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| next_year = 2022
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'''''Hey U X''''' (stylized in [[sentence case]]) is the debut [[studio album]] by New Zealand singer-songwriter [[Benee]], released on 13 November 2020 by [[Republic Records]].
'''''Hey U X''''' is the debut [[studio album]] by New Zealand singer-songwriter [[Benee]], released on 13 November 2020 by [[Republic Records]].


''Hey U X'' was primarily written by Benee and frequent collaborator [[Josh Fountain]], who also executive produced the record. It features guest appearances from [[Grimes (musician)|Grimes]], [[Lily Allen]], [[Flo Milli]], [[Gus Dapperton]], [[Mallrat]] and [[Bakar (musician)|Bakar]].
''Hey U X'' was primarily written by Benee and frequent collaborator [[Josh Fountain]], who also executive produced the record. It features guest appearances from [[Grimes (musician)|Grimes]], [[Lily Allen]], [[Flo Milli]], [[Gus Dapperton]], [[Mallrat]] and [[Bakar (musician)|Bakar]].
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== Background and release ==
== Background and release ==
Benee told ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' that she would be releasing an album in 2020,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ginsberg|first=Gab|date=8 June 2020|title=Chartbreaker: How BENEE Turned Her Breakup Into a Quarantine-Ready Hot 100 Hit|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9397877/chartbreaker-benee-supalonely-hot-100-interview|access-date=9 June 2020|website=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> before formally announcing the release of ''Hey U X'' on 15 October 2020.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Langford|first=Jackson|date=15 October 2020|title=BENEE announces debut album 'Hey u x', with guest artists Grimes and Lily Allen|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/benee-announces-debut-album-hey-u-x-featuring-grimes-and-lily-allen-2784901|access-date=15 October 2020|website=[[NME]]|issn=0028-6362}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Jenke|first=Tyler|date=15 October 2020|title=BENEE Announces Long-Awaited Debut Album, 'Hey u x'|url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/benee-debut-album-hey-u-x-18089/|access-date=15 October 2020|website=[[Rolling Stone]]|issn=0035-791X}}</ref> She had revealed prior to this that it would differ musically from her existing repertoire,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Droke|first=Carolyn|date=16 October 2020|title=Benee’s Debut Album ’Hey U X’ Features Flo Milli And Grimes|url=https://uproxx.com/pop/benee-debut-album-hey-u-x/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[Uproxx]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Stallone|first=Cole|date=26 May 2020|title=WNYU Interview with New Zealand Rising Star BENEE|url=https://nyunews.com/arts/2020/05/25/wnyu-interview-with-new-zealand-rising-star-benee/|url-status=live|access-date=9 June 2020|website=[[Washington Square News]]|language=en-US}}</ref> telling ''[[Uproxx]]:''<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Droke|first=Carolyn|date=8 September 2020|title=Benee Is Blurring Genre Lines On Her Upcoming Debut Album|url=https://uproxx.com/pop/benee-interview-supalonely-debut-album/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[Uproxx]]}}</ref>
Benee told ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' that she would be releasing an album in 2020,<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Ginsberg|first=Gab|date=8 June 2020|title=Chartbreaker: How BENEE Turned Her Breakup Into a Quarantine-Ready Hot 100 Hit|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9397877/chartbreaker-benee-supalonely-hot-100-interview|access-date=9 June 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> before formally announcing the release of ''Hey U X'' on 15 October 2020.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Langford|first=Jackson|date=15 October 2020|title=BENEE announces debut album 'Hey u x', with guest artists Grimes and Lily Allen|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/benee-announces-debut-album-hey-u-x-featuring-grimes-and-lily-allen-2784901|access-date=15 October 2020|website=[[NME]]|issn=0028-6362}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Jenke|first=Tyler|date=15 October 2020|title=BENEE Announces Long-Awaited Debut Album, 'Hey u x'|url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/benee-debut-album-hey-u-x-18089/|access-date=15 October 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|issn=0035-791X}}</ref> She had revealed prior to this that it would differ musically from her existing repertoire,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Droke|first=Carolyn|date=16 October 2020|title=Benee's Debut Album 'Hey U X' Features Flo Milli And Grimes|url=https://uproxx.com/pop/benee-debut-album-hey-u-x/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[Uproxx]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Stallone|first=Cole|date=26 May 2020|title=WNYU Interview with New Zealand Rising Star BENEE|url=https://nyunews.com/arts/2020/05/25/wnyu-interview-with-new-zealand-rising-star-benee/|access-date=9 June 2020|website=[[Washington Square News]]|language=en-US}}</ref> telling ''[[Uproxx]]:''<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Droke|first=Carolyn|date=8 September 2020|title=Benee Is Blurring Genre Lines On Her Upcoming Debut Album|url=https://uproxx.com/pop/benee-interview-supalonely-debut-album/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[Uproxx]]}}</ref>


