| | Full Review | Ratings (56) |
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| 4.5 superb | lz41 | April 3rd 24 |
If you weren't already on board, be notified: Brittany Howard is a must-listen artist. Her vision takes the songs of "What Now" to exciting and unpredictable places. This will be hard to beat for AOTY.
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| 4.5 superb | ajcollins15 | February 14th 24 |
The second album from the rising soul sensation Brittany Howard (formerly of Alabama Shakes fame) marks a significant departure from her debut in 2019. From the very first notes of the opening track, "Earth Signs," there's an unmistakable drive to craft an ethereal and rhythmically rich soul experience. While firmly rooted in the psychedelic soul tradition, Howard's work here feels like a bold step toward the realm of ambient soul, akin to the evolution of psychedelic folk into ambient folk. Throughout the album, intricate and evolving drones weave through the tracks, creating a cohesive thread that ties together the eclectic nature of "What Now." Howard fearlessly explores a spectrum of genres, from traditional funk rock in "Another Day" to the pulsating beats of deep house in "Prove It to You." What becomes evident is her deliberate focus on cultivating the essence of ambient soul in the album's first half before embarking on further experimentation in the latter part. Yet, despite these diverse explorations, "What Now" coalesces seamlessly, delivering an enthralling and thought-provoking listening journey.
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| 4.0 excellent | Erwann S. STAFF | February 14th 24 |
Howard's first solo record was one that embraced her classic soul heritage. What Now gracefully integrates her roots with more modern (still very psychy) soundscapes. As always with her, she bangs when it bangs, with the calmer moments not being pretty enough to match the raw tunes' catchiness. But man are those catchy tunes fucking catchy.
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| 3.5 great | alamo | March 5th 24 |
| 4.0 excellent | IzzyTomy | February 23rd 24 |
| 3.0 good | Hawks | February 22nd 24 |
| 3.5 great | Handers | February 18th 24 |
| 2.5 average | El Olam | February 17th 24 |
| 3.5 great | Matty CONTRIBUTOR | February 16th 24 |
| 4.0 excellent | greg84 EMERITUS | February 16th 24 |
| 3.5 great | NBA | February 16th 24 |
| 3.7 great | A.R.O. STAFF | February 15th 24 |
| 3.5 great | jtswope | February 14th 24 |
| 4.5 superb | Tom R. CONTRIBUTOR | February 14th 24 |
| 4.0 excellent | iGuter | February 13th 24 |
| 4.0 excellent | Dewinged STAFF | February 9th 24 |
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