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. Metalyric
    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
  2. aristoncosta
    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.
  3. owenrw89
    Oct 21, 2020
    8
    As a 31 year old, hearing anything 00's esc is fun for me. To hear a 2020 album that includes so many 00's references and sounds was something I didn't realise I needed in my life. Whilst personally I don't love every single track, I must say I adore the majority. It feels original, but still wonderful reminder of 00's greatness!
  4. shoval
    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!!
  5. Timedonttime
    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
  6. CarLoL
    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
  7. duyypham2906
    Oct 5, 2020
    10
    theres a bloody good reason why elton john praises this multifaceted phenomenon to be one of his 2020 favourites
  8. Simao
    Oct 1, 2020
    10
    she did the unimaginable right here.

    i had few expectations that she’d top RINA with this album but i can say for sure it probably did. there are no skips and not only that but most songs are indescribably good.... we’re talking about a handful of going-down-on-history songs.... i don't know how she did that but rina sawayama truly is the future of pop and alt-pop music. SAWAYAMA is    she did the unimaginable right here.

    i had few expectations that she’d top RINA with this album but i can say for sure it probably did. there are no skips and not only that but most songs are indescribably good.... we’re talking about a handful of going-down-on-history songs.... i don't know how she did that but rina sawayama truly is the future of pop and alt-pop music.
    SAWAYAMA is pop perfection & nu metal excellence all in one album

    fav songs: XS, who’s gonna save u now?

    least fav: **** this world (interlude)    … Expand
  9. hskbssvue
    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.
  10. Maxsteelmomo3
    Sep 25, 2020
    0
    Overrated, the same songs that other artists, nothing new, I don't understand why people like her music
  11. robertdurann
    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.
  12. likeurfaketears
    Sep 16, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this is just pure art, is the only word for this album, is like to be in the heaven for a long time, rina knows how to mix genres totally differents, for example in STFU he get to mix rock, pop and a couple genres more, listen this album, u don't gonna get disappoint… Expand
  13. stream134340
    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
  14. MAUROOO
    Sep 9, 2020
    10
    Album Of The Year
    Te armamos, Rina Sawayamart. Mereces el Grammy‼️
    Que artísima Tokyo Love Hotel
  15. BrenoHennrique
    Sep 8, 2020
    10
    Album do ano e quem discorda é n4z1st4!!!! Curvem-se à futura A-LIST!!!!!
  16. Tete40i
    Sep 8, 2020
    9
    I'm not a pop guy, but this album is a masterpiece. Every single song feels unique and has different influences, going from metal in STFU to even an 8-bit style-ish song in Paradisin'. Overall the album gets stuck in your head in a good way, and it is really really addictive and fun to listen.
  17. LuAlb
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    A beautiful experience, the details on every song are amazing, worth listening from start to bottom everytime!
  18. hellokittypie
    Sep 3, 2020
    10
    Rina managed to revive pop and bring a new face to it with SAWAYAMA! With the influence of Britney Spears and her pop from the 2000s, Rina was able to deliver the best work of 2020.
  19. teddyeatspeanut
    Sep 1, 2020
    10
    awesome awesome awesome this album is something else, i just love it so much
  20. Masterheart
    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
  21. 911911
    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.
  22. Pinguinzudo
    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.
  23. mlkasa
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Perfect mix of rock and pop, we have to stan our Japanese queen. Iconic, unlike most of the k-pop artists
  24. ferzeli
    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?
  25. potasioxd
    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?
  26. Sagitario1550
    Aug 29, 2020
    6
    This album... I didn't love it. Some songs were sort of a mess if I'm being honest and the album isn't a cohesive piece of work in my opinion. There are some good songs like: Tokyo Love Hotel, XS or Bad friend. But this album didn't do it for me honestly.
  27. lovexfroot
    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
  28. emptyscript
    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
  29. thehonesty
    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.
  30. Rogerioo
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Pop perfection, congratulations Rina, one of my favorite albuns in this year, i just loved it
  31. VGabrielLM
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    The BEST album of 2020. Rina Sawayama is a genius! The criticism of the lyrics, the production, it's all amazing! XS, Comme des Garçons and Bad Friend are the highlights of the album. The multiple parts of an personality is between the lines. It's a travel with Rina through his brilliant mind.
  32. Dragunty
    Aug 28, 2020
    8
    great album i love it, its one of the most surprises aartist on this year love
  33. hsaosjn
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    an amazing album. it had both pop and rock and it was all really good. rina really deserves more, she doesn’t deserve to be an irrelevant flop like lil kim
  34. twet
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    em seu debut rina mostra que é uma lenda, mesclou pop e rock da forma mais brilhante possível
  35. ThomasBitt
    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.
  36. musicreviewsbyj
    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?
  37. Jacobyes
    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.
  38. diegofg
    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
  39. lucashenriml
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    O álbum que mais ouvi esse ano!! Lendária, fez um álbum perfeito misturando rock, pop, R&B e até música de anime. Akasaka Sad e Dynasty são as donas.
