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| Album artwork by Ben Ditto |
With a fresh mix of nostalgic Y2K sounds and her own personal messages to tell, Japanese-British pop singer Rina Sawayama's debut studio album, SAWAYAMA, took social media by storm when it was released back in April of 2020.
From songs that talk about capitalism, micro-aggressions, and her own self-identity, the album was met with numerous praises from various critics and the general public alike.
Now with her next album expected to be released in late summer this year, let us go back in time and review the gem that is entitled SAWAYAMA.
Starting off the album is the track 'Dynasty' which focuses on the intergenerational trauma she has experienced growing up from being a part of two cultures. In an interview with Genius, Sawayama herself clarified that this track is the central thesis of SAWAYAMA. She also added how the very chorus of the song serves as the secondary title for the album. This is something commendable, especially with one of the lyrics saying how she intends to stop this cycle of generational trauma.
One of the more well-known pop songs to come from this album is 'XS.' When talking about this track, Sawayama had this to say: “[it] mocks capitalism in a sinking world.” This track screams the early 2000s with its vocals reminiscent of artists back then, as well as with the rock element that was added experimentally while cheekily taking a jab at the industry.
The third track on the album, 'STFU!' transports you back to the times of Evanescence, Slipknot, and Limp Bizkit as the song roars with loud nu-metal instrumentals.
From the thrashing of guitars to the heavy hits of drums, Sawayama conveys this as part of her rage and frustration towards people who have made racist micro-aggressions throughout her lifetime. Personally, this song is important and relevant as per recent years, anti-Asian violence had been incredibly rampant and this song helps to empower fellow Asians against prejudice and racially motivated hatred.
SAWAYAMA also contains the hits such as 'Comme des Garçons' which is accompanied by its wacky music video, explores the toxic idea of women adopting male characteristics just to present and exude confidence; 'Chosen Family,' the penultimate track that talks about her experience of finding home within the LGBTQIA+ community; 'Snakeskin' as the ending track which symbolizes the 'shedding' of herself from past experiences and her evolution in becoming the better version of herself; and six more tracks full of meaning and relevant issues tackled that you must absolutely check out.
Overall, I would rate Sawayama's debut album a solid 9 out of 10 for its unique way of storytelling as a person of color, living her own truth, and the many important messages found all over this album. SAWAYAMA also has a wide array of genres that are near-perfect encapsulations of being nostalgic and at the same time having a fresh sound, from the fun and lovely beats that range from R&B to NU Metal to Mainstream Pop.
SAWAYAMA is available for listening on Apple Music and Spotify.
