In January 2013, DAWN released her solo debut album, Goldenheart. Goldenheart received universal acclaim and reached #1 on iTunes R&B/Soul in just a few hours. Goldenheart received universal acclaim from contemporary music critics who hailed DAWN as one of the best new acts in pop and R&B. Alex Macpherson of The Guardian gave it five stars and called it "dazzling and imperious," and said that, "remarkably, Richard's array of sonic weapons matches her epic, elemental vision.” Jason Gubbels of Spin praised her "aesthetic appreciation" and versatile singing, which he credited her for "springing finely placed surprises on listeners lulled into reverie, navigating tricky spots just effortlessly enough to mask her mastery.” In 2015, DAWN released her sophomore album Blackheart in January. Since its release, Blackheart has gone on to much critical acclaim. Andrew Ryce, in his review for Pitchfork, said that the "innovative production" is about five years ahead of its time.