  40. isntalice
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Every song is a new journey on its own. It's a masterpiece from a true unique artist.
  41. Rafael1510
    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!!
  42. LouisSays
    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
  43. disasterrr
    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.
  44. gernocchio
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    2021 Grammys Album Of The Year 2021 Grammys Album Of The Year 2021 Grammys Album Of The Year 2021 Grammys Album Of The Year
  45. Monsee
    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.
  46. thiagopinheirx
    Aug 8, 2020
    10
    que álbum maravilhoso, meu deus. she gave everything the gays would ask for. before lady gaga, there was rina sawayama.
  47. lapalmfruits
    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!
  48. aktisaeliou
    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!
  49. marco641
    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
  50. LUKERUIZSNYDER
    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.
  51. ducks_616
    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.
  52. dvmendes
    Jul 30, 2020
    10
    It's not an album you'll like the first time you listen to it. You'll have to sit on it and hear it 2 or 3 times and by then its the album that saved your life and you don't want anything else.
    P.S. Imagine making one of the best albuns of 2020 and not being nominated for any award in UK just because a stupid reason. And I won't even talk about the VMA's... Rina Sawayama deserves more, a    It's not an album you'll like the first time you listen to it. You'll have to sit on it and hear it 2 or 3 times and by then its the album that saved your life and you don't want anything else.
    P.S. Imagine making one of the best albuns of 2020 and not being nominated for any award in UK just because a stupid reason. And I won't even talk about the VMA's... Rina Sawayama deserves more, a lot more, for the great artist she is. #SAWAYAMAISBRITISH    … Expand
  53. Born2Lose
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Amo demasiado este álbum, creo que es mi favorito de este año. Mi canción favorita es STFU!
    #SAWAYAMAISBRITISH
  54. raquek
    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
  55. lUcOzAdExx
    Jul 28, 2020
    10
    I just discovered Rina a few months ago, but i really fell in love with everything that she does, her music is fantastic, so diverse and very enjoyable, it's no doubt that i really love SAWAYAMA and i'm looking forward to listen to everything that Rina puts out to the world.
  56. Feunthera
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Uffff de los mejores álbum que he escuchado en toda mi vida, gracias DiosRina x darnos tanto arte… Expand
  57. yenniestan
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    She is a complete artist, everything in this masterpiece is subliminal. One of the best pop albums of the year. Favorite songs: XS, Paradisin' and Choosen Family.
  58. barthurbottino
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Não existe críticas negativas possíveis sobre esse álbum. Perfeito do primeiro segundo até o último. Rina mostra a versatilidade de estilos (Xs seguida de STFU!, por exemplo) e criativa. A diversidade de temas das letras é impressionante, de críticas ao capitalismo (XS) a uma música digna do título de Hino LGBTQIA+ (Chosen Family), ela mostra que é capaz e produzir uma masterpiece. Rina chegou chutando a porta com seu álbum debut, já fico ansioso pelo próximo lançamento.… Expand
  59. isadoragoulart
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    Um álbum perfeito,Rina entrega um debut digno de grammy com músicas para ouvir qualquer hora do dia.
  60. Satenako
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    All I can say is diversity. She’s literally slaying on every tracks. She did what??? THATTT!!
  61. oldcardigan
    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
  62. lukasmessi
    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!!!
  63. l_l-Mist-l_l
    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.
  64. jose_
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Álbum del año,amo cada canción, sus letras y sus ritmos en cada canción el mucho mejor , definitivamente es uno de mis álbum favoritos
  65. Steiin
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    a mistura do pop com o rock não é novidade nesse meio, porem a rina consegue fazer isso muito bem com as suas guitarras gritando, a forma que ela encaixa o metal em suas faixas faz com que o album se destque entre os demais desse ano. sawayama/rina vem sendo uma boa surpresa em 2020 e espero que continue assim. ah, e o japones hein? mais uma em sua manga. não é mais um album sobre tokyo. éa mistura do pop com o rock não é novidade nesse meio, porem a rina consegue fazer isso muito bem com as suas guitarras gritando, a forma que ela encaixa o metal em suas faixas faz com que o album se destque entre os demais desse ano. sawayama/rina vem sendo uma boa surpresa em 2020 e espero que continue assim. ah, e o japones hein? mais uma em sua manga. não é mais um album sobre tokyo. é sobre a rina.… Expand
  66. sydneyhunter
    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!
  67. sebascampos
    Jul 23, 2020
    9
    By far one of the best albums of 2020, song by song, it's just an empowered album
  68. samflrz
    Jul 23, 2020
    10
    talented brilliant incredible amazing show stopping espectacular never the same totally unique completely never been done before
  69. ClaudiaE1
    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.
  70. marcmyworks
    Jul 19, 2020
    9
    Rina Sawayama's first full length LP is a masterwork in mixing different sounds and genres of music. The album explores her culture heritage of being both British and Japanese, as well explores her mindset growing up in the UK. Overall one of the best albums of the year.
  71. adamdavids
    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
  72. nassosgl
    Jul 17, 2020
    10
    undoubtedly one of the best and most artistically pleasing albums of the year
  73. Rainbowmusic
    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
  74. jademorais
    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
  75. f4guette
    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...
  76. Cnsydm
    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
  77. swkaspr
    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
  78. NormanAlee
    Jul 9, 2020
    3
    Three strong songs. But all others pale version of Britney mixed with Avrile Lavigne. I can’t believe that people are still not bored of these predictable tunes she delivers.
  79. AlexisCeh
    Jul 6, 2020
    9
    Qué buen álbum ! Fresco y diferente al resto de lo qué hay en el mercado actualmente.
  80. amandten
    Jul 4, 2020
    10
    i loved it YESSSSSSSS!!! queen it’s i incredible
  81. nwcolle
    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.
  82. SoFetch
    Jun 28, 2020
    10
    Two months after I heard this masterpiece for the first time and I realized that the later you hear SAWAYAMA it keeps getting better. Such a music roller coaster, production-wise and lyrically diverse, going through self love and identity, family, friendship, feminism, capitalism, micro-aggressions, and even climate change!
  83. abadiaz
    Jun 25, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A pure and exquisite pop, each song follows a sure line showing distinction from each other. The influence of pop from the 2000s is quite clear.… Expand
  84. gracerosew
    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.
  85. andyn823
    Jun 17, 2020
    9
    Honestly, I really love the production of the album and I love her insane vocal, it is something new that I have never heard before. I also love how she brings a lot of her Japanese culture and music style to this album. And I always love Japanese music, so this album is clearly my cup of tea. Full of bops inside this album. Rina could be the supreme pop singer.
  86. eldieguisss
    Jun 16, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spoiler!! Este album te va a encantar!! Contiene canciones que son muy buenas y hay que admitir que ninguna está de relleno!!… Expand
  87. Morelols
    Jun 13, 2020
    10
    She just taught the pop girls nowadays that this is how you do an album that we've been missing for a while. I know that this will not win AOTY in grammys because we know that grammy is a scam LOL btw we are just blessed this quarantine.
  88. rubythre
    Jun 12, 2020
    9
    A good album that even deserves a Grammy nomination this year. If possible I would be happy for her.
  89. Izanglez
    Jun 7, 2020
    8
    This is a roller coaster. I was living during the first songs. It was a mix of pop, rock and personal touches that made it impeccable. However, she lowered the originality and energy right after the first tracks, and that let me down. Musically, it is still a really solid project and I love it. I would give it a personal 85.
  90. Joexg
    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
  91. FernandoZ
    May 31, 2020
    10
    Es un álbum excelente, un aire nuevo y refrescante mezcla armoniosamente sonidos, temas emociones y los canaliza en una joya pop
  92. IsraelAlexandre
    May 31, 2020
    10
    Just perfect, no Word Me surpreendeu de uma forma incrivelmente positiva.
    Não esperava tanto .
  93. Jaz_Grant
    May 30, 2020
    10
    Un debut en lo alto, Sawayama marca la explosión de Rina en el firmamento.
    Un álbum diverso pero siempre conciso, directo y pegadizo que nos muestra la versatilidad de la artista. Sin duda alguna uno de los mejores álbumes del 2020.
  94. DisconsiderMe
    May 30, 2020
    10
    Ladies and gentlemen, we have the abum of the year. / Senhoras e senhores, nós temos o álbum do ano.
    Top 5 songs/músicas:
    5- XS
    4- Bad Friend
    3- **** This World (Interlude)
    2- Chosen Family
    1- Tokyo Love Hotel
  95. tasby
    May 30, 2020
    7
    so many Portuguese reviews! please keep it in english. I did like this album.
  96. voxluxangels
    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
  97. fabiann
    May 30, 2020
    10
    Excelente álbum literalmente lo mejor del 2020, esperemos y sea apreciado por el comité de los GRAMMYs porque merece mucho más, la pieza de arte como la artista detrás.
  98. Joel_Freecheck
    May 29, 2020
    8
    "XS" is a song few artists can pull off. Genre-blending and wonderfully exuberent, Rina establishes her presence in 2020 pop right off the bat. SAWAYAMA is a brilliant debut that would be perfect aside from some filler near the end.
  99. MorganPopNews
    May 29, 2020
    6
    Un muy buen comienzo para Rina, que crea su propia atmósfera invitándonos a su mundo particular, variado, dinámico aunque inevitablemente sintiéndose cómo un debut si definen a Rina Sawayama como una de las nuevas y flamantes promesas de la música Pop menos genérica.
  100. Beano_
    May 26, 2020
    9
    This albums is incredible in every way. The vocals are beautiful, the production fits the songs perfectly, and the lyrics are amazing as well. Although, I don't think she'll ever top RINA.
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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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