REVIEW: Blood Orange, Negro Swan

Blood Orange, Negro Swan (Domino)

Devonté Hynes’s fourth studio album explores eclectic sounds, his depression and, in his words, “many types of black depression.” The album’s standout quality is how he musically captures the progressing anxieties and depressive feeling of coloured and queer people. The contrast of the lyrics and production — with infusions of experimental R&B, jazz, soul and grime paired with a warm, glossy electro production — is uniquely comforting and hopeful in how it shines light on troubled minds while also celebrating “black sheeps” that still reside on the margins of society. 8.5/10 Trial Track: “Jewelry”