Before 2019’s - Ugh, those feels again, Snoh Aalegra was an elusive R&B crooner known mainly amongst genre aficionados. The Swedish-Iranian singer had already cycled through a handful of sounds, remaining most committed to “cinematic soul”—before the breakthrough of - Ugh, those feels again, her most popular song was likely “Nothing Burns Like the Cold,” featuring Vince Staples. But with help from a handful of master producers and instrumentalists including No I.D., Maneesh, D’Mile, and Doctor O, Aalegra found her sweet spot on - Ugh, those feels again, transforming into a mainstream hitmaker and top contender poised to represent the next class of R&B greats. From the album’s sped-up intro, Aalegra appears more sure of herself than ever before. Compared to the lyricism and performance on 2017’s FEELS, the material on - Ugh, those feels again is filled with character, fleshing out more details of Aalegra’s own stories, and creating opportunities for connection. And, for the most part, the production on this 14-track set prefers raw, nostalgic instrumentation to the more involved arrangements of FEELS. Most noteworthy is the album’s anthemic lead single, “I Want You Around.” Toying with timing, Aalegra cherishes love’s innocent beginnings, a stage that is seldom explored in today’s mainstream R&B space. From top to bottom, the sophomore album cuts right into the heart, prompting a collective sigh from those who hear it: “Ugh, those feels again.”