ALBUM REVIEW: Kali Uchis - Sincerely,
Our earthly fertility goddess takes a victory lap.
Opulent. Sensual. Consistent. Any variation of those adjectives can be used to describe Kali Uchis’ approach to pop music, and her mastery of those descriptors has catapulted her to the top of the pop world. She’s become a machine as far as album releases go; Sincerly, is her third record in as many years. It may not reach the highest of highs as a Red Moon in Venus or a “Igual Que Un Ángel” might, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a more cohesive album from this year so far. It’s impressive in its consistency; Kali ensures we won’t get tired of her schtick just yet.
Plush. Lavish. Comfy. From the opening strings of “Heaven is a Home…”, there’s rarely a moment on Sincerely, that doesn’t envelop you with its sound. Songs confidently flow into one another; Kali has been doing this for so long she could do it in her sleep. While most of the album sounds familiar, there’s enough wrinkles across its 14 tracks to keep your attention. The dramatic synth waltz of “For: You” could fill the ballroom of the Titanic; likewise, the doo-wop styled “All I Can Say” thrives in the sound of the 1940’s. So much of Uchis’ sound is pilfered from the past, but loved in a way that makes it relevant in today’s fast-moving world of music. Most interesting are the two longer efforts here in “Lose My Cool,” and “Angels All Around Me…”, which push the limits of how far Kali’s plush style of pop can go. They’re worthy road bumps on an experience you’ve heard before, and ones you don’t mind hearing again.
Glamorous. Sexual. Comforting. This album is a 50 minute victory lap to celebrate the joys of motherhood and love Kali has achieved. It must be nice, right? Sure, she’s still a little insecure at times, as she can feel “Territorial” about her lover and even unsure of things when she puts on her “Silk Lingerie,”. But for the most part, you’re invited to enjoy the world Kali enjoys: the euphoric love of “Sugar! Honey! Love!”, the extreme levels of defense she’ll go to for her partner on “For: You”, and the eternal, carnal desire for true love through the seasons on “Sunshine & Rain…”. The constant allusions to Heaven, angels and more Biblical imagery give Sincerely, an even more deified aura; Kali has been portraying this motherly goddess for years, and now she’s reached peak nirvana in her holy journey to perfect love.
Reliable. Steady. Predictable? It’s fair to wonder when this streak of fantastic record will end if Kali continues to release similar-sounding records, but for the time being, she’s as gifted in her sound as any other pop artist out there is. In complete control of her world and happy in it, Sincerely, is another winner for an artist who’s become one of the most-pleasing listens since she debuted back in 2018. But where does one go after reaching their Xanadu? Time will tell, and I have no doubt Uchis will invite us on that path with open arms.
Verdict: 7.8/10
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