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The Pains of Growing
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The Pains of Growing Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 85 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release for the Canadian R&B-pop singer-songwriter was co-produced with No I.D., Rick Nowels, Pop & Oak, and Ricky Reed.
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Top Track

Growing Pains
[Verse 1] Make my way through the motions I try to ignore it But home's looking farther The closer I get Don't know why I can't see the end Is it... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. NOW Magazine
    Dec 13, 2018
    80
    Her voice, while gorgeous, is not big in range--its beauty lies in its candidness and presence. She sings like she’s personally sharing intimate tales with each listener.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 30, 2018
    80
    On the evidence of this impressive and winningly authentic second album, Cara is increasingly unforgettable.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Nov 28, 2018
    80
    She seizes the role of pop auteur, venting with a jaded wit that feels totally fresh.
  4. The Observer (UK)
    Dec 3, 2018
    80
    I Don’t Want To, Growing Pains, Comfortable and, particularly, 7 Days are all excellent examples of sensible-sweater, big-sister pop.
  5. The Line of Best Fit
    Nov 29, 2018
    70
    An album that makes no apologies about its struggles, but it’s one of many moments that confirms Cara’s journey is as authentic as it is unpredictable.
  6. AllMusic
    Dec 14, 2018
    70
    The album's remainder employs assorted hit-angling producers connected by pop success with young women. The Pains of Growing is consequently more fragmented and less consistent than Know-It-All, but Cara makes the best of it, generally writing in a slightly wiser and sharper manner from the same introverted homebody perspective.
  7. Q Magazine
    Dec 18, 2018
    40
    Overall it's too stodgy to soar. [Feb 2019, p.108]
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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. arianamustdie
    Aug 25, 2019
    10
    She proves herself with every album. She writes her own music and does not depend on long list of writers and highly acclaimed producers.
  2. orlandofav
    Nov 30, 2018
    10
    De principio a fin es un album muy bien estructurado con un gran seguimiento del tema "crecer duele" donde ciertas melodias se terminan conDe principio a fin es un album muy bien estructurado con un gran seguimiento del tema "crecer duele" donde ciertas melodias se terminan con grandes letras, un gran seguimiento para 'Know It All', majestuoso en sonidos y en su genero como tal.… Expand
  4. HoldOn
    Nov 30, 2018
    10
    The Pain of Growing is more R&B/Soul, while her debut album is a Pop album. Alessia knows how to create amazing lyrics and melodies whileThe Pain of Growing is more R&B/Soul, while her debut album is a Pop album. Alessia knows how to create amazing lyrics and melodies while still making a mainstream sound. Great return!… Expand
  5. Real_g22
    Jun 1, 2020
    10
    Hermoso álbum de una gran cantante y autora. Excelentes vocales, hermosas letras, muy buena producción (en algunas canciones a cargo de laHermoso álbum de una gran cantante y autora. Excelentes vocales, hermosas letras, muy buena producción (en algunas canciones a cargo de la misma Alessia). Alessia sin duda nos logra poner en su lugar como una mujer creciendo en un mundo el cual no es perfecto, sus inseguridades se ven reflejadas y son muy entendibles y muchas personas se sentirían identificadas sin duda.
    Mi canción favorita es A Little More!! Hermosa letra y para nada sobrecargada. Producida por la misma Alessia. 10/10    … Expand
  6. rodperfil
    Dec 2, 2018
    10
    So great! Nintendo Game, 7 Days, and Comfortable are high level. The lyrics are also really good.
  7. amandaaraujo_
    Nov 30, 2018
    10
    I'm so proud of Alessia and the evolution of her lyrics and sounds! Her voice is too much clear and softy. I know this album is a little moreI'm so proud of Alessia and the evolution of her lyrics and sounds! Her voice is too much clear and softy. I know this album is a little more smooth than 'Know-It-All', yet it has great and smart songs like Nintendo Games, 7 Days and Not Today.… Expand
  8. pursuingdreams
    Nov 30, 2018
    8
    Actually the singles released before the album release are kind of disappointing. Growing Pains is the only good song. However, this album isActually the singles released before the album release are kind of disappointing. Growing Pains is the only good song. However, this album is cohesive and beautiful. When listening to it the first time, it is flat and forgettable. I decided to give a 5 score originally. But listening to this again, the album grows enormously. Her voice is truly powerful and the production is interesting. But the downside still remains. I cannot immediately remember a song. This album lacks huge bops like "Here" and "Scars to your beautiful". She is really an artist. Her works are in her own unique direction. Her works are not commercial, just expressing herself. Hope the next album is better.… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Most Discussed Album of 2018

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