What makes Expectations by Hayley Kiyoko notable?

Expectations received widespread acclaim and debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. The album solidified Kiyoko's status as a leading voice in queer pop music, particularly with its themes of self-discovery and love, influencing both listeners and aspiring artists within the LGBTQ+ community. Released on March 30, 2018, Expectations is Hayley Kiyoko's debut studio album following her critically acclaimed EP, This Side of Paradise. At this juncture, Kiyoko was transitioning from a rising pop star into a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ music, having gained significant visibility through her singles and music videos.

Who is Expectations for?

Expectations works well if you're into steady mid-tempo exploration, intimate storytelling moments and reflective self-acceptance themes.

How many songs are on Expectations?

Expectations has 13 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Expectations

Hayley Kiyoko · 2018

48 min · 13 tracks · pop music

A vibrant blend of pop and R&B, layered with intimate storytelling and infectious melodies that capture the nuances of young love.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
What I Need — This track features a collaboration with Kehlani that blends their distinct vocal styles, creating a powerful anthem about longing and acceptance within relationships.
→
He’ll Never Love You (HNLY) — The song showcases Kiyoko's signature vulnerability while addressing unrequited love, making it relatable for many listeners navigating similar experiences.
→
Sleepover — With its catchy chorus and playful lyrics, this track captures the excitement of youthful crushes, perfectly embodying the album's exploration of romantic possibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends pop and R&B with strong melodies and personal themes, though it follows some familiar structures.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief overture that sets a thematic tone before transitioning into upbeat tracks, maintaining a lively pace for the first half.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response structures, particularly in 'What I Need' and 'Sleepover', enhancing the emotional connection.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, introducing more introspective themes and allowing for a reflective conclusion to 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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo exploration
intimate storytelling moments
reflective self-acceptance themes
vibrant energy for gatherings
for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on March 30, 2018, Expectations is Hayley Kiyoko's debut studio album following her critically acclaimed EP, This Side of Paradise. At this juncture, Kiyoko was transitioning from a rising pop star into a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ music, having gained significant visibility through her singles and music videos.
Stylistic neighbors: Tove Lo· Charli XCX· Dua Lipa