Buy Now
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
-
May 8, 2020A record that is as self-aware of the pressures of romance and stardom as it is a bare, naked representation of the singer’s heart and soul.
-
May 7, 2020The album's arrangement of serenading beats and jazzy undertones has genuinely proven that Kehlani is a force to be reckoned with.
-
May 28, 2020Although there are some clumsy similes and metaphors, and a surplus of astrological references, its lyricism is undeniable, abundant in pithy rebukes and come-ons. And while the predominantly crawling tempos can have a tranquilizing effect, there's nuance to nearly every cut with high-level songwriting to match.
-
May 11, 2020Kehalni’s lubricious vocals and tender slow jams are not for the faint-hearted, but there is a real core of emotional truth burning through these X-rated grooves.
-
May 7, 2020Walking with impressive confidence along the line that separates commercialism from experimentation, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t doesn’t need an accompanying soap opera to sell it, but it’s got one anyway.
-
May 7, 2020It Was Good Until It Wasn’t is the latest work demonstrating the 25-year-old’s profound emotional intelligence. Its 15 tracks waft in as though carried by a summer breeze; Kehlani’s crystalline vocals shine through arrangements of sedate beats, jazz piano motifs, and luxurious twangs of Spanish guitar.
-
May 11, 2020She’s becoming an increasingly agile performer, rapping, singing, and everything in between. It Was Good Until It Wasn’t channels all those skills into sterling R&B that feels like a homecoming of sorts.
-
May 22, 2020It Was Good Until It Wasn’t‘s back half will earn respect from core fans for its consistency, muddling the notion Kehlani played it safe with this one.
-
May 13, 2020A record that doesn’t always astound but has a fair few enjoyable moments, and some very effective vocal performances.
-
May 13, 2020Lacks the clever subtlety of innuendos on songs like "Can I" (featuring Tory Lanez) and "F&MU." "Bad News," "Everybody Business" and "Open (Passionate)" are the album's standouts, showcasing elements of Kehlani's strongest contributions to music thus far, and highlighting her ability to make vulnerability a strength.
-
May 11, 2020Sonically, it can blend a little into one, but the closing feature from the late rapper Lexii, a friend and collaborator of Kehlani’s, is a rousing, poignant end to a largely accomplished set.
-
May 7, 2020The dark and sexy new songs shine their brightest when coated with a layer of her previous sparkle; which makes the artist’s second album a fine but frustrating release.
-
Jun 8, 2020Kehlani replaces any hint of controlled pop presence with a lowkey, gloomy vibe that doesn’t suit her strengths at all. Her raspy voice is now placed upon liquid synth bass and irritating trap production, leaving her songwriting to be the record’s only strength.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
-
Positive: 91 out of 106
-
Mixed: 11 out of 106
-
Negative: 4 out of 106
-
May 14, 2020it ate. oh my god i am surprised to the power of kehlani’s. girl. it is am masterpiece.
-
May 8, 2020Simply incredible. Kehlani’s new music is undeniably refreshing and much more mature compared to her past projects. So proud to Stan such an icon!
-
May 8, 2020