Sawayama
by Rina Sawayama
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1138 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,056 out of 1138
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 1138
  3. Negative: 57 out of 1138
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  1. Simmie
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Sis absolutely serves!!! Never heard any music for her until today and I’ve been absolutely blown away. An absolutely solid album in every way. I’m already a fan!
  2. negativeboy_
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Rina entregou o melhor em seu debut! Já era de se esperar uma obra de arte, pois seu EP Rina é perfeito do início ao fim.
    Enaltecendo sua raiz japonesa e trazendo o POP dos anos 90 de volta, além de misturar Rock, ela merece todo reconhecimento
  3. lexannay7
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Insanely good! A powerful voice, entertaining melodies and an excellent production ! What a good way to start the decade.
  4. revivaltour
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This is just a pure, clean masterpiece; top to bottom. Not one skip. Definitely a contender for best album released this year, and it's only April.
  5. dommarlon
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Superou minhas expectativas! Simplesmente perfeito.♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
  6. misterydungeon
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    A true imersive travel beyond pop-rock music mixing references of nu-metal, j-pop (hi ayumi hamasaki) with true vivid emotional lyrics about her life story, an ode to all emo pre-teen who spent all entire day listening to Avril Lavigne pretending she was Nirvana.
  7. Vyperdysch
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    She really knows what she's doing here. A lot of genres can be seen in this album, but there's still a certain sound that makes her music so special. She's a genius. A lot of the lyrics have a deeper meaning. The album is extremely enjoyable. She's definitely an artist you should look out for.
  8. Tigg
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    What a debut! All the expected appeal of an excellent pop album, mixed with the unexpected complexity brought by an intelligent, woke songwriter. It’s somehow nostalgic, contemporary and futuristic all at the same time - it sees you, it raises you.
  9. mika_flk
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    STREAM SAWAYAMA my faves are Who’s Gonna Save U Now?, Tokyo Love Hotel and Snakeskin. there’s no bad song on this album. still waiting for Tokyo Takeover
  10. sneaky12
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Mmm very good mmm very good mmm very good mmm very good mmm very good, very good indeed
  11. duasson
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    One of the best albums released in 2020 (or maybe even in the 2000s). Every single song has a meaning, the lyrics are fantastic. Rina really knows how to surprise the listener, because she's mixing every single genre and still getting a masterpiece as a result. She's been literally reinvesting the music industry for a while now and I'm excited to see what the future holds for her. I knowOne of the best albums released in 2020 (or maybe even in the 2000s). Every single song has a meaning, the lyrics are fantastic. Rina really knows how to surprise the listener, because she's mixing every single genre and still getting a masterpiece as a result. She's been literally reinvesting the music industry for a while now and I'm excited to see what the future holds for her. I know it's just the beginning. She ATE that.… Expand
  12. Finbo
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    The best Pop Album since Charli XCX self tilted Album. "Sawayama" is an ambitious take, Rina blends old school and new school pop together and creates a perfect Album.
  13. stens03
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    The album flows beautifully, the production and writing are spectacular, their is not one fault about this album.
  14. Gabrielovato
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    the best album of the year!!! iconic songs and a quality pop, im living for it!!!
  15. NoahShelton
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Such an amazing album with such a fresh feeling. Something that seems to never have been done before.
  16. Simone1990
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This is the first album in a LONG time I have played all the way through without skipping a track. Each song tells a different story that is super relatable. Some great club tracks on there, some emotional ones and also some that make you wanna hit sh*t! There is def a number one hit in this album, dope as f**k! Impressive
  17. almightyfranz
    Apr 17, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. My asian queen did THAT! AKSAKAKSKAKAKAKAAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKA
    ALBUM OF THE YEAR    … Expand
  18. Victoriar
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This is an incredible debut album - there was a lot of hype surrounding it, and it definitely lives up to expectations, which is incredibly refreshing in today's musical landscape!
  19. Roodchube
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Speechless!!! My wig is in orbit right now.
    This record speaks to my soul. Such an intelligent commentary on modern Life. Britney reincarnated with balls
  20. Joshuapilmore
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    This album is absolutely fantastic ! My favourite song is Akasaka Sad followed by Comes des garçons ! Rina is destined to be a super star ! A true talent ❤️
  21. Pipsqueak
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Brilliant album. Every song could be a hit in its own right. Imaginative, thought provoking, whilst sing along catchy. Fabulous!
  22. elitaro
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Extremely sonically pleasing. This album carries creative fusions of Alternative rock, Jpop, Electronic, western pop and even small portions of Trap and Synthwave music can be found. The album brings about exciting feelings like in a rollercoaster ride as one cannot dare to skip a song. Not to mention Sawayama's voice sounding like an instrument as it blends in with the backgroundExtremely sonically pleasing. This album carries creative fusions of Alternative rock, Jpop, Electronic, western pop and even small portions of Trap and Synthwave music can be found. The album brings about exciting feelings like in a rollercoaster ride as one cannot dare to skip a song. Not to mention Sawayama's voice sounding like an instrument as it blends in with the background intrumentals. This album is genuinely by far the best I've heard this year, it definitely places the Weeknd's After hours on number 2 in my opinion.… Expand
  23. dj0nes_
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    An incredible debut album for Rina from start to finish. My favourites are Snakeskin, Akasaka Sad, Chosen Family, XS and Dynasty! Would definitely recommend this album. Her discography is already mightily impressive (not a single bad song in her catalogue). No skips on this album either which is an impressive feat in my eyes!