{{Quote|text=I think with this album, I haven’t really held back on experimenting with genres and even lyrics. Maybe I would have been more hesitant to do some of the things that I’ve done on this album in my previous bodies of work. [...] I feel like some people who like my other stuff are going to hate this because it’s pretty different. But I had a lot of fun making it. [...] I like the idea of blending genres and I don’t like the idea of kind of pinpointing. I would call [my music] a crispy apple because I try to make a fresh sound. So it’s a fresh, crispy, apple.|author=|title=|source=}}
{{Quote|text=I think with this album, I haven’t really held back on experimenting with genres and even lyrics. Maybe I would have been more hesitant to do some of the things that I’ve done on this album in my previous bodies of work. [...] I feel like some people who like my other stuff are going to hate this because it’s pretty different. But I had a lot of fun making it. [...] I like the idea of blending genres and I don't like the idea of kind of pinpointing. I would call [my music] a crispy apple because I try to make a fresh sound. So it’s a fresh, crispy, apple.|author=|title=|source=}}


On the namesake, she told ''[[The New Zealand Herald]]'', "'Hey u x' was something that was something that I thought was cute. I feel like there's never a word that sums up the whole thing… I try to just find something that's completely relevant."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Burgham|first=Lydia|date=14 October 2020|title=Benee announces debut album 'Hey u x', featuring Grimes and Lily Allen|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/benee-announces-debut-album-hey-u-x-featuring-grimes-and-lily-allen/SOM6BFQHUN4QBPYRTXNQRZ4RTU/|accessdate=14 October 2020|website=[[New Zealand Herald]]|issn=1170-0777}}</ref> The album track "All the Time" features [[Raglan, New Zealand|Raglan]]-based musician [[Muroki]] who became the first signee to Benee's record label, Olive, which she established in early October 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=8 October 2020|title=Benee Launches Olive Label, Signs Muroki: Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9461656/benee-launches-olive-label-signs-muroki-exclusive/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|issn=0006-2510}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=DeVille|first=Chris|date=16 October 2020|title=Benee's Debut Album Features Grimes, Muroki, Lily Allen, & More|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2102590/benee-hey-u-x-tracklist/news/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[Stereogum]]|oclc=1142733705}}</ref> Shortly after the announcement of Olive, Benee embarked on a national headlining arena tour of New Zealand after the country had reported [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand#October 2020|no cases of COVID-19]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Burgham|first=Lydia|date=16 October 2020|title=Concert review: Benee, Spark Arena, Auckland|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/concert-review-benee-spark-arena-auckland/J2DJZZGS6BMGYGQ72YPZ6GKCAA/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[New Zealand Herald]]|issn=1170-0777}}</ref> She performed eight shows across four cities, with the final show at [[Spark Arena]] selling out all 12,000 seats and becoming the first sold-out concert at the venue to be [[Live streaming|livestreamed]] to ticketholders.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bruce|first=Jasper|date=8 October 2020|title=Benee to live-stream sold-out Auckland show later this month|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/benee-to-live-stream-sold-out-auckland-show-later-this-month-2776161|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[NME]]|issn=0028-6362}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=8 October 2020|title=Benee to perform in first livestreamed concert to sold-out arena in New Zealand|url=https://www.theticketingbusiness.com/2020/10/08/benee-perform-first-livestreamed-concert-sold-arena-new-zealand/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=The Ticketing Business}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Fuamoli|first=Sose|date=8 October 2020|title=You'll be able to watch BENEE's sold out Auckland show from home|url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/benee-announces-auckland-arena-livestream-gig/12743282|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[triple j]]|issn=1833-1440}}</ref>
On the namesake, she told ''[[The New Zealand Herald]]'', "'Hey u x' was something that was something that I thought was cute. I feel like there's never a word that sums up the whole thing… I try to just find something that's completely relevant."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Burgham|first=Lydia|date=14 October 2020|title=Benee announces debut album 'Hey u x', featuring Grimes and Lily Allen|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/benee-announces-debut-album-hey-u-x-featuring-grimes-and-lily-allen/SOM6BFQHUN4QBPYRTXNQRZ4RTU/|accessdate=14 October 2020|website=[[New Zealand Herald]]|issn=1170-0777}}</ref> The album track "All the Time" features [[Raglan, New Zealand|Raglan]]-based musician [[Muroki]] who became the first signee to Benee's record label, Olive, which she established in early October 2020.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=8 October 2020|title=Benee Launches Olive Label, Signs Muroki: Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9461656/benee-launches-olive-label-signs-muroki-exclusive/|access-date=19 October 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|issn=0006-2510}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=DeVille|first=Chris|date=16 October 2020|title=Benee's Debut Album Features Grimes, Muroki, Lily Allen, & More|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2102590/benee-hey-u-x-tracklist/news/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[Stereogum]]|oclc=1142733705}}</ref> Shortly after the announcement of Olive, Benee embarked on a national headlining arena tour of New Zealand after the country had reported [[COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand#October 2020|no cases of COVID-19]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Burgham|first=Lydia|date=16 October 2020|title=Concert review: Benee, Spark Arena, Auckland|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/concert-review-benee-spark-arena-auckland/J2DJZZGS6BMGYGQ72YPZ6GKCAA/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[New Zealand Herald]]|issn=1170-0777}}</ref> She performed eight shows across four cities, with the final show at [[Spark Arena]] selling out all 12,000 seats and becoming the first sold-out concert at the venue to be [[Live streaming|livestreamed]] to ticketholders.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bruce|first=Jasper|date=8 October 2020|title=Benee to live-stream sold-out Auckland show later this month|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/benee-to-live-stream-sold-out-auckland-show-later-this-month-2776161|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[NME]]|issn=0028-6362}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=8 October 2020|title=Benee to perform in first livestreamed concert to sold-out arena in New Zealand|url=https://www.theticketingbusiness.com/2020/10/08/benee-perform-first-livestreamed-concert-sold-arena-new-zealand/|access-date=19 October 2020|website=The Ticketing Business}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Fuamoli|first=Sose|date=8 October 2020|title=You'll be able to watch BENEE's sold out Auckland show from home|url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/benee-announces-auckland-arena-livestream-gig/12743282|access-date=19 October 2020|website=[[triple j]]|issn=1833-1440}}</ref>


