Scenery
by Emily King
  • Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Feb 1, 2019
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Feb 5, 2019
    100
    She adds magic to the mundane, cracking it open to reveal multifaceted nuances: longing, pleasure, resentment, jealousy and also self-love.
  2. Paste Magazine
    Feb 25, 2019
    82
    The skill she shows elevates her above much of the competition, imbuing her with a decided level of class and credence. King wears that crown well.
  3. AllMusic
    Feb 5, 2019
    80
    King's voice remains assured and soft, like she's confidently revealing secrets in the most expressive way possible, without disturbing her neighbors. This time, there's a little more grit and swagger, and frequently there's a sense of resolve that comes through even when not indicated lyrically.
  5. Pitchfork
    Feb 5, 2019
    77
    An album’s gotta end sometime, but these songs, two of the record’s most propulsive, seem to grab us by the arm to yank us into the shimmering neon starlight--and then it’s all over. If it’s good enough, the audience will linger through the credits. King could let it linger a little more.
  6. The 405
    Feb 19, 2019
    75
    The music here may float into the ear canal, but Emily King is anything but feather light. She crafts what can only be called humane pop, and it seeks to understand. Gentle music that, should you let your guard down, may just leave you stunned.
  7. Exclaim
    Feb 5, 2019
    70
    Scenery comes ever-so-close to its intended level of sublime, yet plays things on the safe side: pleasant, powerful, precise.
  8. Q Magazine
    Feb 13, 2019
    60
    These songs aren't in line with much contemporary R&B, but reach for something more retro, and on tracks such as Teach You, a kind of Broadway grandeur. The strange result is that they in fact sound refreshingly modern. [Apr 2019, p.113]
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  9. Under The Radar
    Feb 6, 2019
    50
    Unlikely to be turning on any new fans, this will no doubt please those who have followed King since her earliest appearance on Nas' Street's Disciple, yet there's really not enough here to grab onto to really move the soul and demand repeated listens.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. musicreview10
    Feb 8, 2019
    9
    I love her voice, it’s so different and soothing. She’s a great example that you don’t need to belt to be a good singer. Simple and raw isI love her voice, it’s so different and soothing. She’s a great example that you don’t need to belt to be a good singer. Simple and raw is beautiful too. My favourite thing about this record is the production. Each song sounds freakin beautiful. The fact that for the production they used instruments makes me appreciate the album even more. RnB/Funk was the perfect genre for this album, it sounds classy. Also, the background vocals in ‘Running’ are gorgeous. The end of ‘2nd Guess’ is breathtaking, wow, chills. The length of the album is perfect, short and cohesive. I also love the lyrics in this album. Great,great work Emily… Full Review »
  2. edgarr
    Aug 2, 2019
    8
    Este álbum tiene un toque como de pop retro y su voz es demasiado suave aunado a tener muy buenas letras y es demasiado romántico.
  3. yosterz
    Jun 9, 2019
    10
    One of the best albums I have listened to. Emily King’s unique and beautiful voice is a perfect match with the range of songs. The productionOne of the best albums I have listened to. Emily King’s unique and beautiful voice is a perfect match with the range of songs. The production quality is fabulous, and the sound is pretty darn nice. My favourite song on this disc is Caliche, or Marigold, or — all of them! 10/10.… Full Review »
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