At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy SAWAYAMA. Considering that albums can be a hit or miss for me (mostly a miss with the exception of maybe 2-3 songs), it could’ve ended up being something really good or something really boring and forgettable. I like to listen to music while playing Mario Kart Wii, so I wished myself the best when I hit the “play” button for the first song, “Dynasty.” And from there, I was never the same again. The album ended up being SO GOOD, from start to finish.
This is where I start to fangirl and tell you about how good SAWAYAMA is. It has received widespread critical acclaim from publications such as Pitchfork, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone. I do not hype just anything, and I find a fair amount of things overrated. Therefore, you bet it’s an album worth listening to, and I will tell you why right now.
What is SAWAYAMA? SAWAYAMA is Rina Sawayama’s debut album, which was released on April 17, 2020. Beforehand, she released her self-titled EP Rina in 2017 (which also slaps, but that is a conversation for another time). Via her Twitter, she stated that the album took a while to create due to lack of interest from labels, small budget, and wanting to keep the album true to herself. She also felt like an “outsider to the pop world,” but let me tell you, those labels didn’t know what they were missing. The fact that she’s Asian (she’s Japanese) also adds to her struggles as an artist, but I’m so glad she didn’t give up and ended up releasing such a gem! Now I know you’re like, “Krista, why is it such a gem? Why is it worth listening to?” I’m getting there, my friends!
What’s so good about it? SAWAYAMA is honestly one of my favorite albums ever and I could go on all day about how great it is. “Dynasty” is such an epic opener and lured me in from the start. I can tell that there are 2000s pop/rock and some 90s R&B influences in her music, which shows on tracks like “XS,” “STFU,” and “Love Me 4 Me” (all of which I love!). “XS” sounds like a song the Cheetah Girls would sing. Don’t know if anyone would agree with me on that, though.
Honestly, it’s hard for me to pick an absolute favorite song, because they are such jams that make me groove and sing along. “Paradisin’” is one of them, and the lyrics to that song are so fun to sing! The intro is everything, and I would’ve loved seeing a music video for it. Imagine the old-fashioned TV intro and surfing aesthetics! Okay, let me not get too imaginative right now.
“Bad Friend” is a jam, “Comme des Garçons” is a jam, and let me not forget to mention a song that can get me all in my feelings: “Tokyo Love Hotel.” Girl, when she sings “I just want your love all to myself” for the second time in the chorus, that line is PACKED with emotion. If I’m already sad, that line along with the word “Tokyo” being repeated in the background will make me internally cry: partially out of real sadness and partially due to it being so good. Also, “F*ck This World” is such a mood and should become one of my angsty references, hahaha.
What is your least favorite song on the album? If I had to choose, I would have to say, “Who’s Gonna Save U Now?” The lyricism of that song is really good, but then again, rock isn’t my favorite genre. Though I loved “STFU,” despite it being primarily rock, and the rest of the album incorporated rock elements really well. Still, one song being weak does and should not rule out an album from being considered one of your favorites if the rest of the album is really strong. Speaking of which, it’s a great lead in for the next question!
Why do you recommend it? Remember when I said that I was never the same again after hitting the play button for the first song, which was “Dynasty”? I really wasn’t. The fact that I loved SAWAYAMA so much made me become a Rina Sawayama fan and ultimately one of my favorite artists! I fell in love with that album on the first listen, which is not something that happens often. There are times when I question if I will love many more songs or albums in the future. But I’m glad that I listened to this album and that Rina dropped an absolute gem!
So when it comes to its critical acclaim, do I think that it’s overrated or overhyped? Nope, sorry. No dirt today. SAWAYAMA is great, and I will tout it as one of my favorite albums to my friends and other people. Those who love an infusion pop and rock should definitely give this album a listen. It’s pretty cohesive, and I’m sure that you will find tracks with staying power in your mind. I love Rina so much. PIXEL FOR LIFE!