== Composition ==
== Composition ==
{{expand section|date=July 2021}}
{{expand section|date=July 2021}}
Benee revealed to ''[[Uproxx]]'' that the album "infus[es] elements of 'hardcore' [[Electronic music|electronic]] [music] with [[Trap music|trap]]-style beats."<ref name=":2" />
Benee revealed to ''[[Uproxx]]'' that the album "infus[es] elements of 'hardcore' [[Electronic music|electronic]] [music] with [[Trap music|trap]]-style beats".<ref name=":2" />


==Singles==
==Singles==
"[[Night Garden]]" featuring British musician [[Bakar (musician)|Bakar]] and American producer [[Kenny Beats]] was released on 15 July 2020 as the album's official lead single.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Renshaw|first=David|date=16 July 2020|title=Benee teams up with Kenny Beats and Bakar on "Night Garden"|url=https://www.thefader.com/2020/07/16/benee-kenny-beats-bakar-night-garden|url-status=live|access-date=16 July 2020|website=[[The Fader]]|language=en|issn=1533-5194}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Fuamoli|first=Sose|date=16 July 2020|title=First Spin: BENEE links up with Kenny Beats and Bakar on the creepy-cool 'Night Garden'|url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/first-spin-benee-night-garden-kenny-beats-bakar/12460690|url-status=live|access-date=16 July 2020|website=[[triple j]]|language=en|issn=2203-0905}}</ref> "[[Snail (Benee song)|Snail]]" was released on 10 August 2020 and served the album's second single.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=15 October 2020|title=Benee Shares Her ‘Lockdown' Song ‘Snail’: Stream It Now|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9432109/benee-lockdown-song-snail-listen|access-date=2 October 2020|website=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> Both "Night Garden" and "Snail" received music videos to support their release.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=16 July 2020|title=Benee Takes a Walk Through 'Night Garden'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9419394/benee-night-garden-listen|url-status=live|access-date=17 July 2020|website=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|issn=0006-2510}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Aniftos|first=Rania|date=8 October 2020|title=Benee Goes on a Magical, Colorful Trip for New 'Snail' Video|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9462813/benee-snail-video/|access-date=15 October 2020|website=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> "[[Plain (song)|Plain]]" was released on 27 October 2020 as the third single, but did not receive a music video to support its release.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lim|first=Eddy|date=27 October 2020|title=BENEE shares new single 'Plain' featuring Lily Allen and Flo Milli|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/benee-shares-new-single-plain-featuring-lily-allen-and-flo-milli-2801011|access-date=28 October 2020|website=[[NME]]|issn=0028-6362}}</ref> "[[Kool (Benee song)|Kool]]" was released as the fourth single from the album, along with a music video.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-09|title=Benee debuting "Kool" music video on YouTube’s 'Released'|url=https://www.wrmf.com/benee-debuting-kool-music-video-on-youtubes-released/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=97.9 WRMF|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Amy|date=2020-11-13|title=Benee On Defying — And Exceeding — Expectations: "I love that I could release a rap song and it wouldn’t be a shock"|url=https://www.gq.com.au/entertainment/music/benee-on-defying-and-exceeding-expectations-i-love-that-i-could-release-a-rap-song-and-it-wouldnt-be-a-shock/image-gallery/52fa8a7be5df69a1f500dbdf1ae8bae7|access-date=2020-11-13|website=GQ|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=BENEE on Instagram: "ALSO this is out in the world 🥺 I luv @thesims"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CHhj5yQAYv4/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=Instagram|language=en}}</ref>
"[[Night Garden]]" featuring British musician [[Bakar (musician)|Bakar]] and American producer [[Kenny Beats]] was released on 15 July 2020 as the album's official lead single.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Renshaw|first=David|date=16 July 2020|title=Benee teams up with Kenny Beats and Bakar on "Night Garden"|url=https://www.thefader.com/2020/07/16/benee-kenny-beats-bakar-night-garden|access-date=16 July 2020|website=[[The Fader]]|language=en|issn=1533-5194}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Fuamoli|first=Sose|date=16 July 2020|title=First Spin: BENEE links up with Kenny Beats and Bakar on the creepy-cool 'Night Garden'|url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/musicnews/first-spin-benee-night-garden-kenny-beats-bakar/12460690|access-date=16 July 2020|website=[[triple j]]|language=en|issn=2203-0905}}</ref> "[[Snail (Benee song)|Snail]]" was released on 10 August 2020 and served the album's second single.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=15 October 2020|title=Benee Shares Her 'Lockdown' Song 'Snail': Stream It Now|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9432109/benee-lockdown-song-snail-listen|access-date=2 October 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> Both "Night Garden" and "Snail" received music videos to support their release.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=16 July 2020|title=Benee Takes a Walk Through 'Night Garden'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9419394/benee-night-garden-listen|access-date=17 July 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|issn=0006-2510}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Aniftos|first=Rania|date=8 October 2020|title=Benee Goes on a Magical, Colorful Trip for New 'Snail' Video|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9462813/benee-snail-video/|access-date=15 October 2020|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|issn=0006-2510}}</ref> "[[Plain (song)|Plain]]" was released on 27 October 2020 as the third single, but did not receive a music video to support its release.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lim|first=Eddy|date=27 October 2020|title=BENEE shares new single 'Plain' featuring Lily Allen and Flo Milli|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/benee-shares-new-single-plain-featuring-lily-allen-and-flo-milli-2801011|access-date=28 October 2020|website=[[NME]]|issn=0028-6362}}</ref> "[[Kool (Benee song)|Kool]]" was released as the fourth single from the album, along with a music video.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-09|title=Benee debuting "Kool" music video on YouTube's 'Released'|url=https://www.wrmf.com/benee-debuting-kool-music-video-on-youtubes-released/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=97.9 WRMF|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Campbell|first=Amy|date=2020-11-13|title=Benee On Defying — And Exceeding — Expectations: "I love that I could release a rap song and it wouldn't be a shock"|url=https://www.gq.com.au/entertainment/music/benee-on-defying-and-exceeding-expectations-i-love-that-i-could-release-a-rap-song-and-it-wouldnt-be-a-shock/image-gallery/52fa8a7be5df69a1f500dbdf1ae8bae7|access-date=2020-11-13|website=GQ|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=BENEE on Instagram: "ALSO this is out in the world 🥺 I luv @thesims"|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CHhj5yQAYv4/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=Instagram|language=en}}</ref>


