Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "H.E.R" - H.E.R

I've decided to bring back my Album Of The Year nominee reviews. The field got expanded this year, so expect a review a week or thereabout. I'll draw at random which album I'll review week to week. I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 200. 

(All Rights To RCA Records)

1) "Losing"

It has a cool flow to it, but has an awkward mid transition.

2) "Avenue"

Starts off with a tranquil intro. 

3) "Let Me In"

There's a club/funk feel to "Let Me In". 

4) "Lights On"

With a slow beat, her vocals really are able to shine.

5) "Say It Again"

This track tends to drag a bit.

6) "Facts"

Despite a trippy feel, this track just sort of feels that it's there.

7) "Focus"

There's a nice classical style of intro. Overall, there's just a gorgeous instrumental mix.

8) "U"

There's a sort of old-school 90s r&b style here that really works.

9) "Every Kind Of Way"

A nice slow groove makes this track pop.

10) "Best Part" (ft/ Daniel Caesar)

There's a cool flow, with a nice blend between the two.

11) "Changes"

This drags way too much.

12) "Jungle"

This track sort of feels like filler, its just there.

13) "Free"

With a nice guitar intro, this track particularly sticks out. H.E.R describes how the relationship she's talking about here seems to be only physical; "I don't even feel no love, only in-between the sheets, only time you notice me...". 

14) "Rather Be"

This is a catchy track, with a sort of rock-esque vibe to it.

15) "2"

H.E.R is showing how easily she was able to move on; "Thought I was up in my room, crying myself to sleep. I was with a better you, while you were busy playing me."

16) "Hopes Up"

A rather simple track, this feels like a bit of a mess.

17) "Still Down"

There are some good segments here, but it doesn't quite mesh as a collective.

18) "Wait For It"

There's a nice groove & beat to this track.

19) "Pigment"

There's a really cool jazz/blues feel. A spoken word portion makes "Pigment" stand out, as we see H.E.R detailing a one-sided relationship. There's a true message.

20) "Gone Away"

There could use more backing in this track.

21) "I Won't"

This track doesn't stand out, sounding too similar.

This is quite a loaded album. The length of it makes it tougher for tracks to stand out (which is far and few between here). There's definite possibility, but it needs to be better realized. 

"By The Way, I Forgive You": Brandi Carlile - 200

 "Golden Hour": Kacey Musgraves - 169.2

"Invasion of Privacy": Cardi B - 161.5

"Dirty Computer": Janelle Monae - 150.1

"Black Panther: The Album" - 135.7

"Scorpion": Drake - 128 

"H.E.R": H.E.R - 109.5

"Beerbongs & Bentleys": Post Malone - 99.9