| And Then Life Was Beautiful | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 24 September 2021 | |||
| Genre | R&B [1] | |||
| Length | 45:13 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| Nao chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from And Then Life Was Beautiful | ||||
| ||||
And Then Life Was Beautiful is the third studio album by English singer Nao. The album was released on 24 September 2021 through Little Tokyo Recordings and RCA Records. [2]
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 85/100 [3] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| All Music |   [4] |
| The Guardian | [5] |
| NME | [1] |
| Pitchfork | 7.5/10 [6] |
| Clash | 8/10 [7] |
And Then Life Was Beautiful was met with universal acclaim from music critics and received a score of 85 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on nine critics' reviews.
Reviewing the album for AllMusic, Andy Kellman observed "the generally softer and sweeter backdrops, which lean toward modern adult contemporary R&B and at times are plain, allow Nao to do more with her voice, a lithe soprano that glides, swoops, and flutters without strain". [4] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian commended the album by stating the "mood never feels trite on And Then Life Was Beautiful, but oddly infectious instead, perhaps because the songs are really strong, the lyrics admirably uncliched." [5] Writing for NME , Kyann-Sian Williams felt the album "captures a sense of healing, and offers hope" and labelled it as "a true celebration of R&B". [1]
Dylan Green of Pitchfork praised the "varied sonic palette" of the album. He noted that while And Then Life Was Beautiful doesn't completely reinvent Nao's style, the album is a significant milestone in her journey towards self-actualization. [5] Amelia Kelly of Clash lauded the album by stating that "the gorgeous vocals, the radiant tones, the graceful guitar – manifests enlightened bliss. The expertly blended transitions between each track transform them into puzzle pieces that fit smoothly together." [7]
The Independent included the album in their list of 20 most underrated albums at number 12. [8]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "And Then Life Was Beautiful" |
| LOXE | 3:23 |
| 2. | "Messy Love" |
| D'Mile | 3:35 |
| 3. | "Glad That You're Gone" |
| Stint | 3:33 |
| 4. | "Antidote" (featuring Adekunle Gold) | Sarz | 3:22 | |
| 5. | "Burn Out" |
|
| 3:19 |
| 6. | "Wait" |
|
| 3:10 |
| 7. | "Good Luck" (featuring Lucky Daye) |
| LOXE | 3:04 |
| 8. | "Nothing's for Sure" |
| GRADES | 4:17 |
| 9. | "Woman" (featuring Lianne La Havas) |
| LOXE | 3:11 |
| 10. | "Better Friend" |
| GRADES | 3:21 |
| 11. | "Postcards" (featuring serpentwithfeet) |
| Moore | 3:27 |
| 12. | "Little Giants" |
|
| 4:00 |
| 13. | "Amazing Grace" |
| Maths Time Joy | 3:26 |
| Total length: | 45:13 | |||
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Albums (OCC) [9] | 63 |
| UK R&B Albums (OCC) [10] | 1 |
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Edition | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 24 September 2021 | Standard | [11] [12] [13] | ||
Wanderland is the second studio album by American singer Kelis, released on October 17, 2001, by Virgin Records. The album's only single, "Young, Fresh n' New", peaked at number 32 on the UK Singles Chart. As of October 2004, Wanderland had sold 17,000 copies in the United Kingdom.
Alexander David Turner is an English musician. He is the front man and lead singer-songwriter of the rock band Arctic Monkeys. Turner is known for his lyricism ranging from kitchen sink realism to surrealist wordplay, which has been praised by music critics and the public. All but one of Turner's studio albums have topped the UK Albums Chart. He has won seven Brit Awards, an Ivor Novello Award, and a Mercury Prize among other accolades.
Conflict of Interest is the third studio album by British rapper Ghetts, released on 19 February 2021 by Warner Records. It includes guest appearances from Skepta, Dave, Wretch 32, Giggs, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, and more.
For All We Know is the debut studio album by British electronic singer-songwriter Nao. It was released on 29 July 2016 by RCA and Little Tokyo Recordings. It has guest features by Abhi//Dijon and A. K. Paul, and received critical acclaim upon release.
The Ooz is the third studio album by English singer-songwriter Archy Marshall, and his second album under the stage name King Krule. It was released on 13 October 2017 via True Panther Sounds and XL Recordings. The album incorporates elements of trip hop, R&B, punk rock, and jazz.
Lil Boat 2 is the second studio album by American rapper Lil Yachty. It was released on March 9, 2018, by Capitol Records, Motown and Quality Control Music. The album features guest appearances from Quality Control labelmates Quavo and Offset of Migos and Lil Baby, alongside 2 Chainz, Trippie Redd, Lil Pump, YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Tee Grizzley, among others.
