What makes H.E.R. by H.E.R. notable?

The album received critical acclaim, earning H.E.R. a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2019 and solidifying her status as an influential artist in the genre. It also debuted at number 1 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart, contributing to the resurgence of R&B in mainstream music. H.E.R. marked the debut extended play for the artist H.E.R., released in January 2017. At this point, she was emerging as a significant voice in contemporary R&B, following her earlier work under the name Gabi Wilson. The EP showcased her vocal prowess and songwriting skills, establishing her presence in the music industry.

H.E.R. works well if you're into intimate moments of emotional release, dynamic journey through varied emotions and headphone detail hunting for nuances.

How many songs are on H.E.R.?

H.E.R. has 21 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

H.E.R.

H.E.R. · 2017

72 min · 21 tracks · contemporary R&B

A smooth blend of contemporary R&B and soulful melodies that weave emotional narratives with introspective lyrics.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Focus — This track stands out for its haunting production and relatable lyrics about seeking attention and connection amidst distractions.
→
Best Part — A duet featuring Daniel Caesar, this song beautifully captures vulnerability and intimacy, showcasing H.E.R.'s ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet powerful lyrics.
→
Lights On — With its catchy hook and sensual vibes, this track exemplifies the modern R&B sound while addressing themes of trust and openness in relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but has some uneven pacing due to its length.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features mid-tempo tracks that build emotional narratives, while the second half shifts to more introspective ballads.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that enhances the lyrical themes.

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: 5/10

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

intimate moments of emotional release
dynamic journey through varied emotions
headphone detail hunting for nuances
wave-like pacing with resolution
soulful melodies for quiet reflection

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party tracks
prefer standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: H.E.R. marked the debut extended play for the artist H.E.R., released in January 2017. At this point, she was emerging as a significant voice in contemporary R&B, following her earlier work under the name Gabi Wilson. The EP showcased her vocal prowess and songwriting skills, establishing her presence in the music industry.
Stylistic neighbors: SZA· Jhené Aiko· Daniel Caesar