It Was Good Until It Wasn't
by Kehlani
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 8, 2020
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    May 8, 2020
    90
    A record that is as self-aware of the pressures of romance and stardom as it is a bare, naked representation of the singer’s heart and soul.
  2. Clash Music
    May 7, 2020
    90
    The album's arrangement of serenading beats and jazzy undertones has genuinely proven that Kehlani is a force to be reckoned with.
  3. AllMusic
    May 28, 2020
    80
    Although there are some clumsy similes and metaphors, and a surplus of astrological references, its lyricism is undeniable, abundant in pithy rebukes and come-ons. And while the predominantly crawling tempos can have a tranquilizing effect, there's nuance to nearly every cut with high-level songwriting to match.
  5. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 11, 2020
    80
    Kehalni’s lubricious vocals and tender slow jams are not for the faint-hearted, but there is a real core of emotional truth burning through these X-rated grooves.
  6. The Guardian
    May 7, 2020
    80
    Walking with impressive confidence along the line that separates commercialism from experimentation, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t doesn’t need an accompanying soap opera to sell it, but it’s got one anyway.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    May 7, 2020
    80
    It Was Good Until It Wasn’t is the latest work demonstrating the 25-year-old’s profound emotional intelligence. Its 15 tracks waft in as though carried by a summer breeze; Kehlani’s crystalline vocals shine through arrangements of sedate beats, jazz piano motifs, and luxurious twangs of Spanish guitar.
  8. Pitchfork
    May 11, 2020
    77
    She’s becoming an increasingly agile performer, rapping, singing, and everything in between. It Was Good Until It Wasn’t channels all those skills into sterling R&B that feels like a homecoming of sorts.
  9. HipHopDX
    May 22, 2020
    76
    It Was Good Until It Wasn’t‘s back half will earn respect from core fans for its consistency, muddling the notion Kehlani played it safe with this one.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 106 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 106
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 106
  3. Negative: 4 out of 106
  1. ANNACLARA
    May 14, 2020
    10
    it ate. oh my god i am surprised to the power of kehlani’s. girl. it is am masterpiece.
  2. mykehall13
    May 8, 2020
    10
    Simply incredible. Kehlani’s new music is undeniably refreshing and much more mature compared to her past projects. So proud to Stan such an icon!
  3. IAmDaan
    May 8, 2020
    9
    Kehlani’s new album fully reveals her, as one of the leading R&B performers, the singer’s voice perfectly combines with the piano and guitarKehlani’s new album fully reveals her, as one of the leading R&B performers, the singer’s voice perfectly combines with the piano and guitar in the arrangement of delicate beats, each composition smoothly flows into another, preventing the listener from falling into againthe bustle of the mortal world, joint compositions with Tory Lanez, Jhené Aiko, Masego, Lucky Daye, James Blake perfectly complement the solo component of the album. at the moment, this is one of the best works in the R&B-style, which can compete with Jhené Aiko's album "Chilombo".… Full Review »
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