Shamir
Heterosexuality
Release Date: Feb 11, 2022
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock
Record label: Self-released
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Album Review: Heterosexuality by Shamir
Great, Based on 3 Critics
Based on rating 9/10
For Shamir's eighth studio album, Heterosexuality, the Philadelphia artist directly addresses his queerness for the first time by embracing the most expansive definition of the term -- no labels, all bite. If queer acceptance has hit the mainstream, Heterosexuality is the leather bar Pride afterparty the straight allies are too scared to attend. In both message and genre, Shamir actively defies categorization, yet he still manages to bare his soul in visceral detail.
Based on rating 7.5/10
The question of why Shamir Bailey isn't a bigger star by now needs answering. Throughout a back catalogue of daring moves that have almost always landed, the Las Vegas native has built a discography of varied textures and unapologetically queer anthems. And yet, at a time when his art is most needed, the arena shows and "household name" label have passed him by.
Based on rating 3
Artist development can really creep up on the casual listener, much like failing to notice that someone you see every day is getting gradually older. Case in point: gone is the Shamir who popped up several years ago with ad-ready tunes like On The Regular, and in his place is a much more abrasive, confrontational artist who places more emphasis on identity. This multidisciplinary indie rock artist’s androgynous countertenor is still in full effect, but now when those stratospheric highs are reached it is a display of emotional intensity rather than camp.