User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1138 Ratings

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  1. May 30, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sawayama is a great full-lenght debut album for Rina. It's refreshing, bold, rebel and vocally stunning in some tracks. Expand
  2. Nov 20, 2020
    10
    There's nothing bad about this album. With every song sounding so different yet so cohesive, it's one of the best debuts from any artist. Ever.
  3. May 31, 2020
    10
    Track for track, one of the best albums I’ve heard. Where else can I hear references as varied as Beyoncé’s “I Care”, to Evanesence, to Slipknot, to Carly Rae Jepsen, to Final Fantasy? She even uses what I believe is the sound a Mac makes when you click outside of a required dialog box without interacting with it (2:01 into Akasaka Sad).
    That’s not even to touch on the emotions evoked by
    Track for track, one of the best albums I’ve heard. Where else can I hear references as varied as Beyoncé’s “I Care”, to Evanesence, to Slipknot, to Carly Rae Jepsen, to Final Fantasy? She even uses what I believe is the sound a Mac makes when you click outside of a required dialog box without interacting with it (2:01 into Akasaka Sad).
    That’s not even to touch on the emotions evoked by the lyrics here. There’s a feeling here I’ve only ever felt from queer musicians: a feeling that they know my pain, like I’m being hugged and told that it’s all okay. Its the sort of feeling I get from the likes of Christine and the Queens, St. Vincent, Perfume Genius, Clairo, and King Princess, among others. Rina gets it. That’s not really a tangible quality, I know, but it’s there.
    Expand
  4. Nov 27, 2020
    10
    nova promessa do pop, entregou tudo de bom com um álbum super versátil e completo. lenda viva
  5. Aug 27, 2020
    10
    Nossa, esse álbum tem letras poderosas, uma produção impecável e a Rina tem uma alcance vocal maravilhoso, eu estou muito feliz em ver uma artista recente, com um grande potencial, buscando "reviver" aquele estilo mais pop-rock que foi com o tempo, infelizmente, ficando esquecido. Me lembra um pouco o Born This Way em uma versão mais atualizada. Recomendo!!
  6. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    AOTY!!! This album is so amazing, every track has something to offer without keeping you bored. The whole album is zero skips. From the First song to the last, I enjoyed it. Y’all should also check out Cherry and Alterlife by Rina Sawayama.
  7. Jun 22, 2020
    9
    This is one of the most narratively and musically cohesive works of the last decade. Sawayama's vocals, the dynamic production and the coherent mixture of genre throughout, solidify her as one to watch. An exceptional debut album.
  8. Jul 2, 2020
    10
    I was really anxious about Rina’s debut album but this really surprised me. It’s amazing and one of the bests 2020 albums loved sm and hoping that everybody who listen to this love too anyway I love everything about this album since lyrics to the melodys and of course the concept itself. Thank you Rina Sawayama for all the serving.
  9. Jul 4, 2020
    10
    i loved it YESSSSSSSS!!! queen it’s i incredible
  10. Jul 10, 2020
    10
    wow. most underrated artist of the year. sawayama is a masterpiece. i’m so glad i listened to it. honestly i must say at first when everyone was raving about it i ignored for some reason. because when i saw the name tracks they didn’t look exciting, but one day i gave it a try, AND I SLAPPED MYSLEF FOR WAITING . BY THE TIME I GOT AKASAKA SAD I WAS ON THE FLOOR. but.. TOKYO LOVE HOTEL ISwow. most underrated artist of the year. sawayama is a masterpiece. i’m so glad i listened to it. honestly i must say at first when everyone was raving about it i ignored for some reason. because when i saw the name tracks they didn’t look exciting, but one day i gave it a try, AND I SLAPPED MYSLEF FOR WAITING . BY THE TIME I GOT AKASAKA SAD I WAS ON THE FLOOR. but.. TOKYO LOVE HOTEL IS THE BEST TRACK. IM NOT BEING DRAMATIC I CRIED. the chorus was so heart felt and beautiful. i thought i was in paris for a second. beautiful #1 album of 2020. disagree i dare you. rina you are an amazing artist. after this album i am a pixel. ❤️ Expand
  11. Jul 11, 2020
    10
    No track is the same it's simply amazing. Maybe APTY. I'll definently keep an eye out for miss rina
  12. Jul 11, 2020
    10
    Fantastic production choices. I love the topics and themes she explores and her vocals are mature and developed. Chromatica honestly wishes...
