Sault 10
Sault's 10 arrives as a quietly confident recalibration, swapping some of the collective's recent experimental heft for immediate, sumptuous R&B that often channels 1970s and 1980s soul. Across two professional reviews the record earned an 80/100 consensus score, and critics note that its mix of faith-forward lyricism, stealthy anonymity and genre hybridity marks both a reinvention and a deliberate return to melody. Tracks like “T.H.” and “K.T.Y.W.S.” are repeatedly singled out for their Michael Jackson-flavored hooks and propulsive keyboards, while “R.L.” surfaces as a standout that nods to classic soul without feeling derivative.
Professional reviews praise moments of stripped production and gospel-tinged rush alongside evidence of restless invention; Variety frames 10 as Sault's most accessible, even their best in recent years, whereas The Line of Best Fit celebrates exquisite highs while calling some faith-focused or instrumental passages less immediate. Critics consistently highlight the record's balance between accessibility and experimentation, noting how shorter, fuller productions emerge as the album's most compelling statements. Across these perspectives the critical consensus suggests that 10 is worth listening to for fans seeking the best songs on the record and for newcomers curious whether the album is good - its craft, restraint and standout tracks provide a persuasive answer.
Taken together, the professional reviews position 10 as a pivotal entry in Sault's catalog: a record that substitutes a degree of mystery for clearer melodies and occasional gospel fervor, and one whose rewards are greatest when its brisk, fully realized tracks take center stage. Below, read the full reviews that shaped this consensus.
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
T.H.
1 mention
"The first track “T.H.” features “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough”-style percussion and peppy horns"— Variety
K.T.Y.W.S.
1 mention
"you’ll hear a keyboard hook that nods to “Rock With You” "K.T.Y.W.S""— Variety
R.L.
1 mention
"There’s a song called “R.L.,” probably “Real Love,” that nods to the Mary J. Blige classic"— Variety
The first track “T.H.” features “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough”-style percussion and peppy horns
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
T.H.
R.L.
K.T.Y.W.S.
P
I.L.T.S.
L.U.
S.I.T.L.
H.T.T.R.
W.A.L.
S.O.T.H.
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 2 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
Sault’s 10 reads like a stealthy greatest-hits-in-waiting, trading some of the group’s recent experimental heft for immediate, sumptuous R&B. Jem Aswad leans into how tracks like “T.H.” and “K.T.Y.W.S.” wink at Michael Jackson while still sounding unmistakably Sault, the keyboards and horns pushing melody forward. The review praises the album as the group’s most accessible in years, noting that “R.L.” evokes classic soul touchstones without ever feeling derivative. Overall the piece frames 10 as their best and most quietly triumphant drop in some time, a record where craft and restraint win out.
Key Points
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The best song(s) stand out by channeling classic MJ-era hooks and percussion while keeping Sault’s tasteful rhythm section front and center.
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The album’s core strengths are its blend of vintage R&B references, tasteful arrangements, and accessible songwriting that still feels characteristically stealthy.
Themes
Critic's Take
In a voice that mixes exultant fandom with forensic appraisal, Sault’s 10 feels like a band spinning the wheel of invention - still brilliant, sometimes less necessary. The review fixes on how their faith-forward messaging and a batch of instrumentals make this record less immediately relatable, even as it offers exquisite moments of speed and gospel-tinged rush. If you ask "best tracks on 10" or "best songs on 10", the album’s highlights arrive within its quicker, more fully produced moments that recall their peak records. The record reads as both a consolation prize and proof of craft: glorious at times, unfinished at others.
Key Points
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The best moments come from the album’s faster, more fully produced songs that recall SAULT’s peak records.
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The album’s core strengths are restless reinvention, genre-blending ambition, and moments of exquisite production despite unevenness.