It Was Divine

Released in April 2020, It Was Divine serves as the formal debut studio album for Alina Baraz, following her successful collaborative EP with Galimatias and her solo project The Color of You. The album represents the culmination of her 'aquatic R&B' aesthetic, characterized by downtempo rhythms, heavy reverb, and a focus on atmospheric texture. Recorded with a clear vision of sonic cohesion, the project features a curated list of guest appearances including 6LACK, Smino, Khalid, and a notable closing verse from Nas. Critically, the album was praised for its consistent mood and Baraz's ability to maintain an ethereal quality across sixteen tracks without becoming repetitive. It solidified her position as a leading figure in the 'alternative R&B' space, moving away from the electronic-heavy influence of her early work toward a more organic, neo-soul-inflected sound. The album's release timing, during the early months of global lockdowns, further cemented its reputation as a premier 'solitude' record.