''Hey U X'' also includes the song "[[Supalonely]]" featuring [[Gus Dapperton]], which served as the third single from the 2019 EP ''[[Stella & Steve]]'', and achieved mainstream international success following its popularization on the social media platform [[TikTok]] in early 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hirsh|first=Marc|date=21 August 2020|title=Benee, the New Zealand singer behind 'Supalonely,' is cool if you don't like her music|url=https://ew.com/music/benee-interview-supalonely/|access-date=15 October 2020|website=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|issn=1049-0434}}</ref>
''Hey U X'' also includes the song "[[Supalonely]]" featuring [[Gus Dapperton]], which served as the third single from the 2019 EP ''[[Stella & Steve]]'', and achieved mainstream international success following its popularization on the social media platform [[TikTok]] in early 2020.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Hirsh|first=Marc|date=21 August 2020|title=Benee, the New Zealand singer behind 'Supalonely,' is cool if you don't like her music|url=https://ew.com/music/benee-interview-supalonely/|access-date=15 October 2020|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|issn=1049-0434}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
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{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
| MC = 78/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/hey-u-x/benee|title=Hey U X by Benee |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| MC = 78/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/hey-u-x/benee|title=Hey U X by Benee |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| ADM = 7.6/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://anydecentmusic.com/review/12651/BENEE-Hey-u-x.aspx|title=BENEE - Hey u x|publisher=[[AnyDecentMusic?]]|accessdate=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| ADM = 7.6/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://anydecentmusic.com/review/12651/BENEE-Hey-u-x.aspx|title=BENEE - Hey u x|publisher=AnyDecentMusic?|accessdate=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[DIY (magazine)|DIY]]''
| rev1 = ''[[DIY (magazine)|DIY]]''
| rev1score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 November 2020|url=https://diymag.com/2020/11/12/benee-hey-u-x-album-review|last=Martin|first=Bella|title=BENEE - Hey u x|accessdate=18 November 2020|website=[[DIY (magazine)|DIY]]}}</ref>
| rev1score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 November 2020|url=https://diymag.com/2020/11/12/benee-hey-u-x-album-review|last=Martin|first=Bella|title=BENEE - Hey u x|accessdate=18 November 2020|website=[[DIY (magazine)|DIY]]}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[Financial Times]]''
| rev2 = ''[[Financial Times]]''
| rev2score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/94d0d74f-48bd-4ba2-bbc4-4a0b139f2b9d|title=Benee's 'Hey u x' illustrates the upside of TikTok-dominated pop|website=[[Financial Times]]|accessdate=18 November 2020|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
| rev2score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/94d0d74f-48bd-4ba2-bbc4-4a0b139f2b9d|title=Benee's 'Hey u x' illustrates the upside of TikTok-dominated pop|website=[[Financial Times]]|date=13 November 2020 |accessdate=18 November 2020|url-access=subscription |last1=Hunter-Tilney |first1=Ludovic }}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Gigwise]]''
| rev3 = ''[[Gigwise]]''
| rev3score = 7.0/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/reviews/3392556/album-review-benee-hey-u-x|title=Album Review: BENEE - hey u x|website=[[Gigwise]]|first=Alex|last=Rigotti|date=10 November 2020|accessdate=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| rev3score = 7.0/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/reviews/3392556/album-review-benee-hey-u-x|title=Album Review: BENEE - hey u x|website=[[Gigwise]]|first=Alex|last=Rigotti|date=10 November 2020|accessdate=18 November 2020}}</ref>
Line 68: Line 68:
| rev5score = 8.0/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/benee-hey-u-x-album-review|title=BENEE explores a quirky and adventurous range on the hotly anticipated hey u x|website=[[The Line of Best Fit]]|date=9 November 2020|accessdate=18 November 2020|last=Cromb|first=Dan}}</ref>
| rev5score = 8.0/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/benee-hey-u-x-album-review|title=BENEE explores a quirky and adventurous range on the hotly anticipated hey u x|website=[[The Line of Best Fit]]|date=9 November 2020|accessdate=18 November 2020|last=Cromb|first=Dan}}</ref>
| rev6 = ''[[musicOMH]]''
| rev6 = ''[[musicOMH]]''
| rev6score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="OMHreview">{{Cite web|last=Murphy|first=John|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/benee-hey-u-x|title=Benee – Hey U X|date=16 November 2020|publisher=[[musicOMH]]|accessdate=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| rev6score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="OMHreview">{{Cite web|last=Murphy|first=John|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/benee-hey-u-x|title=Benee – Hey U X|date=16 November 2020|website=[[musicOMH]]|accessdate=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[NME]]''
| rev7 = ''[[NME]]''
| rev7score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="NMEreview">{{Cite web|last=O' Reilly|first=Caitlin|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/benee-hey-u-x-review-radar-2814428|title=Benee - ‘Hey u x’ review: New Zealand’s alt-pop hero trades loneliness for party-starting spirit|date=11 November 2020|publisher=[[NME]]|accessdate=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| rev7score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="NMEreview">{{Cite web|last=O' Reilly|first=Caitlin|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/benee-hey-u-x-review-radar-2814428|title=Benee - 'Hey u x' review: New Zealand's alt-pop hero trades loneliness for party-starting spirit|date=11 November 2020|work=[[NME]]|accessdate=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| rev8 = ''[[The Observer]]''
| rev8 = ''[[The Observer]]''
| rev8score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="TOreview">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/nov/15/benee-hey-u-x-review-stella-bennett-debut-new-zealand-supalonely|title=Benee: Hey U X review – endearingly careworn|publisher=[[The Observer]]|last=Cragg|first=Michael|date=15 November 2020|accessdate=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| rev8score = {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="TOreview">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/nov/15/benee-hey-u-x-review-stella-bennett-debut-new-zealand-supalonely|title=Benee: Hey U X review – endearingly careworn|work=[[The Observer]]|last=Cragg|first=Michael|date=15 November 2020|accessdate=18 November 2020}}</ref>
| rev9 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev9 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]''
| rev9score = 6.4/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/benee-hey-u-x/|title=BENEE - Hey u x|last=Jocelyn|first=Hannah|date=23 November 2020|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|access-date=11 December 2020}}</ref>
| rev9score = 6.4/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/benee-hey-u-x/|title=BENEE - Hey u x|last=Jocelyn|first=Hannah|date=23 November 2020|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|access-date=11 December 2020}}</ref>
}}
}}