  13. Jul 16, 2020
    9
    How lyrically deep the album is she discussed self love, friendship, family, self identity, culture, climate change, capitalism, and micro aggressions all in one album
  14. Jul 16, 2020
    10
    Full of 90's and 00's vibes and excellent production, voice of Rina just confirms she's one of the next pop stars
  15. Jul 17, 2020
    8
    SAWAYAMA is a powerful pop album, combining elements from metal, rock, and disco to create an incredible debut. The orchestral opener Dynasty is loud and hypnotic, with lyrics discussing her family and her background over a heavy guitar - which are prevalent themes throughout the album. The next song XS very catchy, and is about capitalism and the culture of always wanting/needing moreSAWAYAMA is a powerful pop album, combining elements from metal, rock, and disco to create an incredible debut. The orchestral opener Dynasty is loud and hypnotic, with lyrics discussing her family and her background over a heavy guitar - which are prevalent themes throughout the album. The next song XS very catchy, and is about capitalism and the culture of always wanting/needing more (lyrically similar to 7 rings). STFU however grates on me a bit with the childish 'shut the **** up' refrain in the chorus being a bit cringe. But the album picks itself up with the disco inspired Comme Des Garcons which is a self-confidence bop. Akasaka Sad again deals with her childhood in Japan and her experiencing the same pains as her parents. Paradisin' is alright, it sounds more like an interlude than a proper song in the context of the album, as it lacks any buildup and remains quite loud and busy throughout. Thankfully Love Me For Me is an absolute tune that I wanna sing along to at the top of my lungs. The production on Bad Friend is amazing and the song itself is self-reflective and personal. **** This World (Interlude) is forgettable imo and could have been replaced with a better song. Who's Gonna Save U Now? is an arena rock song that hits different if you're in the mood for some solid guitar. Tokyo Love Hotel and Chosen Family are just good ass songs, and the lyrics on Chosen Family are so beautiful that it could have been the album closer. But, the album ends on Snakeskin which is probably the most experimental song here, and imo is an alright closer but not as powerful an end as I'd have liked. Overall, a great album. Expand
  16. Jul 19, 2020
    10
    One of the best pop albums released this year, deserves Album of the Year! The album was very cohesive and the tracks were unforgettable. Rina has basically revived the pop sound with this debut album with her amazing lyricism.
  17. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Perfect mix of 2000's pop rock and modern day sound. Rina doesn't miss on this album, even with her experimental songs like STFU!
  18. Sep 29, 2020
    10
    amazing debut album! every song has a deep meaning and a unique production. it’s noticeable how personal the themes explored in this album are. the different sounds and genres used show rina’s versatility while also being a cohesive body of work. the music industry is in need for more music like this.
  19. Jul 25, 2020
    10
    M A R A V I L H O S O! a rina foi muito perspicaz! xs stfu e chosen family são as melhores de longe
  20. Oct 30, 2020
    7
    album of the year, period, Rina voice/vocals shocked me! this is an experience.
  21. Jul 24, 2020
    9
    Conheci recentemente seu trabalho, admirei desde já seu estilo, é uma cantora que tem identidade.
    Gostei muito do que ela mostrou no álbum, de colocar vários gêneros.

    Enquanto eu escutava as músicas, só foi me cativando cada vez mais a escutar, uma música melhor que a outra, mas coloco em destaque Akasaka sad. Um dos melhores albuns que eu escutei no ano!!!
  22. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Um álbum perfeito,Rina entrega um debut digno de grammy com músicas para ouvir qualquer hora do dia.
  23. Jul 26, 2020
    10
    All I can say is diversity. She’s literally slaying on every tracks. She did what??? THATTT!!
  24. Aug 12, 2020
    10
    This album is insane. Listening to it definitely transports you to the world of Rina Sawayama. I am absolutely willing to hear more from her in the future.
  25. Nov 1, 2020
    8
    such a good album and underrated artist. The tracks are well produced.
    Favorites: snakesin, love me 4 me bad friend, **** this world
  26. Jul 28, 2020
    9
    Amo a voz, amo como ela explorou várias coisas diferentes no álbum e ele não perdeu o fio da meada. Pop coeso, e eu achei incrível
  27. Jul 31, 2020
    10
    Literalmente, es un álbum innovador, pegadizo y íntimo que mezcla ritmos del pop y rock sin perder la esencia del alternativo ya que en él la artista retrata sus emociones en diversas contextos de su vida; además Rina es una artista que está empezando a resaltar en la industria musical para mí es buen inicio.
  28. Jul 31, 2020
    10
    Genre blending at its best, SAWAYAMA is a rare healthy dose of nostalgia mixed with a new generations joys, problems, and dreams. It is an experience that no other album brings.
  29. Aug 1, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Rina Sawayama is so fresh, her music is so stylish and new, she has been able to create a great mixture of pop and nu metal, together with some disco vibes. Best tracks according to me: XS, STFU!, Bad Friend, Akasaka Sad, Dynasty and Comme Des Garçons (Like The Boys) Expand
  30. Aug 2, 2020
    10
    Rina was a surprise for me, in the best way possible. I'm not a rock type of girl, but this album truly was a serve. The disposition of the track, the production, the vocals, the cohesion: from top to bottom a masterpiece. I need more of ms SAWAYAMA!
  31. Oct 30, 2020
    10
    There is no other word besides that this album is simply pop perfection even though it jumps through so many different genres and sounds. It’s just a masterpiece.
  32. Aug 7, 2020
    10
    One of the best albums I've ever heard. Blends genres seamlessly and beautifully. Love love LOVE this album. Highly recommend!
  33. Aug 8, 2020
    10
    que álbum maravilhoso, meu deus. she gave everything the gays would ask for. before lady gaga, there was rina sawayama.
  34. Aug 22, 2020
    10
    Álbum incrível, Rina sabe bem como produzir um pop nostálgico e diferente do que está nas paradas de hoje. O melhor debut do ano e um dos melhores álbuns do ano. Incrível.
  35. Aug 24, 2020
    10
    This album is so artistic, Rina is not playing
    Comme De Garçons and Xs are tracks that show how you can do upbeat music with DEEP MESSAGE
  36. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This album is already my favorite album of the year, it delivers a pop, pop rock of the decade 10s with mastery including vocals is the best.
  37. Aug 30, 2020
    10
    WOW! I met this album recently and I am completely in love. This album has a very unique sound and that is very good.
  38. Mar 21, 2021
    8
    Well done album. Deserved a nomination in Grammys. I hope she'll get the recognition she deserves
  39. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    This album is full of bops, bangers, and the rock influenced songs show that Rina Sawayama will be in the industry for a long time.
  40. Aug 28, 2020
    8
    It's a pretty good album, specially for a debut. I love how she mixes all her influences (Gaga, Britney, Xtina, Madonna, Evanescence and rock bands) and the songs are so catchy and go from one genre to another. The concept, exploring her japanese roots is interesting and very well done. The best songs for me are dinasty, xs, and chosen family
  41. Jan 20, 2021
    10
    All the songs are amazing and grower. There’s not even one skip. She snapped and this albums gives me my hometown vibes I love it so much
  42. Aug 28, 2020
    9
    She took a lot of inspiration from 2000s music and made an album out of nostalgia. One of the best albums that came out this year.

    TOP PICKS: Comme Des Garçons (Like The Boys); Bad Friend; and Who's Gonna Save U Now?
  43. Dec 11, 2020
    10
    Sin duda uno de los mejores álbumes lanzados este año. La gran variedad de temas y sonidos en este trabajo hacen que el álbum debut de Rina sea algo que cualquiera puede disfrutar
  44. Sep 14, 2020
    10
    one of the best albums i’ve ever listened to, this is what an experimental album sounds like: it’s pop, r&b, metal, rock, alternative, electropop this woman is a genius and she came to the industry to stay
  45. Dec 11, 2020
    10
    I love this album, Rina really did that with this. My favorites are xs, dynasty and akasaka sad
  46. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Pop perfection, congratulations Rina, one of my favorite albuns in this year, i just loved it
  47. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece. rina sawayama knows how to make a decent and interesting pop, as well as flow between R&B and metal without leaving something superficial.
  48. Jun 19, 2021
    10
    wow. wow. wow. wow. This is so good. one of my fav albums of all time. Songs like XS, dynasty, bad friend, and chosen family are so amazing that they're enough to make this album a 10/10
  49. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    The way she flows through genres is impressive and her voice is something to behold, Rina is a rising star and her fans couldn't be more proud
  50. Sep 1, 2020
    10
    El álbum decir de Rina, es probablemente el mejor debut de todo el 2020. Nos regaló increíble producciónes, letras, potencial vocal y ritmos increíbles.
    Y no solo es el mejor álbum debut del 2020, si no que probablemente también el mejor de todo el año
  51. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, **** on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it
  52. Aug 29, 2020
    9
    es buenísimo, todas las canciones son buenísimas y es una buena mezcla de géneros, sinceramente no sé qué decir. mis canciones favoritas son dynasty, xs, akasaka sad y who's gonna save u now?
  53. Sep 3, 2020
    10
    A beautiful experience, the details on every song are amazing, worth listening from start to bottom everytime!
  54. Aug 29, 2020
    10
    THAT is what she did!!! Quem consegue por metal, pop e sei lá mais o que em um álbum e deixa tudo fazendo sentido? A RINA então cala a sua boca!!! Depois de ouvir STFU só me resta afirmar: o meu problema é esquizofrenia, QUAL é o seu?
  55. Dec 25, 2020
    9
    Sawayama is Rina Sawayama's self titled debut studio album, and oh boy, it rocks the socks off of you. With tracks such as XS, Dynasty, Comme des Garcons, and Paradisn', there is a lot to look forward to.
  56. Sep 1, 2020
    8
    Fun album, one of the best of 2020 and deserves more visibility. XS music video is fun you should watch it.
  57. Oct 29, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Lo amo, es un álbum qué puedo escuchar de inicio a final y no aburrirme RINA me sorprendió. Expand
  58. Sep 22, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece of an album. The diversity of sounds really adds value to the album. One of the best albums of the year.
  59. Oct 7, 2020
    8
    Me surpreendeu bastante,Rina soube usar bem os gêneros e fazendo que Pop,R&B e Metal funcionassem juntos,além da nostalgia do pop japonês que ela trouxe
  60. Oct 5, 2020
    10
    theres a bloody good reason why elton john praises this multifaceted phenomenon to be one of his 2020 favourites
  61. Oct 9, 2020
    10
    Un álbum muy bien elaborado y con exelente calidad, Sawayama nos trae parte de su vida plasmada en grandes canciones que componen el álbum. Rina no da canciones que van desde el pop hasta el rock con el exelente vocal que tiene Sawayama, las canciones el álbum es 0 monótono y acompañados de instrumentales que acompañan las canciones
  62. Oct 17, 2020
    10
    this album makes me feel ALIVE. this whole album is a masterpiece, the lyrics, the production, the cover, the sounds. zero skips, all bops, she really did that!!
  63. Oct 24, 2020
    8
    Rina had a big challenge: show us who she is. Sawayama does this job in the best possible way: showing us all the possibilities that Rina is. From Pop Rock, to House, from J-Pop to Electro. Rina is thirsty to shine, and this album is proof.
  64. Nov 1, 2020
    10
    An instant classic and legendary masterpiece. This will be remembered to be one of the BEST album ever!
  65. Nov 16, 2020
    10
    Awesome, just one of the best albuns of 2020, really deserves to be remembered and it really is a nice debut for Rina Sawayama. Hope to see more of her music soon
  66. Jan 14, 2021
    8
    To be completely honest, I think I myself overhyped this album to be something that just wasn't it. I enjoyed the first 6 songs a lot. Dynasty reminded me of the edginess of the early 2000s, XS is an anti pop song that rants on late stage capitalism, STFU is... damn, Commes des Garçons is a androgynous critic to traditional masculinity, Akasaka Sad is her own analysis of her own culturalTo be completely honest, I think I myself overhyped this album to be something that just wasn't it. I enjoyed the first 6 songs a lot. Dynasty reminded me of the edginess of the early 2000s, XS is an anti pop song that rants on late stage capitalism, STFU is... damn, Commes des Garçons is a androgynous critic to traditional masculinity, Akasaka Sad is her own analysis of her own cultural identity and heritage with a banger beat and superb chorus, and paradisin sounds like an 80s girly pop song but with realistic lyrics that show that teenage years are just that and nothing out of the ordinary

    From this point on the journey through different genres fused with pop narrows significantly. Yes, it still goes around different styles of music, and while none of them are bad by any means, they just do not feel as special as the first half. And don't get me wrong, I really mean it when I say none of them are bad, songs like Chosen Family or Bad Friend are great, but they don't quite hit the stylish and over the top feeling of the first half, and it doesn't quite feel like the style and sound are connected with the lyrics as good as it did on the first songs.. until Snakeskin, which returns to the first half's feeling but, does not feel like an ending at all, despite being a great song.

