Lotus
A raw, beautifully bruised shift in Simz's catalog. Stripped-back jazz-soul and intimate orchestration frame a powerful narrative of betrayal and healing.
A raw, beautifully bruised shift in Simz's catalog. Stripped-back jazz-soul and intimate orchestration frame a powerful narrative of betrayal and healing.
Quiet rebuilding
Raindrops on a windowpane and the soft hiss of a snare drum open up a quiet, bruised space. Instead of the usual brassy anthems, you are met with muted jazz piano and the creak of a wooden stool. The delivery is a hushed, steady whisper, detailing the sharp sting of broken trust and the slow, difficult work of mending. It feels like sitting in a dim kitchen at dawn, watching the steam rise from a mug.
The sonic landscape leans heavily into a rich analog warmth, wrapping each track in the crackle of vintage tape, weeping strings, and smoky jazz instrumentation.
Critics warmly embraced the album's balance of grand scope and quiet intimacy, widely praising its uncluttered, jazz- and rock-influenced instrumentation. Reviewers were also deeply moved by the songwriter's vulnerable, soul-searching lyricism, finding her presence to be remarkably resilient and self-assured.
“Rather than isolating herself, Simz instead turns to trusted friends to lift her up, from soul singer Michael Kiwanuka to jazz drummer Yussef Dayes”Read review
“After ending the creative partnership behind her hit albums, the British rapper responds with a striking ode to the trauma and wisdom of truly growing up”Read review
“The UK rapper battled self-doubt and legal woes in the run-up to her sixth album; now, however, framed by uncluttered jazz- and rock-influenced production, she sounds in command and at ease”Read review
“The rapper strips back the polish for her most vulnerable, soul-searching project yet – one that hits hard, even when it drifts”Read review
“Expansive in scope yet intimate in tone, the sixth album by this year’s Meltdown curator doesn’t put a foot wrong”
“Forget the headlines, Little Simz is the greatest rapper alive. What else is there to talk about?”Read review
“It showcases Little Simz’s personal resilience as she takes on this vulnerable melodic journey to selflessly blossom in her introversion”Read review
“On Lotus, the exceptionally gifted rapper is more vulnerable than ever, yet this only pushes her to be at her most self-empowering”Read review
Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →
