Rina Sawayama just blessed us with her debut album, SAWAYAMA, on April 17th, 2020 and I haven’t had a chance to write about it because I have been playing it for weeks on end. Now that the excitement has settled, and my tears of joy have finally been wiped off my face- I now have a clear head to objectively review this album.
This album is one of the best pop works to date and the best release of 2020. I hadn’t even heard of Rina until this album dropped, but now I am comparing her to Britney and other legends in her lane. Rina is a Japanese-British London-based singer, songwriter, producer and model. The pure talent and creativity that leaks out of this album is next level- and you can tell how much effort she put into this, even the cover art is undeniably hers. Her songs are not only catchy, but they are thought-provoking- touching on topics such as racism, gender roles and personal development. Who else has done this in the past 10 years? Most artists attempt it, but Rina nails it on the head.
The album starts off with, “Dynasty” which is a roaring anthem about family history and passed down trauma. As she belts the chorus, the listener soon finds out this album is about to be a whirlwind of harsh topics mixed over fun playful beats- giving it a melancholy and present tone. The bridge alone gives me chills! After this song, one is left wondering why they have never heard of Rina before if she brings THIS much to the table!
“XS” is the next song and one of the standouts, as she makes it a commentary about commercialism. What a topic for a pop song!
Watch the video for “XS” HERE:
Sounding like some of the pop gods that came before her, this song highlights just how good she is at her craft. Singing about something that hasn’t been touched upon in the mainstream, the chorus is playful but serious. The dark undertones make one want to dance even more. The song sounds smooth when she says, “Flex, When all that’s left is immaterial, And the price we paid is unbelievable.” It is hard to believe that this is her first album when she is writing these provoking lyrics.
“STFU!” is the next song that touches on racism against Asians, which is usually not brought up in the mainstream. Being Japanese, she has decided to write this controversial song showing her struggles being a minority. Bringing metal influences in, it is the perfect song as she goes back between these pop and punk elements.
By this point, I was crying, but the album was only four songs in. I was not prepared for the next song, “Comme Des Garcons (Like The Boys).”
Watch the video HERE:
Touching on gender roles, this song is the anthem for masculine women. Rina, being the queer icon that she is, she gives the gays something to strut down the sidewalk to. The song shines during the chorus as she states, “Excuse my ego, Can’t go incognito, Every time you see me, It’s like winning big in Reno, Don’t fuck with me, hoe, Take you down like judo.” This song makes you want to stand up straight, look yourself in the mirror and make out with your reflection. That’s how hard it goes.
After one of the best pop songs of the last five years is over, it then transcends into, “Akaska Sad” which shows her versatility as an artist. Differing from the other songs on the album, it takes a futuristic approach with its booming chorus. Then the album flows into, “Paradisin’,” “Love Me 4 Me,” and then “Bad Friend.”
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge “Bad Friend.”
WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO FOR “BAD FRIEND” HERE:
Most pop songs talk about their lost loves, but Rina sings about her own imperfections as a human and her own toxic traits- leading to her failed friendships and relationships. The way she analyzes her own behaviors and can place those unique uncomfortable emotions into a pop song- is ingenious. This shows in the chorus and this song is the taste of where her career is going. Most pop stars want their songs to be easily digestible, but Rina takes a mirror up to her listeners and makes them acknowledge their own shortcomings. Not only is this song controversial and memorable- it has staying power. It is the defining moment of her career. The album then finishes off with, “Fuck This World (Interlude),” “Who’s Gonna Save U Now?,” “Tokyo Love Hotel,” “Chosen Family” and “Snakeskin.”
This album is liberating. It is a breath of fresh air and is the perfect example of what pop music can do and where it can go. Touching on gender, race, inequality and generational curses- it is a lot of statements packed into one album that is upbeat, fast and fun. The duality of the topics and the beats make it extremely memorable as we watch Rina’s debut album become solidified into a pop staple as she reaches icon status in the predicted future.
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