Albums to watch

Tales of Us

Goldfrapp

Tales of Us

Electronic pop duo Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory's 6th full-length release, self-produced and with an accompanying film on its way from Lisa Gunning

ADM rating[?]

7.4

Label
Mute
UK Release date
09/09/2013
US Release date
10/09/2013
  1. 9.0 |   All Music

    It's Goldfrapp's most sophisticated work to date, and one of their most consistently satisfying albums
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  2. 9.0 |   musicOMH

    This is real music, about real people, dealing in real emotion. That it sounds so gorgeously lush too is mere icing on a very rich cake
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  3. 8.0 |   Blurt

    Unveils yet again how talented Goldfrapp truly is as together Alison and Gregory continue to craft music that does not pigeonhole them into a set genre; they simply make exceptional music
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  4. 8.0 |   God Is In The TV

    It is both comforting and inspiring to see Goldfrapp growing slowly into their second decade as artists and musicians, clearly and defiantly making music for themselves
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  5. 8.0 |   The Arts Desk

    The release date is perfectly timed, as these songs are the perfect soundtrack to red wine-fuelled autumn evenings
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  6. 8.0 |   The Independent

    They eschew the electropop of 2010’s Head First in favour of a more sensuous, intimate style that owes much to Kate Bush
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  7. 8.0 |   The Observer

    Each song is presented as a character sketch, and while the stories are impressionistic, often opaque, they feel richly textured: they live and breathe
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  8. 8.0 |   Independent on Sunday

    Barratives are hazy amongst the mysterious lushness of the arrangements and vocals
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  9. 8.0 |   The Scotsman

    Their sixth album moves the creative goalposts again, resulting in their most mellow and restrained collection yet.
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  10. 8.0 |   Under The Radar

    A haunting song cycle, one that might not necessarily appeal to their fan base as a whole
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  11. 8.0 |   The Digital Fix

    Compelling through and through, this is an album to savour in several sittings as it may not all click at once
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  12. 8.0 |   The Skinny

    Tales of Us is beautifully, classically spartan. And it feels like a genuine second coming
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  13. 8.0 |   Q

    This restless duo have never sounded so much like themselves, and the result is spellbinding. Print edition only

  14. 8.0 |   Mojo

    If earlier albums Felt Mountain and Seventh Tree travelled that acoustic path, Tales Of Us has them beaten in the way it realises and unifies its vision. Print edition only

  15. 7.5 |   The Quietus

    If Head First was the sound of a band intoxicated by pop’s giddy, infectious euphoria, Tales Of Us feels like the sobering reality check of the morning after
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  16. 7.5 |   Pretty Much Amazing

    Tales of You is all rather beautiful, but also rather quiet. Possibly too quiet
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  17. 7.0 |   Consequence Of Sound

    The album’s an impressive new beginning for the singer, and while she doesn’t quite get there 100%, she’s at least entertained the idea that this place is no fantasy
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  18. 7.0 |   PopMatters

    Goldfrapp have seemingly rekindled their creative fires and the result is a challenging and devastatingly beautiful record
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  19. 7.0 |   No Ripcord

    Dim the lights, start the smoke machines (or better yet, grab some hi-fi headphones) and just hit play
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  20. 7.0 |   Slant Magazine

    It's a vital change of pace for Alison Goldfrapp, who's made a brilliant career of being the siren of lost souls
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  21. 7.0 |   DIY

    The arrangements here are certainly accomplished, but it's still that voice which makes the whole thing glow
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  22. 7.0 |   Clash

    Relentlessly one note but frequently beautiful, and a welcome change from the theatrics of its immediate predecessor, 2010’s Head First. A return to form
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  23. 6.1 |   Pitchfork

    Diehard fans of Goldfrapp will no doubt find something to love here, but for the rest of us, it’s a thin record that doesn’t do much to prop up its skeletal frame
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  24. 6.0 |   Uncut

    Excitement seems to be in short supply. Print edition only

  25. 6.0 |   The Guardian

    Tales of Us is slightly more mesmerising soundscape than collection of genuinely outstanding songs
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  26. 6.0 |   Evening Standard

    A beautiful collection, a fine palate cleanser after its bouncy, Eighties-influenced predecessor, although its low-key feel means her extraordinary voice holds back from doing all it can do
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  27. 5.0 |   NME

    Samey and indulgent
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