Not in Chronological Order

Not in Chronological Order is the debut studio album by American singer Julia Michaels. It was released on April 30, 2021, by Republic Records. Background Michaels released her debut single "Issues" in 2017, followed by three extended plays (EP), Nervous System (2017), Inner Monologue Part 1 and Inner Monologue Part 2 (both 2019). In 2020, she released the single "Lie Like This", followed by "All Your Exes" and "Love Is Weird" the following year. On April 9, 2021, Women's Wear Daily announced that Michaels would release her debut studio album on April 30. She confirmed this on April 14, along with the album's name as Not in Chronological Order and its artwork. Critical reception Professional ratings Review scores Source Rating Clash 8/10 The Guardian 3/5 stars NME 4/5 stars Clash's Randy Radic thought Not in Chronological Order is soft in certain parts and "thick with sinew" in others, and equally allows Michaels to showcase her songwriting talent and "charismatic, oh-so-expressive voice". Alexis Petridis of The Guardian considered the album enjoyable and a display of Michaels's talent, but lacking in star quality. Writing for NME, Hannah Mylrea was favorable of its depiction of romance and Michaels's signature one-liners, adding, it "confidently chronicles every dizzying high and crushing blow that love brings – affairs of the heart have, after all, long been Michaels’ specialist songwriting subject".