The Pains of Growing
by Alessia Cara
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 30, 2018
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. The Guardian
    Nov 30, 2018
    60
    Growing Pains gets two great chorus melodies, while I Don’t Want To resolves very satisfyingly. But there is some production that sounds suspiciously like focus-grouping, from post-Winehouse soul to xx guitars, and the ersatz digital instrumentation is as featureless as an overly filtered Instagram post.
  2. Q Magazine
    Dec 18, 2018
    40
    Overall it's too stodgy to soar. [Feb 2019, p.108]
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Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Most Discussed Album of 2018

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 85
  3. Negative: 9 out of 85
  1. 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!… Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. rodperfil
    Dec 2, 2018
    10
    So great! Nintendo Game, 7 Days, and Comfortable are high level. The lyrics are also really good.
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