  24. OneHitHunter
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Never a dull moment in this record. She shows the complexity of being an artist and SHINES through different genres and niches. She doesn’t stay for more than two songs in a type of style and for me that’s enough to solidify her as a mainstay in pop culture. Every song has a unique quality about it that you don’t get from any other song and expands your mind to sonic landscapes you haveNever a dull moment in this record. She shows the complexity of being an artist and SHINES through different genres and niches. She doesn’t stay for more than two songs in a type of style and for me that’s enough to solidify her as a mainstay in pop culture. Every song has a unique quality about it that you don’t get from any other song and expands your mind to sonic landscapes you have only ever seen a major artist do. This album is an inspiring creation in the midst of a time seemingly devoid of inspiration.… Expand
  25. Cristian15
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    The production on this album is amazing, her voice is power and glory, an album fearless
  26. Sliverlysounds
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    An album on identity and social consciousness. Rina really knocks this album out the park with lyrics and sleek production.
  27. matsantonio
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Passando por vários estilos musicais como o Pop, R&B e Rock, Rina S. nos serve uma obra-prima. SAWAYAMA possui melodias e vocais on point, potentes e unicos. O emprego de sintetizadores foi feito na medida certa. As letras pessoais e empoderadas, a storyline, tudo isso torna SAWAYAMA, na minha opinião, o album do ano até o momento.
  28. tokyolovehotel
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Always been a little bit fast and wild
    And mama always said I was a problem child
    I'm just livin' life until the day I die It's all I know That's how I roll I party, get naughty Always tellin' myself I'll never do this again I'm sorry that you caught me **** in the hotel, it didn't mean anything Don't let me, don't let me go I just wanna let you know that I'm no angel But I can learn, oh    Always been a little bit fast and wild
    And mama always said I was a problem child
    I'm just livin' life until the day I die
    It's all I know
    That's how I roll
    I party, get naughty
    Always tellin' myself I'll never do this again
    I'm sorry that you caught me
    **** in the hotel, it didn't mean anything
    Don't let me, don't let me go
    I just wanna let you know that I'm no angel
    But I can learn, oh
    Baby, I'm bad to the bone
    I just wanna let you know that I'm no angel
    But I can learn    … Expand
  29. maxayon
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    It is such good, detailed, well thought out and produced pop music. Rina delivered once again and you can notice the prominent artistic growth while while still staying true to her unique tone. All the live instrumentations and glittering pop synths the record indulges you in is a good enough reason to give Sawayama a listen.
  30. Menios
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    What an amazing album! It is for sure a top contender for the best pop album of 2020!
  31. aurorawarrior
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Simplemente una obra de arte, tenemos el álbum del año
    Hay canciones tan buenas amo el nuevo trabajo que nos dio Rina
  32. borntodie
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    hey Queen you have done it again constantly raising the bar for us all and doing it flawlessly
  33. Arsiamons
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    Absolutely stunning ! Can't believe how much proud I am of her !!! I'm so glad that people are recognize her talent ♥️
  34. SSoup
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    THIS ALBUM IS AMAZING
  35. lukascabahug
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    I made an account just so I could write a review for this album. It's been a long long time since a pop album, or any album for that matter, has ever made me visibly smile and jump around. SAWAYAMA is eclectic virtuosity manifested in sound waves. She effortlessly and seamlessly fuses genres like thread through silk. Weaving a strong narrative of personal discovery and confidence, withI made an account just so I could write a review for this album. It's been a long long time since a pop album, or any album for that matter, has ever made me visibly smile and jump around. SAWAYAMA is eclectic virtuosity manifested in sound waves. She effortlessly and seamlessly fuses genres like thread through silk. Weaving a strong narrative of personal discovery and confidence, with compelling sounds. Her vocal performance is fiercely emotional, yet measured; intelligent and nuanced, yet straight-forward and concise. She is the future of pop music and an auteur who has made a lane for herself. It is not often that an artist can accomplish so much in a debut album. very excited for what is to come.… Expand
  36. AarinCLP
    Apr 17, 2020
    10
    From the rock starts of Dynasty to the end of the night Club feels of Snakeskin, Rina Sawayama provides a cohesive narrative, explored through multiple genres, like snippets of the times they reflect. A grand studio debut.
  37. mjelbam
    Apr 17, 2020
    9
    a ridiculously strong debut album from a fearless, wicked new star. it's exhilaratingly confident, careering from one sound to another.
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 2020
20
#20 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. AllMusic
    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.
    Read full review
  2. Consequence
    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.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    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.
    Read full review
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