What makes I Used to Know Her: Part 2 by H.E.R. notable?

This EP received widespread acclaim, earning H.E.R. a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2020, highlighting her impact on the genre. Critics praised its emotional depth and lyrical honesty, which resonated strongly with listeners and contributed to the ongoing evolution of contemporary R&B music. I Used to Know Her: Part 2 is H.E.R.'s follow-up EP to her breakout release, I Used to Know Her: Part 1, which established her as a significant voice in contemporary R&B. Released in late 2018, this project further solidified her artistic identity and showcased her growth as both a songwriter and performer, leading to critical acclaim and Grammy recognition shortly thereafter.

Who is I Used to Know Her: Part 2 for?

I Used to Know Her: Part 2 works well if you're into steady pacing with emotional depth, introspective moments for reflection and soulful melodies for late nights.

How many songs are on I Used to Know Her: Part 2?

I Used to Know Her: Part 2 has 8 tracks, running approximately 28 minutes.

Released 8 years ago this November

I Used to Know Her: Part 2

H.E.R. · 2018

28 min · 8 tracks · contemporary R&B

An intimate blend of contemporary R&B infused with deeply personal songwriting and soulful melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hard Place — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of inner conflict and vulnerability, showcasing H.E.R.'s vocal range against a minimalist backdrop that amplifies its emotional weight.
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Carried Away — Opening the EP, this song encapsulates the tension between desire and self-doubt, effectively setting the thematic tone for the entire project with its rich instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics.
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I’m Not OK — This track captures raw emotional turmoil through its candid lyrics about heartbreak, offering listeners a relatable glimpse into personal struggles while maintaining a soulful groove.

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

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks some cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in 'Hard Place' and 'Lord Is Coming'.
The interlude 'Going' serves as a brief pause, shifting the mood before returning to more emotionally charged songs.

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

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 pacing with emotional depth
introspective moments for reflection
soulful melodies for late nights
consistent flow with climactic peaks

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
seek standalone singles experience

Where this album fits

Career context: I Used to Know Her: Part 2 is H.E.R.'s follow-up EP to her breakout release, I Used to Know Her: Part 1, which established her as a significant voice in contemporary R&B. Released in late 2018, this project further solidified her artistic identity and showcased her growth as both a songwriter and performer, leading to critical acclaim and Grammy recognition shortly thereafter.
Stylistic neighbors: SZA· Jhené Aiko· Daniel Caesar