{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}} {{Infobox album | name = Softscars | type = studio | artist = Yeule | cover = Yeule - Softscars.png | alt = | released = {{start date|2023|9|22}} | recorded = | studio = | genre = * Alternative rock * shoegaze * glitch pop * indietronica * dream pop | length = 40:11 | label = * Ninja Tune | producer = * Nat Ćmiel * Chris Greatti * Kin Leonn * Mura Masa | prev_title = Glitch Princess | prev_year = 2022 | next_title = Evangelic Girl Is a Gun | next_year = 2025 | misc = {{Singles | name = Softscars | type = studio | single1 = Sulky Baby | single1date = May 10, 2023 | single2 = Dazies | single2date = July 12, 2023 | single3 = Fish in the Pool | single3date = July 12, 2023 | single4 = Ghosts | single4date = August 9, 2023 | single5 = Inferno | single5date = August 31, 2023 | single6 = Softscars | single6date = September 14, 2023 }} }}
'''''Softscars''''' (stylized in all lowercase) is the third studio album by Singaporean musician Yeule. It was released on September 22, 2023, through Ninja Tune. Starting in May, with "Sulky Baby", six of the 12 tracks were released as singles prior to the album's release.
==Background and singles== Yeule wrote and co-produced the album alongside Kin Leonn. Additional production was handled by Mura Masa and Chris Greatti.<ref name="pf">{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-yeule-new-song-softscars/|title=Listen to Yeule's New Song "Softscars"|last=Bloom|first=Madison|website=Pitchfork|date=September 14, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=September 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919151324/https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-yeule-new-song-softscars/|url-status=live}}</ref> In accordance with the concept of the album, each track signifies a scar tied to Yeule's past.<ref name="stereogum">{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2236151/yeule-softscars/music/|title=yeule – "softscars"|last=Deville|first=Chris|website=Stereogum|date=September 14, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916022507/https://www.stereogum.com/2236151/yeule-softscars/music/|url-status=live}}</ref> They took the "metaphor" of the scar to stand for each song but "each scar remains soft". Yeule also opined that "time never heals a scar completely" but the pain eases up with time, leaving behind a visible mark. They are convinced that the things their ancestors experienced "got passed down", calling it trauma. On the upside, the scar gives them the feeling of "being protected".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2023/07/12/yeule-softscars-release-date|title=yeule Shares New Single 'softscars'|last=Renshaw|first=David|website=The Fader|date=July 12, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=October 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005071313/https://www.thefader.com/2023/07/12/yeule-softscars-release-date|url-status=live}}</ref> Writing the record, they were inside their head, revealing that it hurt "but it was important".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://readdork.com/features/yeule-dork-playlist-cover-september-2023/|title=Yeule: "I'm not afraid to dip my toes into something different"|last=Shutler|first=Ali|website=Dork|date=September 15, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=September 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914170557/https://readdork.com/features/yeule-dork-playlist-cover-september-2023/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Yeule released several singles ahead of the album: "Sulky Baby" on May 11,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/yeule-ninja-tune-new-single-sulky-baby-music-video-3442139|title=Yeule announces signing to Ninja Tune, shares new single 'Sulky Baby'|last=Singh|first=Surej|website=NME|date=May 11, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=October 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005071313/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/yeule-ninja-tune-new-single-sulky-baby-music-video-3442139|url-status=live}}</ref> "Dazies" and "Fish in the Pool" on July 12,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/yeule-new-album-softscares-two-new-singles-dazies-fish-in-the-pool-3468174|title=Yeule announces new album, shares two new singles|last=Singh|first=Surej|website=NME|date=July 13, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=October 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005071314/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/yeule-new-album-softscares-two-new-singles-dazies-fish-in-the-pool-3468174|url-status=live}}</ref> "Ghosts" on August 9<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/yeule-shares-new-song-ghosts-listen/|title=Yeule Shares New Song "Ghosts": Listen|last=Minsker|first=Evan|website=Pitchfork|date=August 9, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=January 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129210015/https://pitchfork.com/news/yeule-shares-new-song-ghosts-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> and "Inferno" on August 31.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2234583/yeule-inferno/music/|title=yeule – "inferno"|last=Deville|first=Chris|website=Stereogum|date=August 31, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=September 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921001329/https://www.stereogum.com/2234583/yeule-inferno/music/|url-status=live}}</ref> They shared the "glitchy, effervescent"<ref name="stereogum"/> title track on September 14, the inspiration behind it being the "garden" of their mind, which is "dark and prickly sweet and sticky".<ref name="pf"/> The song explores the core theme of the album, the marks and scars of past experiences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://diymag.com/news/yeule-album-title-track-softscars|title=Yeule shares album title track 'Softscars'|last=Carter|first=Daisy|website=DIY|date=September 15, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=October 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001121148/https://diymag.com/news/yeule-album-title-track-softscars|url-status=live}}</ref> Yeule announced the album and its accompanying North American tour on July 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/yeule_announces_new_album_softscars_north_american_tour|title=yeule Announces New Album 'softscars,' North American Tour|last=LaPierre|first=Megan|website=Exclaim!|date=July 12, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=January 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129210017/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/yeule_announces_new_album_softscars_north_american_tour|url-status=live}}</ref> While the album was released digitally through Bayonet on September 22, physical copies were available on October 6 via Ninja Tune,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ourculturemag.com/2023/09/15/yeule-shares-new-single-softscars/|title=yeule Shares New Single 'softscars'|last=Pappis|first=Konstantinos|website=Our Culture Mag|date=September 15, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=September 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923172932/https://ourculturemag.com/2023/09/15/yeule-shares-new-single-softscars/|url-status=live}}</ref> to whom they signed earlier that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/indie/yeule-inferno-softscars/|title=Yeule Shares The Ethereal New Single 'Inferno' From Their Forthcoming Album 'Softscars'|last=Chelosky|first=Danielle|website=Uproxx|date=August 31, 2023|access-date=September 17, 2023|archive-date=January 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129210019/https://uproxx.com/indie/yeule-inferno-softscars/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Critical reception== {{Music ratings | MC = 83/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/softscars/yeule|title=''Softscars'' by Yeule Reviews and Tracks|website=Metacritic|access-date=September 22, 2023|archive-date=October 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005071314/https://www.metacritic.com/music/softscars/yeule|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev1 = AllMusic | rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Citation |last=Simpson |first=Paul |title=yeule - softscars Album Reviews, Songs & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/softscars-mw0004044110 |work=AllMusic |access-date=2023-11-04 |language=en |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104143332/https://www.allmusic.com/album/softscars-mw0004044110 |url-status=live }}</ref> | rev2 = ''Beats Per Minute'' | rev2score = 79%<ref name="BPM">{{cite web|url=https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-yeule-softscars/|title=Album Review: Yeule – ''Softscars''|last=Amen|first=John|website=Beats Per Minute|date=September 26, 2023|access-date=September 26, 2023|archive-date=September 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926143844/https://beatsperminute.com/album-review-yeule-softscars/|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev3 = ''DIY'' | rev3score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Otis |date=2023-09-20 |title=yeule - Softscars |url=https://diymag.com/review/album/softscars |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=DIY |language=en |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129205912/https://diymag.com/review/album/softscars |url-status=live }}</ref> | rev4 = ''The Line of Best Fit'' | rev4score = 8/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nguyen |first=Alex |date=September 20, 2023 |title=Yeule: softscars Review - healing process heads inwards {{!}} Pop |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/yeule-softscars-delves-into-emotional-wounds |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104143332/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/albums/yeule-softscars-delves-into-emotional-wounds |url-status=live }}</ref> | rev5 = ''NME'' | rev5score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rigotti |first=Alex |date=2023-09-21 |title=yeule - 'softscars' review: operating miles ahead of their peers |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/yeule-soft-scars-review-tracklist-lyrics-3501719 |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104143331/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/yeule-soft-scars-review-tracklist-lyrics-3501719 |url-status=live }}</ref> | rev6 = ''Pitchfork'' | rev6score = 8.5/10<ref name="PF">{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/yeule-softscars/|title=Yeule: ''Softscars'' Album Review|last=Dombal|first=Ryan|website=Pitchfork|date=September 22, 2023|access-date=September 22, 2023|archive-date=September 