Selah Sue cover

Selah Sue

Selah Sue · 2011

46 min · 12 tracks · rhythm and blues

Soulful melodies intertwine with reggae rhythms, showcasing a vibrant blend of emotions and cultural influences.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Raggamuffin — This track stands out with its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, encapsulating the carefree spirit that defines much of Selah Sue's sound.
  • →
    Peace of Mind — With its introspective lyrics and soothing melody, this song showcases Selah Sue's ability to convey vulnerability while maintaining a laid-back groove.
  • →
    Crazy Vibes — The upbeat energy and catchy hooks in this track reflect the album's overall joyful essence and highlight Selah Sue's charisma as a performer.

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 features strong genre blending and engaging vocal styles but lacks some cohesion in its flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong reggae influence in 'Raggamuffin', which sets a rhythmic tone that persists throughout.
  • Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal style, particularly evident in 'Crazy Vibes' and 'Fyah Fyah'.
  • The instrumentation often blends acoustic elements with electronic beats, creating a layered sound that evolves over the course of the album.
  • Tracks like 'Peace of Mind' and 'Summertime' showcase shifts in tempo and mood, moving from upbeat to more reflective passages.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
5/10

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, consistent energy levels
  • emotional storytelling journeys
  • mid-tempo reflective moments
  • laid-back afternoon vibes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2011, Selah Sue's self-titled debut album marked her entry into the music scene after gaining attention through online platforms. At this point, she was transitioning from a promising newcomer to a recognized artist in Europe, particularly after her earlier EPs established her unique sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Andra Day· Lianne La Havas· Emily King

Tracklist

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

  • 1 This World 4:45
  • 2 Peace of Mind 4:03
  • 3 Raggamuffin 2:40
  • 4 Crazy Vibes 3:48
  • 5 Black Part Love 4:03
  • 6 Mommy 3:37
  • 7 Explanations 2:47
  • 8 Please 5:05
  • 9 Summertime 4:41
  • 10 Crazy Sufferin’ Style 4:08
  • 11 Fyah Fyah 4:02
  • 12 Just Because I Do 2:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata