Willow: petal rock black

Pitchfork

by Precious Fondren

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Willow’s latest album, *petal rock black*, showcases her relentless experimentation and evolution as an artist. After a decade in the music industry, Willow continues to defy genre boundaries, blending elements of jazz, R&B, pop-punk, and atmospheric sounds into her work. Produced with notable collaborators like George Clinton, Kamasi Washington, Jon Batiste, and Tune-Yards, the album reflects Willow’s ambitious yet sometimes scattered approach to sound design. While she demonstrates exceptional musicianship, the album feels at times overly ambitious, cramming ideas into short tracks that lack a clear narrative or emotional anchor. Willow’s journey as an artist has been marked by her desire to break free from the “nepo baby” label often associated with her celebrity status. She has worked tirelessly to prove her talent and success are earned, not merely tied to her famous parents. This drive is evident in *petal rock black*, where she explores complex compositions and arrangements, often layering intricate instrumentation and vocal performances. However, this experimentation sometimes results in a disjointed listening experience, with songs feeling more like exercises in technical skill than emotionally resonant pieces. At her best, Willow’s music shines when grounded in personal emotion and real experiences. Tracks like *omnipotent* and *holy mystery* highlight her ability to blend sexuality and spirituality with raw conviction. Her layered harmonies and breathy textures add depth and authenticity to these moments, reminiscent of Solange’s approach to harmony as a form of expression. These tracks feel more deliberate and emotionally impactful, showcasing Willow’s true potential when she lets the music speak for itself rather than trying to prove her technical prowess.

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Originally published on Pitchfork on 2/24/2026