Cocoa Sugar is the third studio album by Scottish indie group Young Fathers. It was released on Ninja Tune on 9 March 2018. It won the Scottish Album of the Year Award for 2018. It peaked at number 28 on the UK Albums Chart.
Sean Lee Bowie, best known by the recording alias Yves Tumor, is an American musician and producer of experimental music, born in Miami, Florida, and currently based in Turin, Italy.
Saturn is the second studio album by British R&B recording artist Nao, released on 26 October 2018 through Little Tokyo Recordings and RCA Records. It was supported by the singles "Another Lifetime" and "Make It Out Alive". "If You Ever" was also released prior to the album in a version featuring American singer 6lack, but he does not feature on the album version. Nao will tour in support of the album across late 2018 and early 2019. Saturn received nominations for Album of the Year at the Mercury Prize in 2019 and Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards in 2020.
Nightmare Vacation is the debut studio album by American rapper Rico Nasty, released on December 4, 2020, through Artist Partner Group (APG), Atlantic Records and her own Sugar Trap label. The album features guest appearances from rappers Trippie Redd, Aminé, Gucci Mane and Don Toliver, among others. Frequent producers on the record also include 100 gecs, Take a Daytrip and Avedon, with additional work from producers such as Tay Keith, Buddah Bless and CashMoneyAP.
Untitled (Rise) is the fourth studio album from British R&B musical group Sault. The album has been met with positive critical reception.
Be Right Back is the third extended play by British singer Jorja Smith. The record was released on 14 May 2021 by FAMM. Self described as a "waiting room" in preparation for her sophomore album, Be Right Back features writing and production from long time collaborators Joel Compass and Ed Thomas, amongst others, as well as guest vocals from British-Nigerian rapper Shaybo. Written and recorded over a two-year period, Be Right Back sonically adopts experimental song structures and lyrically revolves around the complexity of ideal womanhood, relationships and self-awareness.
Vince Staples is the eponymous fourth studio album by American rapper Vince Staples. It was released on July 9, 2021, through Motown and Blacksmith Records. At 22 minutes and 6 seconds, it is the shortest album in Staples' discography. It features a single guest appearance from Fousheé; production was entirely handled by Kenny Beats, who had produced most tracks on FM! (2018).
23 is the second mixtape by British rapper Central Cee, released independently on 25 February 2022. It was preceded by the release of the singles "Obsessed with You", "Retail Therapy", "Cold Shoulder" and "Khabib". On 4 March 2022, it debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It features guest appearances from his little brother, credited as Lil Bro, as well as Rondodasosa, Baby Gang, A2anti, Morad, Beny Jr, Ashe 22, and Freeze Corleone, all on the same track "Eurovision"
Noughty by Nature is the third commercial mixtape by British rapper Digga D. It was released on 15 April 2022 by CGM. It features guest appearances from Still Brickin', Rack5, Dodgy, Horrid1, AJ Tracey, and Maverick Sabre, and American rappers B-Lovee, Moneybagg Yo, and Hotboii. The extended edition adds a further guest appearance from Arrdee. The mixtape debuted atop the UK Albums Chart, becoming Digga D's first number-one album.
"N95" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released as the lead single from his fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, on May 20, 2022, through PGLang, Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The song was produced by Boi-1da, Sounwave and Jahaan Sweet, with additional production by Lamar's cousin, fellow American rapper and record producer Baby Keem.
"Falling Back" is a song by Canadian rapper and singer Drake. It was released through Republic Records and OVO Sound as the second track from his seventh studio album, Honestly, Nevermind, on June 17, 2022, along with the album. Drake wrote the song with producers &ME and Rampa and additional producers Alex Lustig and Beau Nox. The song was mixed by 40 and Luca Pretolesi and was recorded by Noel Cadastre.
Coping Mechanism is the fifth studio album by American singer Willow. It was released on October 7, 2022, through MSFTS Music and Roc Nation. The album was preceded by a slew of singles, including "Maybe It's My Fault", "Hover Like a Goddess", "Curious/Furious", and "Split".
Beautiful and Brutal Yard is the third studio album by British rapper J Hus, released on 14 July 2023 through Black Butter Records. The album includes collaborations with Drake, Naira Marley, Jorja Smith, Burna Boy, Popcaan, CB, Villz and Boss Belly. It was preceded by the singles "It's Crazy" and "Who Told You" featuring Drake. J Hus will tour the UK and Ireland in October and November 2023 in support of the album. The album was shortlisted for the 2023 Mercury Prize.
"Cheat on Me" is a song by Nigerian singer Burna Boy featuring British rapper Dave, released on August 22, 2023, as the fourth single from his seventh studio album, I Told Them... . It was produced by LiTek, WhYJay, and Jay Blu, sampling Kwabs' September 2015, "Cheating on Me".