''Hey U X'' received mostly positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pilerats.com/written/get-to-know/benees-lychee/ |title=Benee shares her Lychee: "I love meeting the people who listen to my music as much as they love meeting me" |work=Pilerats |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022 |author=Backler, Will |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303040036/http://pilerats.com/written/get-to-know/benees-lychee/ |archive-date=3 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[standard score|normalized]] score out of 100 to ratings from publications, the album received an [[weighted arithmetic mean|average]] score of 78 based on 10 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref name="MC"/> [[Radio New Zealand]] ranked the album at number 16 on their list of the 20 best albums of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 December 2020|title=BEST OF 2020: RNZ Music's top 20 albums|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/nat-music/audio/2018775504/best-of-2020-rnz-music-s-top-20-albums|access-date=11 December 2020|website=[[RNZ]]}}</ref>
''Hey U X'' received mostly positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pilerats.com/written/get-to-know/benees-lychee/ |title=Benee shares her Lychee: "I love meeting the people who listen to my music as much as they love meeting me" |work=Pilerats |date=3 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022 |author=Backler, Will |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303040036/http://pilerats.com/written/get-to-know/benees-lychee/ |archive-date=3 March 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[standard score|normalised]] score out of 100 to ratings from publications, the album received an [[weighted arithmetic mean|average]] score of 78 based on 10 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".<ref name="MC"/> [[Radio New Zealand]] ranked the album at number 16 on their list of the 20 best albums of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 December 2020|title=Best of 2020: RNZ Music's top 20 albums|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/nat-music/audio/2018775504/best-of-2020-rnz-music-s-top-20-albums|access-date=11 December 2020|website=[[RNZ]]}}</ref>


== Track listing ==
== Track listing ==
Line 163: Line 163:
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Chart performance for ''Hey U X''
|+Chart performance for ''Hey U X''
|-
! scope="col"| Chart (2020)
! scope="col"| Chart (2020)
! scope="col"| Peak<br /> position
! scope="col"| Peak<br /> position
|-
|-
{{album chart|Australia|22|artist=Benee|album=Hey U X|rowheader=true|access-date=6 December 2022}}
! scope="row"| Australian Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/albums-chart|title=ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|date=23 November 2020|accessdate=21 November 2020}}</ref>
| 22
|-
|-
{{album chart|New Zealand|2|artist=Benee|album=Hey U X|rowheader=true|access-date=6 December 2022}}
! scope="row"| New Zealand Albums ([[Recorded Music NZ|RMNZ]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/albums?chart=4973|title=NZ Top 40 Albums Chart|publisher=[[Recorded Music NZ]]|date=23 November 2020|accessdate=20 November 2020}}</ref>
| 2
|}
|}


Latest revision as of 22:57, 3 December 2024

Hey U X
Studio album by
Benee
Released13 November 2020
Recorded2020
GenreAlt-pop[1]
Length44:07
LabelRepublic
Producer
Benee chronology
Stella & Steve
(2019) 		Hey U X
(2020) 		Lychee
(2022)
Singles from Hey U X
  1. "Night Garden"
    Released: 15 July 2020
  2. "Snail"
    Released: 10 August 2020
  3. "Plain"
    Released: 27 October 2020
  4. "Kool"
    Released: 13 November 2020

Hey U X is the debut studio album by New Zealand singer-songwriter Benee, released on 13 November 2020 by Republic Records.

Hey U X was primarily written by Benee and frequent collaborator Josh Fountain, who also executive produced the record. It features guest appearances from Grimes, Lily Allen, Flo Milli, Gus Dapperton, Mallrat and Bakar.

Supported by four singles—"Night Garden", "Snail", "Plain", and "Kool",—Hey U X debuted and peaked at number two on the NZ Albums Chart and number twenty-two on the ARIA Albums Chart. The album received generally positive reviews from critics, with Radio New Zealand listing it among their best albums of 2020.

Background and release

[edit]

Benee told Billboard that she would be releasing an album in 2020,[2] before formally announcing the release of Hey U X on 15 October 2020.[3][4] She had revealed prior to this that it would differ musically from her existing repertoire,[5][6] telling Uproxx:[7]

I think with this album, I haven’t really held back on experimenting with genres and even lyrics. Maybe I would have been more hesitant to do some of the things that I’ve done on this album in my previous bodies of work. [...] I feel like some people who like my other stuff are going to hate this because it’s pretty different. But I had a lot of fun making it. [...] I like the idea of blending genres and I don't like the idea of kind of pinpointing. I would call [my music] a crispy apple because I try to make a fresh sound. So it’s a fresh, crispy, apple.

On the namesake, she told The New Zealand Herald, "'Hey u x' was something that was something that I thought was cute. I feel like there's never a word that sums up the whole thing… I try to just find something that's completely relevant."[8] The album track "All the Time" features Raglan-based musician Muroki who became the first signee to Benee's record label, Olive, which she established in early October 2020.[9][10] Shortly after the announcement of Olive, Benee embarked on a national headlining arena tour of New Zealand after the country had reported no cases of COVID-19.[11] She performed eight shows across four cities, with the final show at Spark Arena selling out all 12,000 seats and becoming the first sold-out concert at the venue to be livestreamed to ticketholders.[12][13][14]

Composition

[edit]

Benee revealed to Uproxx that the album "infus[es] elements of 'hardcore' electronic [music] with trap-style beats".[7]

Singles

[edit]

"Night Garden" featuring British musician Bakar and American producer Kenny Beats was released on 15 July 2020 as the album's official lead single.[15][16] "Snail" was released on 10 August 2020 and served the album's second single.[17] Both "Night Garden" and "Snail" received music videos to support their release.[18][19] "Plain" was released on 27 October 2020 as the third single, but did not receive a music video to support its release.[20] "Kool" was released as the fourth single from the album, along with a music video.[21][22][23]

Hey U X also includes the song "Supalonely" featuring Gus Dapperton, which served as the third single from the 2019 EP Stella & Steve, and achieved mainstream international success following its popularization on the social media platform TikTok in early 2020.[24]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic?7.6/10[26]
Metacritic78/100[25]
Review scores
SourceRating
DIY[27]
Financial Times[28]
Gigwise7.0/10[29]
The Independent[30]
The Line of Best Fit8.0/10[31]
musicOMH[32]
NME[1]
The Observer[33]
Pitchfork6.4/10[34]

Hey U X received mostly positive reviews.[35] At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised score out of 100 to ratings from publications, the album received an average score of 78 based on 10 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[25] Radio New Zealand ranked the album at number 16 on their list of the 20 best albums of 2020.[36]

Track listing

[edit]
Hey U X track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Happen to Me"
Fountain3:51
2."Same Effect"
4:04
3."Sheesh" (featuring Grimes)
Fountain3:33
4."Supalonely" (featuring Gus Dapperton)
Fountain3:43
5."Snail"
  • Bennett
  • Fountain
Fountain3:00
6."Plain" (featuring Lily Allen and Flo Milli)
  • Fountain
  • Suskov
3:52
7."Kool"
  • Bennett
  • Fountain
  • Schoushkoff
  • Fountain
  • Suskov
2:48
8."Winter" (featuring Mallrat)
  • Fountain
  • Christian
3:07
9."A Little While"BennettFountain3:18
10."Night Garden" (featuring Kenny Beats and Bakar)
Kenny Beats3:41
11."All the Time" (featuring Muroki)
  • Bennett
  • Fountain
  • Christian
  • Fountain
  • Christian
3:08
12."If I Get to Meet You"
  • Bennett
  • Fountain
Fountain3:02
13."C U"
  • Bennett
  • Fountain
  • Schoushkoff
  • Fountain
  • Suskov
3:00
Total length:44:07
CD edition hidden track
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Make You Sick"
9:46

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for Hey U X
Chart (2020) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[38] 22
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[39] 2

