs and heartbreaks of real life, she deftly invokes her every musical whim--from 1970s soul to hip-hop beats that wouldn’t be out of place on a ’90s dance floor--to stunning effect.
  7. Dec 21, 2018
    80
    Isolation is a record that feels rich, self-assured and deeply personal--and one that should ensure Uchis isn’t relegated to second billing ever again.
  8. Dec 4, 2018
    80
    For all its entertaining art-pop feats, Isolation is just as remarkable for serious moments like "Killer," in which Uchis reaches a high degree of anguish that only real-life experience can arouse.
  9. Apr 11, 2018
    80
    Isolation works because Uchis displays impeccable command over her voice and her style. She bends genres to her will rather than allowing them to absorb her identity, making for an impressive effort that will only improve as it ages.
  10. Apr 9, 2018
    80
    Kali has created a lucid dreamscape where you can be whatever you want to be, self-venerated and free. Isolation is an escapist escapade of the highest order.
  11. Apr 6, 2018
    80
    There’s enough variety and sheer pop power here to merit the hype, and more.
  12. Apr 5, 2018
    80
    Thundercat, Damon Albarn, Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, and a slew of Kendrick Lamar collaborators (Sounwave, Steve Lacy, Badbadnotgood) all make contributions, but the vibe is hers alone. ... Uchis is a woman on the verge, willing to share her vertiginous thrills and spills. Thank her later.
  13. Q Magazine
    Apr 4, 2018
    80
    Isolation showcases just what made others scramble for her number: natural pop charisma and an ability to glide effortlessly between genres. [May 2018, p.113]
  14. 80
    Isolation represents the different facets of Uchis: the survivor, romantic and the rebel. But she still manages to keep herself a mystery through moody metaphors and Uchis--who grew up in between Colombia and Virginia--has been largely underrated the past few years, but Isolation might just finally give her the attention she deserves.
  15. Apr 4, 2018
    80
    With features like BIA, Jorja Smith, Reykon, Tyler The Creator and Bootsy Collins, Uchis’ debut is clearly meant to make a big impact, and her romantic-tragic persona complements it beautifully.
  16. May 22, 2018
    70
    With such a wide-ranging collection of retro sounds blended into one record, the fact that the album’s near 45-minute runtime avoids any real stale moments is another triumph from Uchis.
  17. Apr 19, 2018
    70
    Her debut is in fact very well crafted despite wearing a lot of influences on its shining sleeves. It succeeds though in combining those influences into a very enjoyable album that mixes retro and contemporary genres.
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 454 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 25 out of 454
  1. Apr 6, 2018
    10
    Uchis' latest release is almost comedic in sheer quality and cohesion of sound
  2. May 16, 2018
    9
    Instant classic and perfectly mature for a debut album. I can't totally describe my feelings toward this album even after a month ofInstant classic and perfectly mature for a debut album. I can't totally describe my feelings toward this album even after a month of listening! Kali Uchis is a really strong woman who can make her own style despite the presence of so many solid collaborators. The use of Spanish in several songs really support its ambience. Full Review »
  3. Apr 6, 2018
    10
    My girl Kali did that the album is amazing :) thanks Kali for doing this for me i love you girl