H.E.R. dropped arguably THE most highly anticipated debut album, Back of My Mind, on Friday. While the 23-year-old already has four Grammy’s and now even an Oscar to her name, she still had yet to drop an official studio album, but with the release of BOMM, she has finally arrived.
She more than makes up for the wait by giving us 21 songs - of course a few of these are the singles that we’ve already heard, but still she spoiled us. This is a well rounded album that has a little something for everyone. Of course it’s R&B at the core, but with features like Cordae, Yung Bleu and Lil Baby, even hip-hop fans can appreciate it. She reveals more layers of herself than previously in her EPs “It’s always the thoughts that sit in the back of my mind,” she said. “things that feel too honest, too vulnerable, too aggressive - it’s all of those things.”
The opening track appropriately titled “We Made It” feels like all of our sentiments after years of being told “the album is coming soon!” H.E.R. shows off her musicality early The guitar riffs ALONE are enough reason for you to check this one out.
The title track “Back of My Mind” features Ty Dolla $ign, who turns out to be the perfect vocal complement to H.E.R. on this record.
From track 3 “Trauma” featuring Cordae is where the hip-hop fans want to start paying attention because a couple tracks later comes “Find A Way” featuring Lil Baby. Mixing R&B with rap is something H.E.R. does well and Cordae and Lil Baby both represent two very different styles of hip-hop. This shows her versatility and status of being “genre-less” as an artist.
She then takes us back to a 70s vibe with “Bloody Waters” very reminiscent of Marvin Gaye. “People marching, no one’s there to lead/ Someone give me something to believe.” H.E.R. has never been shy about using her platform to speak on social injustices and current affairs, so it’s only right that she add this soulful track on her album.
“Closer to Me” had a hold on me from the second I noticed the Goapele sample. Imagine relaxing on your patio listening to the rain - that’s what this song feels like.
“Paradise” which features Yung Bleu is one of my favorites on the album. This is a pairing that I didn’t know I was looking for, but they blend so well and I love the back and forth toward the end. The only thing I wish is that it was longer.
If “Don’t” sounded familiar on first listen, you aren’t mistaken. H.E.R. premiered it back in 2019 when she performed the, at the time, unreleased track at Coachella.
I loved “For Anyone” since she first premiered an early listen live on TikTok. This song will pull the emotions out of you. For anyone who’s ever dealt with that someone who “honestly, I wish I never met you“ - It’s real, but it’s beautiful.
I only highlighted a few tracks here, but with a 21 track album, there’s a lot more for you to discover on your own - and you should. Overall, I give this album 5 stars, all bias aside. It’s evident that she took the time that she needed to make it right. Now, we did see her in the studio and working with several artists who didn’t make the album, which just means there’s more music to come!
Check out Back of My Mind available on streaming platforms now.
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