Lucid cover

Released 7 years ago this October

Lucid

Aṣa · 2019

47 min · 14 tracks · folk music

Aṣa's Lucid blends soulful melodies with sharp social commentary, weaving together pop, jazz, and Afrobeat influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Murder In The USA — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its poignant critique of systemic violence and societal issues, showcasing Aṣa's fearless songwriting.
  • →
    Good Thing — With its infectious groove and uplifting message, this track highlights Aṣa's ability to blend social commentary with catchy melodies, making it a standout piece.
  • →
    Happy People — This song encapsulates the album's theme of resilience and joy amidst adversity, presenting a vibrant sound that invites listeners to reflect on positivity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Aṣa's 'Lucid' blends diverse influences with sharp lyrics, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong narrative in 'Murder In The USA', setting a tone of social critique that persists throughout.
  • Tracks like 'Good Thing' and 'Happy People' incorporate upbeat rhythms, while others like 'Torn' shift to more introspective melodies.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics and creating a rich soundscape.
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
7/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • poignant themes for deep thinking
  • warm melodies for cozy evenings
  • uplifting vibes for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Lucid is Aṣa's fourth studio album, released after a five-year hiatus following her previous album, Bed of Stone in 2014. This record marks a return to her roots, exploring themes of identity and society while continuing to develop her unique sound that fuses various genres.
Stylistic neighbors
Nneka· Sampa the Great· yuna

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Murder In The USA 4:03
  • 2 The Beginning 3:44
  • 3 Good Thing 2:50
  • 4 Stay Tonight 3:02
  • 5 Torn 3:24
  • 6 Happy People 3:37
  • 7 You And Me 3:14
  • 8 Femi Mo 3:27
  • 9 Makes No Sense 3:33
  • 10 365 3:19
  • 11 Until We Try 3:19
  • 12 9 Lives 2:59
  • 13 Don´t Let Me Go 2:53
  • 14 My Dear 3:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata