Rina Sawayama: SAWAYAMA (2020) (Pop, Rock, R&B)

It's refreshing to see an artist so drastically redefine themself so early in their career. Though she previously released an EP (RINA), SAWAYAMA is her full-fledged introduction, touching on themes of family, friends, this album is a more effective portrait of the artist. The naive image of her last EP is gone, now she has an apparent swagger as shown explicitly in Comme des Garcons or in her more fiery confrontational heavy metal excursions (STFU!). This confidence translated largely into a more eclectic but scattered sound. The album is maximalist, in production which allows for a lot of refreshing sounds but can also drown out the punch of certain melodies. The compositions are for the most part simple but also diverse and captivating ranging from breezy pop (Comme des Garcons) to groove metal pop (STFU!). Though not especially innovative to the genres she borrows from, SAWAYAMA is still a project full of well-crafted pop songs expressed in a bold and enjoyable manner.

Best Tracks: Dynasty, STFU!*, Paradisin', Love Me 4 Me, Bad Friend, Who's Gonna Save U Now?, Chosen Family


B

Alternative Rock/ Contemporary R&B/ Dance-Pop