What makes Apollo XXI by Steve Lacy notable?

Apollo XXI received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of genres and introspective lyrics, landing on numerous year-end lists. It not only solidified Lacy's reputation as a solo artist but also influenced the contemporary R&B scene by pushing boundaries and encouraging personal storytelling. The album's experimental nature resonated with listeners, contributing to its standing in music discussions of 2019. Released in 2019, Apollo XXI was Steve Lacy's debut solo album after gaining recognition as a member of The Internet. At this point in his career, he had already established himself as a sought-after producer and collaborator, contributing to projects for artists like Solange and Mac Miller. This album marked a significant step into solo artistry, showcasing his unique vision and sound.

How many songs are on Apollo XXI?

Apollo XXI has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Apollo XXI

Steve Lacy · 2019

43 min · 12 tracks · contemporary R&B

A genre-blurring exploration of love and identity, blending R&B, funk, and experimental sounds with intimate storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Like me — This track exemplifies Lacy's ability to weave intricate narratives about self-acceptance and vulnerability through infectious melodies and rhythmic shifts.
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N Side — With its catchy hook and relatable themes of young love, this song showcases Lacy's knack for blending poignant lyrics with an upbeat production style.
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Hate CD — This track stands out for its raw emotion and candid reflections on heartbreak, demonstrating Lacy's lyrical depth and musical versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Apollo XXI showcases innovative songwriting and production, blending genres while maintaining a cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a relaxed tone, followed by a series of songs that gradually introduce more complex rhythms and textures.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich soundscape, while others strip back to minimal instrumentation, highlighting Lacy's voice.
The sequencing includes interludes that serve as transitions between songs, contributing to the overall flow and thematic continuity of the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Only If 1:40
2 Like me 9:03
3 Playground 3:33
4 Basement Jack 1:49
5 Guide 2:21
6 Lay Me down 3:02
7 Hate CD 2:40
8 In Lust We Trust… 2:00
9 Love 2 Fast 3:42
10 Amandla’s Interlude 3:10
11 N Side 3:44
12 Outro Freestyle/4ever 6:15

What to play next

Listen next

Gemini Rights

2022

Go back to

Steve Lacy's Demo

2017

Full Steve Lacy discography Artists like Steve Lacy

contemporary R&B

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata