What makes Now Is Early by Nicolette notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of genres and was praised in outlets like NME and The Wire. It played a significant role in shaping the sound of early trip-hop, influencing future artists in electronic and downtempo music scenes. Now Is Early marked Nicolette's debut album, establishing her presence in the burgeoning trip-hop scene of the early '90s. Released in January 1992, it came just as artists like Massive Attack and Portishead were beginning to redefine British music with their own genre-blending sounds.

How many songs are on Now Is Early?

Now Is Early has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Now Is Early

Nicolette · 1992

38 min · 9 tracks · electronic music

A fusion of ethereal vocals and intricate rhythms that intertwine electronic, world music, and acid jazz influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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No Government — This opening track sets the tone with its confrontational lyrics and hypnotic beats, encapsulating the album's experimental spirit.
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Dove Song — Its lush arrangements and layered vocals highlight Nicolette's ability to merge pop sensibilities with intricate soundscapes.
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Wicked Mathematics — This track exemplifies the complex rhythmic structures and sonic experimentation that characterize the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends genres with strong production, making it a notable entry in early trip-hop.

What we noticed

The album closes with 'A Single Ring', which features a minimalist arrangement that contrasts with the earlier complexity.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 No Government 2:05
2 Dove Song 4:55
3 Single Minded (vocal) 3:11
4 I Woke Up 4:51
5 Waking Up (remix) 5:01
6 O Si Nene 5:56
7 It's Only to Be Expected 5:42
8 Wicked Mathematics 4:09
9 A Single Ring 2:11

What to play next

Listen next

Let No-One Live Rent Free in Your Head

1996

Go back to

O Si Nene / Udi Egwu

1991

Full Nicolette discography Artists like Nicolette

electronica trip hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata