I Used to Know Her: The Prelude cover

I Used to Know Her: The Prelude

H.E.R. · 2018

20 min · 6 tracks · contemporary R&B

A smooth blend of contemporary R&B with introspective lyrics that navigate love, identity, and vulnerability.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Could’ve Been — This track features a duet that beautifully encapsulates the complexities of love and regret, highlighting H.E.R.'s emotive vocal delivery alongside featured artist Bryson Tiller.
  • →
    Feel a Way — With its poignant lyrics and atmospheric production, this song captures the internal struggle of navigating relationships, showcasing H.E.R.'s lyrical depth and musicality.
  • →
    Lost Souls — The opening track sets the tone for the EP with its haunting melody and reflective lyrics, illustrating themes of loss and longing that permeate throughout the project.

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 showcases strong songwriting and production but remains within familiar R&B territory.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more contemplative tone with its sparse arrangement.
  • The interlude serves as a brief pause, allowing for a shift in mood before the final two tracks, which return to a more rhythmic feel.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • introspective moments of reflection
  • short bursts of emotional depth
  • gradual build to heartfelt resolution
  • soulful melodies for quiet evenings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, sprawling albums
  • seek high-energy party tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2018, H.E.R. released I Used to Know Her: The Prelude as a follow-up to her self-titled EP from 2017, which had garnered significant attention. This project marked a key moment in her evolution as an artist, showcasing her growth and deeper exploration of personal themes that resonated with her audience.
Stylistic neighbors
SZA· Jhené Aiko· Daniel Caesar
New to H.E.R.? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Feel a Way

    The bridge shifts perspective dramatically, revealing self-doubt while questioning whether love can truly overcome misunderstandings.

    This moment marks a pivotal turn in the narrative, moving from introspection to an outward confrontation of feelings that elevates the emotional stakes.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Lost Souls 2:32
  • 2 Against Me 4:30
  • 3 Be on My (interlude) 1:22
  • 4 Could’ve Been 4:08
  • 5 Feel a Way 3:26
  • 6 As I Am 4:00

What to play next

I Used to Know Her
Listen next

I Used to Know Her

2019
H.E.R.
Go back to

H.E.R.

2017
Full H.E.R. discography Where to start with H.E.R. Artists like H.E.R.
contemporary R&B

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata