Reasonable Woman

Sia’s tenth studio album, Reasonable Woman, released on May 3, 2024, marks a significant chapter in the Australian singer-songwriter’s storied career. Following her 2016 album This Is Acting, Reasonable Woman continues to showcase Sia’s remarkable ability to craft pop music with emotional depth and complexity. The album was released under Monkey Puzzle and Atlantic Records, and it features a blend of collaborators including Jesse Shatkin, Greg Kurstin, Benny Blanco, Jasper Harris, Jim-E Stack, Labrinth, Chaka Khan, Kylie Minogue, Tierra Whack, Kaliii, Jimmy Joliff, and Paris Hilton.

Reasonable Woman was preceded by a strategic rollout of singles. The lead single, “Gimme Love,” dropped on September 13, 2023, setting the stage for the album’s anticipated release. It was followed by “Dance Alone,” a collaboration with Kylie Minogue, released on February 7, 2024, and “Incredible,” featuring Labrinth, released on April 5, 2024. These singles generated considerable buzz, with their vibrant melodies and engaging production hinting at the diverse sounds present on the album. Additionally, the promotional singles “I Forgive You” and “Fame Won’t Love You,” featuring Paris Hilton, were released on April 12 and April 19, respectively, further building momentum leading up to the album’s debut.

The album’s artwork contributes to its narrative. The cover features Sia sitting beside a young girl, both adorned with pink bows in their hair. Sia also wears her signature oversized wig, a symbol of her preference for privacy and artistic persona. Alternative physical releases showcase a different cover, depicting Sia in an orange suit, standing by a pool, with her body partially covered in shades of white, grey, and black, adding a layer of intrigue and artistic flair.

Critical reception of Reasonable Woman has been mixed to average. According to Metacritic, the album holds a score of 59 out of 100, reflecting a range of opinions from critics. Neil Z. Yeung of AllMusic praised the album for revitalizing Sia’s career after what he considered a period of “diminishing returns,” acknowledging its return to form. Katie Colombus of The Arts Desk highlighted the album’s technical skill, memorable melodies, and the empowering nature of Sia’s songwriting. She described the album as consolidating Sia’s reputation as a versatile artist who remains true to her core.

Conversely, The Guardian’s Caitlin Welsh critiqued the album for its simplistic and broad moments, suggesting that some tracks felt like “first drafts” despite reaching for brilliance. This sentiment underscores the divide in how the album is perceived, with some appreciating its emotional and musical breadth, while others find certain elements lacking in depth.

Reasonable Woman represents Sia’s exploration of pop perfection, characterized by its ability to evoke a wide range of human experiences and emotions. The album continues Sia’s tradition of crafting music that resonates on both a personal and universal level, capturing the essence of life’s highs and lows with every chorus. Despite the varied critical responses, Reasonable Woman stands as a testament to Sia’s enduring talent and her capacity to produce music that connects deeply with listeners.