What makes My Fairy Tales by Nneka notable?

The album received positive reviews from critics for its fusion of sounds and deeply personal lyrics. It helped solidify Nneka's presence in the international music landscape, particularly among audiences seeking authenticity in pop music. Additionally, tracks like 'Believe System' resonated for their commentary on socio-political issues. My Fairy Tales is Nneka's fourth studio album, following her 2012 release, Soul Is Heavy. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a unique voice in the global music scene, often blending African influences with contemporary genres. The album showcases her growth as an artist committed to exploring themes of love, identity, and spirituality.

Who is My Fairy Tales for?

My Fairy Tales works well if you're into steady flow with soulful grooves, uplifting themes of love and and intimate listening for connection.

How many songs are on My Fairy Tales?

My Fairy Tales has 9 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

My Fairy Tales

Nneka · 2015

34 min · 9 tracks · pop music

A vibrant blend of pop, ragga, and soul, reflecting personal narratives through infectious melodies and rhythmic grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Believe System — This track stands out for its powerful critique of societal norms and belief systems, delivered through an engaging melody that invites reflection.
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Local Champion — In this song, Nneka celebrates resilience and self-empowerment, using catchy hooks to convey a message of pride and determination.
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Pray for You — This heartfelt ballad showcases Nneka's vocal range and emotional depth as she expresses longing and vulnerability, adding a personal touch to the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends pop and African influences effectively but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong rhythmic groove in 'Believe System', setting a vibrant tone that persists through the first half.
Tracks like 'My Love, My Love' and 'Local Champion' feature layered vocal harmonies that intertwine with the instrumentation, enhancing the emotional delivery.
The final track, 'In Me', serves as a reflective conclusion, contrasting with the more upbeat earlier songs by slowing down the tempo.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 flow with soulful grooves
uplifting themes of love and
intimate listening for connection
reprises that deepen emotional impact

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
seek standalone singles over cohesion

Where this album fits

Career context: My Fairy Tales is Nneka's fourth studio album, following her 2012 release, Soul Is Heavy. At this point in her career, she had established herself as a unique voice in the global music scene, often blending African influences with contemporary genres. The album showcases her growth as an artist committed to exploring themes of love, identity, and spirituality.
Stylistic neighbors: Janelle Monáe· Erykah Badu· Lianne La Havas