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b O' Reilly, Caitlin (11 November 2020). "Benee - 'Hey u x' review: New Zealand's alt-pop hero trades loneliness for party-starting spirit". NME. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  2. ^ Ginsberg, Gab (8 June 2020). "Chartbreaker: How BENEE Turned Her Breakup Into a Quarantine-Ready Hot 100 Hit". Billboard. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  3. ^ Langford, Jackson (15 October 2020). "BENEE announces debut album 'Hey u x', with guest artists Grimes and Lily Allen". NME. ISSN 0028-6362. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  4. ^ Jenke, Tyler (15 October 2020). "BENEE Announces Long-Awaited Debut Album, 'Hey u x'". Rolling Stone. ISSN 0035-791X. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  5. ^ Droke, Carolyn (16 October 2020). "Benee's Debut Album 'Hey U X' Features Flo Milli And Grimes". Uproxx. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  6. ^ Stallone, Cole (26 May 2020). "WNYU Interview with New Zealand Rising Star BENEE". Washington Square News. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
  7. ^ a b Droke, Carolyn (8 September 2020). "Benee Is Blurring Genre Lines On Her Upcoming Debut Album". Uproxx. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  8. ^ Burgham, Lydia (14 October 2020). "Benee announces debut album 'Hey u x', featuring Grimes and Lily Allen". New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
  9. ^ Brandle, Lars (8 October 2020). "Benee Launches Olive Label, Signs Muroki: Exclusive". Billboard. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  10. ^ DeVille, Chris (16 October 2020). "Benee's Debut Album Features Grimes, Muroki, Lily Allen, & More". Stereogum. OCLC 1142733705. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  11. ^ Burgham, Lydia (16 October 2020). "Concert review: Benee, Spark Arena, Auckland". New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  12. ^ Bruce, Jasper (8 October 2020). "Benee to live-stream sold-out Auckland show later this month". NME. ISSN 0028-6362. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  13. ^ "Benee to perform in first livestreamed concert to sold-out arena in New Zealand". The Ticketing Business. 8 October 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  14. ^ Fuamoli, Sose (8 October 2020). "You'll be able to watch BENEE's sold out Auckland show from home". triple j. ISSN 1833-1440. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  15. ^ Renshaw, David (16 July 2020). "Benee teams up with Kenny Beats and Bakar on "Night Garden"". The Fader. ISSN 1533-5194. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  16. ^ Fuamoli, Sose (16 July 2020). "First Spin: BENEE links up with Kenny Beats and Bakar on the creepy-cool 'Night Garden'". triple j. ISSN 2203-0905. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  17. ^ Brandle, Lars (15 October 2020). "Benee Shares Her 'Lockdown' Song 'Snail': Stream It Now". Billboard. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  18. ^ Brandle, Lars (16 July 2020). "Benee Takes a Walk Through 'Night Garden'". Billboard. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 17 July 2020.
  19. ^ Aniftos, Rania (8 October 2020). "Benee Goes on a Magical, Colorful Trip for New 'Snail' Video". Billboard. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  20. ^ Lim, Eddy (27 October 2020). "BENEE shares new single 'Plain' featuring Lily Allen and Flo Milli". NME. ISSN 0028-6362. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  21. ^ "Benee debuting "Kool" music video on YouTube's 'Released'". 97.9 WRMF. 9 November 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  22. ^ Campbell, Amy (13 November 2020). "Benee On Defying — And Exceeding — Expectations: "I love that I could release a rap song and it wouldn't be a shock"". GQ. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  23. ^ "BENEE on Instagram: "ALSO this is out in the world 🥺 I luv @thesims"". Instagram. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  24. ^ Hirsh, Marc (21 August 2020). "Benee, the New Zealand singer behind 'Supalonely,' is cool if you don't like her music". Entertainment Weekly. ISSN 1049-0434. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  25. ^ a b "Hey U X by Benee". Metacritic. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  26. ^ "BENEE - Hey u x". AnyDecentMusic?. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  27. ^ Martin, Bella (13 November 2020). "BENEE - Hey u x". DIY. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  28. ^ Hunter-Tilney, Ludovic (13 November 2020). "Benee's 'Hey u x' illustrates the upside of TikTok-dominated pop". Financial Times. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  29. ^ Rigotti, Alex (10 November 2020). "Album Review: BENEE - hey u x". Gigwise. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  30. ^ O'Connor, Roisin (12 November 2020). "Album reviews: Chris Stapleton, Benee, McFly and Sophie Ellis-Bextor". The Independent. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  31. ^ Cromb, Dan (9 November 2020). "BENEE explores a quirky and adventurous range on the hotly anticipated hey u x". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  32. ^ Murphy, John (16 November 2020). "Benee – Hey U X". musicOMH. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  33. ^ Cragg, Michael (15 November 2020). "Benee: Hey U X review – endearingly careworn". The Observer. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  34. ^ Jocelyn, Hannah (23 November 2020). "BENEE - Hey u x". Pitchfork. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  35. ^ Backler, Will (3 March 2022). "Benee shares her Lychee: "I love meeting the people who listen to my music as much as they love meeting me"". Pilerats. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  36. ^ "Best of 2020: RNZ Music's top 20 albums". RNZ. 5 December 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  37. ^ "Song Details: Make You Sick". Universal Music Group. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  38. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Benee – Hey U X". Hung Medien. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  39. ^ "Charts.nz – Benee – Hey U X". Hung Medien. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
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