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Not Waving, But Drowning
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Not Waving, But Drowning Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

  • Summary: The English hip-hop artist follows his Mercury Prize-nominated 2017 debut with his second LP. And it's perhaps the first rap album in history to feature a song about celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi. Collaborators include Sampha, Jorja Smith, Jordan Rakei, and Tom Misch.
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Top Track

Loose Ends
In love, when the going is tough I wait 'til it falls on deaf ears Hearsay, without the Boundaries of love My take is, I wish there Was a better... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Apr 18, 2019
    90
    While the sombre tone of these 15 tracks may result in some listeners skipping through in search of something energetic, what lies at the end of this record for those with patience is a truly beautiful collection of stories built through pensive soliloquy as a means of exploring abrasive subjects.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 18, 2019
    80
    The album has an unpolished feel – a diamond in the rough – with its analogue sounds and snatches of conversation from the recording studio.
  3. musicOMH.com
    May 15, 2019
    80
    Some more cynical types may find this heart-on-sleeve approach too cloying, but the delivery and writing is so honest and heartfelt, it’s impossible not to be charmed. Carner is a genuine talent, and this second album demonstrates just why he’s so highly rated.
  4. Uncut
    Apr 18, 2019
    70
    Another compellingly intimate listen. [May 2019, p.24]
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  5. Q Magazine
    Apr 18, 2019
    60
    Short on visceral thrills, but long on soul and dexterity. [May 2019, p.108]
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  6. The Guardian
    Apr 19, 2019
    60
    A collection of smooth, soft-centred rap that verges on the sickly, with Carner’s genial charisma floating adrift in a sea of sentimentality and nostalgia.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 22, 2019
    60
    For his second album, the 24-year-old’s flow remains defiantly old-school, concerned with language and jazzy storytelling rather than the Autotuned postures that get the streams.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. hzy0421
    May 13, 2019
    8
    In his second effort, Carner continues to tell his coming-of-age obstacles with his customary honesty and unaggressiveness. Every day is aIn his second effort, Carner continues to tell his coming-of-age obstacles with his customary honesty and unaggressiveness. Every day is a battle, and he chooses to exhibit it with positivity and seeks the resolution.… Collapse
  2. hannahwashere
    Mar 30, 2023
    8
    A very enjoyable album, with room to grow. Tracks like Still and Ottolenghi display Carner's way with words in my favourite songs from theA very enjoyable album, with room to grow. Tracks like Still and Ottolenghi display Carner's way with words in my favourite songs from the project. Feels rough around the edges in all the right ways… Expand

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