Pigments cover

Pigments

Dawn Richard · 2022

36 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant exploration of contemporary R&B that weaves intricate melodies with fluid rhythms and immersive lyrical storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Coral — Opening with lush harmonies, Coral sets the tone for the album’s exploration of identity and emotional depth through vivid imagery.
  • →
    Vantablack — This track captures an intense emotional landscape, employing layered vocal arrangements that highlight Richard's unique artistry and vocal prowess.
  • →
    Saffron — Saffron features a captivating fusion of rhythmic elements and soulful melodies, demonstrating Richard's ability to create infectious hooks while maintaining lyrical sincerity.

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 effectively blends vibrant melodies with personal storytelling, showcasing Richard's growth as an artist.

What we noticed

  • Each track is named after a color, creating a thematic cohesion that ties the album together.
  • The first half of the album features more upbeat tempos, while the second half shifts to slower, more introspective tracks.
  • Lyrical storytelling is prominent, with many songs exploring personal and emotional themes through vivid imagery.
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
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • short, immersive listening sessions
  • layered, dense sonic textures
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 21, 2022, Pigments marks Dawn Richard's fourth studio album and continues her artistic evolution following the critically acclaimed Second Line in 2020. At this point in her career, Richard has firmly established herself as a solo artist while also navigating her roots within the former girl group Danity Kane.
Stylistic neighbors
Kelela· Janelle Monáe· SZA

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Vantablack

    The bridge introduces a moment of introspection where the narrative shifts towards vulnerability and self-acceptance amidst chaos.

    This structural break emphasizes a turning point in the song, allowing listeners to engage deeply with themes of personal growth and resilience.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Coral 3:11
  • 2 Sandstone 3:37
  • 3 Indigo 2:05
  • 4 Vantablack 3:56
  • 5 Sienna 4:52
  • 6 Cerulean 3:32
  • 7 Opal 1:36
  • 8 Saffron 3:53
  • 9 Crimson 3:37
  • 10 Cobalt 1:26
  • 11 Umber 4:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata