Serpentina
by Banks
  • Record Label: AWAL
  • Release Date: Apr 8, 2022
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
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  1. malibubanks
    Feb 7, 2023
    0
    I've been a Banks fan for many years now and I've listened to most of her music (my last name is not based on her but I like that we share the name). I enjoyed Serpentina overall and it is truly a celebration of her freedom. I will note, however, that the freedom is somewhat in shackles. The growth this album in relation to her past discography is inconsistent and unclear. After years ofI've been a Banks fan for many years now and I've listened to most of her music (my last name is not based on her but I like that we share the name). I enjoyed Serpentina overall and it is truly a celebration of her freedom. I will note, however, that the freedom is somewhat in shackles. The growth this album in relation to her past discography is inconsistent and unclear. After years of putting out tracks, I expected the album to have a more divergent sound from her previous work while still sounding like Banks. Despite that, the sound IS refined, solidified, and absolutely has that Banks sound. It has a pleasantly constructed message for each track, branching out to different emotions and musical compositions bravely and effortlessly; Banks never dances too far from the overarching sound of the album yet encompasses a plethora of variance. As usual, the production is heavily emphasized and, when compared to her prior discography, is done best in Serpentina. Lyrically, the album is strong and has a "I know what I'm about" energy to it, but this highlights a potential roadbump for Banks she seems to run into frequently in her career. The artist struggles to articulate her words through the emphasized production, making it hard to understand the lyrics much too often. In some tracks, Banks's cyber-siren vocals almost become the musical production itself. Though this sound is iconic for her and I do enjoy it regardless of the hazy lyrics, it is ultimately not so favorable to consistently have this issue, especially for new listeners. I enjoy the Banks style, but I do acknowledge that a bit of refining on the balance of production with the lyrical content is an aspect she should pay more mind to. It is possible to have heavy production while still communicating the lyrics in a concise manner. She has amazing writing with a unique message only Banks could pull off with this level of production, so it is a shame that her lyrics can be muddled out for the aforementioned reasons. This is not ALWAYS a negative, though, as her voice mixing into the production is iconic for her discography and portrays an effect that cannot be captured if properly articulated and balanced. It's simply an issue when it happens too much, which it unfortunately does with Serpentina. Overall, the album is fantastic and her best to date from my perspective. Though not the best example in the world for showcasing musical growth, it is absolutely the top performer for portraying who Banks is and the specific sound she creates.… Expand
  2. PostreDeLaNoche
    Jun 22, 2022
    5
    It's really difficult for me to like this album considering how versatile and creative her previous works were. Goddess was a stellar album with extremely emotional, raw, and evocative tracks. Altar delivered some of the most interesting music, lyric-wise. III delivered a bit of both paired with production that pulled me right into the tumultuous relationship that she found herself in.It's really difficult for me to like this album considering how versatile and creative her previous works were. Goddess was a stellar album with extremely emotional, raw, and evocative tracks. Altar delivered some of the most interesting music, lyric-wise. III delivered a bit of both paired with production that pulled me right into the tumultuous relationship that she found herself in. Serpentina is just... I dunno, it's just not on the same level as her previous albums. I felt like it was "just another" alt R&B album, and I feel like it feels incomplete and / or incohesive.

    There were moments that I really enjoyed, but I won't be listening to the full album again.    … Expand
  3. Esleys
    Apr 12, 2022
    8
    at first i enjoyed this album a lot but as it kept going it started to feel boring and a little repetitive (sonically speaking) lyrically is great and on side note i loved how banks manage to keep her scent on every album and still make them so different from each other,
  4. HeyItsJayJay
    Apr 11, 2022
    4
    "Serpentina" amplifies the lack of edge and risk BANK considers to journey with on her artistic performances.
  5. nfratesi06
    Apr 11, 2022
    8
    I enjoyed this album very much and it gets better each listen. The booming intro, "Misunderstood", invites you in on a wild ride, followed by gems scattered around the rest of the album, notably "Holding Back", "Unleavable", and "Anything 4 U". Only one song falls short, "Meteorite", but it isn't bad at all. In full, this album is a fun ride and it keeps you on your toes. Banks' writingI enjoyed this album very much and it gets better each listen. The booming intro, "Misunderstood", invites you in on a wild ride, followed by gems scattered around the rest of the album, notably "Holding Back", "Unleavable", and "Anything 4 U". Only one song falls short, "Meteorite", but it isn't bad at all. In full, this album is a fun ride and it keeps you on your toes. Banks' writing style is very descriptive and visual, which also makes for an interesting listen. Overall, a great album for sure.… Expand
  6. owenoutsold
    Apr 9, 2022
    10
    the critics have lost their minds again.. this is a SOLID body of work.

    Fav songs: Meteorite, Deadend, Burn, Birds By The Sea, Anything 4 U, Unleavable, I Still Love You
  7. Salaam144
    Apr 8, 2022
    10
    Every banks album is so underrated it hurts. Each album she puts out is unique and ground breaking imo and this album serpentine is another hit. I've enjoyed every song..I don't know how she keeps doing it because no one makes music like banks and still brings a complete different sound and vibe to each project. Favorites so far are **** love, holding back, and meteorite. ❤️❤️
  8. emersongmss
    Apr 8, 2022
    10
    Serpentina is art. Banks can express their felling with the good music

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. AllMusic
    Jul 12, 2022
    70
    While Serpentina manages to add some fresh highlights to Banks' catalog, it never veers too far from her established formula, for better or worse.
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  2. Beats Per Minute
    Apr 18, 2022
    75
    While it may prove inconsistent to some, the experimentation and exploration ensures the album remains exciting, as you never know what’s arriving next. If the intention of this album was to show a rebirth, it succeeds, as Banks seems reinvigorated and ready to fearlessly conquer the demons that dare cross her path.
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  3. Slant Magazine
    Apr 15, 2022
    60
    Though she once again flashes her talent for delivering emotionally wrought tales of heartbreak, Serpentina asserts its uniqueness in paradoxically conventional and unsurprising ways.
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