    But what confuses me the more, is that Sawayama herself apparently did this intentionally, releasing this songs as singles to give the impression that this album was different, but apart from those songs, the rest, while to an extent they're different, do not feel as experimental and stylish as the others.

    Overall, it's a great record, even with its flaws, and I'd recommend it a lot.
    Expand
  67. Nov 19, 2020
    10
    She’s an icon, she’s a legend and she is the moment. Like c’mon now. Not a single skip on the album. Nobody’s doing it like her.
  68. Nov 19, 2020
    10
    Sawayama is literally LIFE CHANGING I discovered Rina through her debut album and literally she is the reason im here she did that and more
  69. Nov 19, 2020
    10
    Changed my year all the way since the release , um recommending to everyone I'm able to, just cause it's so perfectly splendid
  70. Nov 19, 2020
    10
    Cant believe music was invented by Rina Sawayama in 2020 it’s crazy omg we must stan
  71. Nov 20, 2020
    10
    Rina reinvents pop in her own likeness on this complete showstopper of a debut album.
  72. Nov 24, 2020
    10
    This album is the best things that I listened to in this year.
    It's perfect, gorgeous and beautiful, the unfair fact is that Grammy didn't nominated this album for AOTY.
  73. Nov 24, 2020
    10
    Best album of the year. PERIOD. And she did it with her first album, a LEGEND.
  74. Nov 24, 2020
    10
    AAAAA THIS IS A MASTERPIECE . RINA DID NOT DISAPPOINT . SHE'S AMAZING THE FUTURE OF MUSIC
  75. Nov 25, 2020
    10
    She is an icon she is a legend & she is the moment periodt “the album is amazing song to song i give it an A+“ and thank u mommy for saving 2020
  76. Nov 26, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Girl she’s too good like too good some would say it’s unfair how good it is. It’s ungodly how good it is I truly can’t put it into words just give it a listen.start to finish.to good.too too good. Like hello?it’s just too good Expand
  77. Mar 21, 2021
    10
    this is just a masterpiece!! rina is such a amazing singer and performance. love ALL of these songs!! deserves a lot more recognition.
  78. Nov 29, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The bestjsushsbsnsjdjsjsjsjsjsjsjjsusushdbdjsjsusushhshdhdhdhdhdhshshsjshsnshĺ Expand
  79. Nov 30, 2020
    10
    Yaasss mama this what they call "pure perfection" ! Now i'm starving for the deluxe edition could you hurry please ??
  80. Dec 3, 2020
    10
    Pop music done right! Haven't this been excited about an artist in a long time. Genuinely can't find one thing I don't like about this album, one of the best releases in years! Excited to see what's in store for Sawayama in the future.
  81. Dec 9, 2020
    10
    Is this the best debut album of the 2000? Yes jdjdjdjdjsjszjzjjdzjszzjsjsje
  82. Mar 20, 2021
    10
    Esse álbum é perfeito, sinto que a Rina fez com muito carinho e dedicação, Bad Fried e Lucid são minhas favs. Foi esnobado pelo Grammy mas choca 0 pessoas pq aquela premiação perdeu sua credibilidade faz tempo...
  83. Dec 12, 2020
    8
    I'm calling it from now : Rina Sawayama will grow as an artist to become a mainstream pop sensation. For a new artist to have such a rare talent with songwriting, production and to even be somewhat "brave" enough to have political views and share them in her art, this album was a nod for her career and success. She has alot of greatness coming.
  84. Dec 12, 2020
    8
    She is a new force that needs to be listened to and be praised . Amazing vocals . Unique artistic view and attention to details .
  85. Dec 21, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is a master piece. It not only met the mark it set itself to take us on a journey but completely obliterated it!

    Sawayama's debut full of self discovery and personal experiences conplete resonates with me, her genre of music completely unique and personalised and her voice being beautiful and clear.

    Perfection.
    Expand
  86. Dec 24, 2020
    10
    The mix between R&B and Pop is widely used in the album but Riña knows how to use them to her advantage and makes the album a work of art, I think it has a lot of potential.
  87. Dec 28, 2020
    10
    Easily one of the best albums of the year! The songs from this project are so well written, well produced, and contain amazing vocal delivery from Rina. Such a queen!
