Nothing's Real
by Shura
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. musicOMH.com
    Jul 11, 2016
    90
    The sound might be ’80s, but this is undeniably now, and Shura a new star in 2016’s increasingly bible-black night.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Jul 5, 2016
    90
    As with the best pop albums, it sounds like a greatest hits record. The songs flow into each other seamlessly as well as standing on their two own feet, which is an astonishing achievement.
  3. PopMatters
    Sep 2, 2016
    80
    It’s difficult to choose just three or four songs as standouts, since at least nine of the tracks are strong candidates.
  5. AllMusic
    Jul 27, 2016
    80
    As ephemeral and powerful as a crush, Nothing's Real marks Shura as the kind of smart pop star the 2010s need.
  6. The Quietus
    Jul 20, 2016
    80
    Nothing’s Real is proof that Shura has carved out a name for herself in a distinctly oversaturated market. Here is a pop star that has undoubtedly arrived.
  7. Clash Music
    Jul 18, 2016
    80
    Sonically and lyrically, Shura is at her most urgent and incisive.
  8. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jul 13, 2016
    80
    The album’s bittersweet introspection is complemented by samples of audio recorded by her and her documentary-maker dad.
  9. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 11, 2016
    80
    Peppered throughout with snippets of audio from old home videos, Nothing’s Real feels like a properly curated album, and one of the year’s best.
  10. The Guardian
    Jul 7, 2016
    80
    Her more uptempo moments are especially promising; melodies so satisfying she should consider handing them to a major-league artist in need of a reboot.
  11. The New York Times
    Jul 6, 2016
    80
    There’s something knowing and clever, but never gratingly so, in the way she’s balancing ideas of newness and collective memory.
  12. DIY Magazine
    Jul 5, 2016
    80
    It’s a statement packed with masses of future potential, and that’s all you can really ask for from a debut record.
  13. The Skinny
    Jul 5, 2016
    80
    Nothing’s Real, the finished product in question, is imbued with the type of honesty that lends credence to the former [effacing, tongue-in-cheek hubris].
  14. Pitchfork
    Jul 15, 2016
    77
    Nothing’s Real offers a fresh vision for pop’s new reality.
  15. Consequence
    Jul 13, 2016
    75
    Shura is at the center of this album, and though the results aren’t always revelatory, she herself remains hugely engaging.
  16. Rolling Stone
    Aug 2, 2016
    70
    Her videos make clear the subjects of these songs are often women, but on record her work is open-ended--a map to a treasure that's just never there.
  17. Exclaim
    Jul 7, 2016
    70
    A neon sugar rush that occasionally fizzles out with filler tracks, Nothing's Real ultimately leaves a lasting impression.
  18. NOW Magazine
    Aug 10, 2016
    60
    Sonically, Nothing's Real is in line with the gliding, easy-listening 80s pop that's back en vogue thanks to Blood Orange, Haim and La Roux.
  19. Q Magazine
    Jul 5, 2016
    60
    Was [Nothing's Real] worth the wait? At points, yes. [Aug 2016, p.117]
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Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Most Discussed Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 83
  3. Negative: 5 out of 83
  1. joearya
    Jul 8, 2016
    10
    An absolutely flawless debut, and one of the (if not the) best release of 2016 so far. Listening to a debut album you usually find that theyAn absolutely flawless debut, and one of the (if not the) best release of 2016 so far. Listening to a debut album you usually find that they sound a bit messy, a bit all over the place, but this is not the case with Nothing's Real. Every track stands on it's own as a memorable song, and yet they are all expertly crafted together in a way that makes the album one of the most consistent body of work in year. The transition between the tracks "Kidz 'n' Stuff" and "Indecision" being the best example of this.

    From Shura's 80's sound, and even early-Madonna reminiscent vocals, to her seamless production you can tell her music is beyond her years, and would expect an album of this caliber to come from someone who has a lot more experience within the industry.

    Each of Shura's singles from this album (namely "Touch", "What's It Gonna Be?", "2shy" etc.) have been so standout, that you couldn't imagine any other tracks from the album being quite so good, but you would be wrong. Each song, including her vocal free interludes, are fantastic in their own right and will make any music lover keep playing the album on repeat.

    An absolutely fantastic album, and an extraordinary debut, I cannot wait to see what Shura comes up with next. 10/10.    … Full Review »
  2. krlfrck
    Jul 10, 2016
    9
    Nothing's Real is the rare album that is both cohesive and diverse, emotional and fun, nostalgic and fresh. A pop album of a new caliber,Nothing's Real is the rare album that is both cohesive and diverse, emotional and fun, nostalgic and fresh. A pop album of a new caliber, Shura delivers on every front.… Full Review »
  3. feefis03
    Dec 12, 2016
    9
    One of the most cohesive and original releases of the year, this girl really enlightened something in me I didn't know was there for thisOne of the most cohesive and original releases of the year, this girl really enlightened something in me I didn't know was there for this style of music! I'll have my eyes open for her career from now on, she's just got herself a new loving and dedicated fan.
    Keep doing what you're doing!    … Full Review »
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