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922041026/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/yeule-softscars/|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev7 = ''PopMatters'' | rev7score = 7/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pontecorvo |first=Adriane |date=2023-09-27 |title=Yeule Makes Artful Glitchpop for the AI Era on 'Softscars' |url=https://www.popmatters.com/yeule-softscars-music-review |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=PopMatters |language=en-US |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104143332/https://www.popmatters.com/yeule-softscars-music-review |url-status=live }}</ref> | rev8 = ''Slant Magazine'' | rev8score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mason |first=Eric |date=2023-09-18 |title=Yeule 'Softscars' Review: A Grim but Blissful Examination of Self |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/yeule-softscars-album-review/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Slant Magazine |language=en-US |archive-date=November 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104143332/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/yeule-softscars-album-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> }} ''Softscars'' received a score of 83 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on 12 critics' reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".<ref name="MC"/> Editors at ''Stereogum'' chose this release for Album of the Week, with critic Margaret Ferrell writing that the music feels "electrifyingly urgent", she also praises the lyrics that have "a spiraling reconciliation with the harmful search for perfection".<ref name="sg">{{Cite web |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2236537/album-of-the-week-yeule-softscars/reviews/album-of-the-week/ |title=yeule 'softscars' Review |website=Stereogum |last=Ferrell |first=Margaret |date=2023-09-19 |access-date=2023-09-19 |language=en-US |department=Album of the Week |archive-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919173209/https://www.stereogum.com/2236537/album-of-the-week-yeule-softscars/reviews/album-of-the-week/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Pitchfork'' awarded it their "Best New Music" distinction, with Ryan Dombal commenting that Yeule "shifts from future-shocked electronic pop to a super-sized emotional bloodletting steeped in '90s alternative" and calling the album "a blast, its turbo-charged riffs and sticky melodies all but begging you to crank the volume up".<ref name="PF"/> Writing for ''Beats Per Minute'', John Amen commented, "There's a confluence of pop, futurism, and poetic self-deprecation here that could almost rewrite contemporary XM". He concluded by saying, "Behind that contorted psychodrama is a voyager who's attuned to the ways of humankind – eminently capable of engaging on their own terms".<ref name="BPM"/>
==Track listing== {{Track listing | all_music = Nat Ćmiel, except where noted. | extra_column = Producer(s) | headline = ''Softscars'' track listing | title1 = X W X | music1 = {{hlist|Nat Ćmiel|Kin Leonn}} | extra1 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | length1 = 2:25 | title2 = Sulky Baby | music2 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | extra2 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | length2 = 4:38 | title3 = Softscars | music3 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | extra3 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn|Mura Masa}} | length3 = 3:26 | title4 = 4ui12 | music4 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | extra4 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | length4 = 2:43 | title5 = Ghosts | extra5 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | length5 = 3:40 | title6 = Dazies | music6 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | extra6 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | length6 = 4:24 | title7 = Fish in the Pool | note7 = Shunji Iwai cover | music7 = Shunji Iwai | extra7 = Ćmiel | length7 = 2:31 | title8 = Software Update | extra8 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Mura Masa}} | length8 = 3:36 | title9 = Inferno | extra9 = Ćmiel | length9 = 3:14 | title10 = Bloodbunny | music10 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Kavari|Leonn}} | extra10 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | length10 = 2:42 | title11 = Cyber Meat | extra11 = Chris Greatti | length11 = 3:06 | title12 = Aphex Twin Flame | music12 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Leonn}} | extra12 = {{hlist|Ćmiel|Mura Masa}} | length12 = 3:38 | total_length = 40:03 }} * All tracks are stylized in all lowercase.
==Personnel== * Heba Kadry – mastering * Nathan Boddy – mixing (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7) * Geoff Swan – mixing (3, 4, 6) * Nat Ćmiel – mixing (5, 7–9) * Kin Leonn – mixing (5) * Mitch McCarthy – mixing (11, 12)
==Charts== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ Chart performance for ''Softscars'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2023) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- {{album chart|UKDigital|57|date=20230929|rowheader=true|access-date=September 30, 2023}} |}
==References== {{reflist}}
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Category:2023 albums Category:Albums produced by Mura Masa Category:Bayonet Records albums Category:Ninja Tune albums Category:Yeule albums