  88. Feb 9, 2021
    10
    SAWAYAMA is just an awesome pop album. It was probably the greatest surprise for me in 2020. It has a wide range of themes including love, heartbreak, wealth, pain, friendship and identity. She tells interesting stories about generational sadness, self-love, youth and also sings about her Japanese roots.She also makes very interesting social and political commentary about our desire forSAWAYAMA is just an awesome pop album. It was probably the greatest surprise for me in 2020. It has a wide range of themes including love, heartbreak, wealth, pain, friendship and identity. She tells interesting stories about generational sadness, self-love, youth and also sings about her Japanese roots.She also makes very interesting social and political commentary about our desire for wealth,the state of the world and unity Sonically, each song sounds very different from the next as she draws inspiration from the pop of the early 2000's pop, pop rock, R&B and so many other genres. She still manages to make a very cohesive album which makes for an exhilarating listen every time. Her vocal perfomace is unimpeachable .My personal favorites are all of them. Seriously , cuts like Dynasty, Akasaka Sad, Bad Friend and FTW (the more melancholic songs) really hit the spot for me. Expand
  89. Jan 3, 2021
    10
    A cultural reset. A post modern melange. A truly relevant pop album. The real winner of 2020.
  90. Jan 4, 2021
    10
    As músicas são extremamente diversificadas, conseguindo oscilar entre vários estilos músicais com sucesso!
  91. Jan 8, 2021
    9
    Mejor descubrimiento de 2020. Sonidos nuevos y exóticos, con ganas de ver mas
  92. Mar 4, 2021
    10
    Best. Album. Ever. This album is astonishing with a late 2000s feel ALL IN ONE PACKAGE with various forms of genres. AMAZING 1000/10
  93. Mar 16, 2021
    10
    The best album from 2020 so far! She has the power to mix a lot of music styles and still sound beautiful and original! She make me feel anger, love, passion, on ever single track from this album! My favorites is (Akasaka Sad, Lucid, Who's Gonna Save You Now, Bad Friend, Chosen Family, XS and Love me 4 Me)
  94. Mar 20, 2021
    10
    Rina siento que utilizo muy bien las problemáticas de hoy en día para crear letras con un gran impacto tales como "XS", Rina tiene una gran inteligencia y la está aprovechando para hacer canciones increíbles y de gran impacto
  95. Aug 25, 2022
    10
    A wild debut album, she captured the 90s-00s vibes in different genres (bubble gum pop, pop punk, r&b) with your genealogical tree
  96. Mar 19, 2021
    10
    The entire album is truly a masterpiece. Even for the songs that I don't particularly favor, I can admire their excellent production and delivery. Rina truly outdid any other album I've listened to in 2020. She blends genres so masterfully, from rock to metal, to R&B, to pop and back again. Somehow she makes every song sound completely different without sacrificing the cohesiveness thatThe entire album is truly a masterpiece. Even for the songs that I don't particularly favor, I can admire their excellent production and delivery. Rina truly outdid any other album I've listened to in 2020. She blends genres so masterfully, from rock to metal, to R&B, to pop and back again. Somehow she makes every song sound completely different without sacrificing the cohesiveness that albums should strive to have. This isn't just an album - it's an experience. Expand
  97. Apr 10, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. talent won when this album was released. rina girl is just in her debut and yet she already showed her versatility by doing pop rock r&b and more in this record. so amazing Expand
  98. Apr 9, 2021
    10
    This is such a huge statement as an album. The lyrics are brilliant, incredible instrumental, incredible production, incredible everything. It feels almost like a new statement for music in general, it got too much going on and everything just works incredibly well, nothing like it. It feels like a huge fresh air of a completely original, innovative and refined masterpiece.
  99. Apr 26, 2021
    10
    Absolutely amazing... Best album of 2020... hopefully she gets more attention soon because she's deserves it greatly
  100. Jun 9, 2021
    10
    Arguably the best album of 2020, each song is particularly characterful yet the whole record manages to be cohesive. Unique story-telling and show-stopping production.
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. May 19, 2020
    80
    On this stunning debut, Sawayama captures Dua Lipa's future nostalgia and Poppy's metal-meets-pop savvy, rightfully making it her own with more depth, bigger thrills, and a limitless palette.
  2. May 4, 2020
    91
    SAWAYAMA appears poised to be one of the best pop albums of the year and sets Sawayama up as a pop force to be reckoned with.
  3. Apr 30, 2020
    75
    The album is a complicated picture of Swayama’s past, present, and future. It is rare to see a debut album with such a fully realized voice and vision behind it. What’s more, she exorcises her personal demons amid some of the year’s best dancefloor-filling pop.