A Color Map of the Sun
by Pretty Lights
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
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  1. Magnet
    Aug 16, 2013
    80
    It feels like the jazz/hip-hop album we've been waiting for. [No. 101, p.59]
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  2. Clash Music
    Jul 9, 2013
    80
    Each ["sides" of the double LP] is so good, it’s a toss up between which incarnation you'll end up liking most.
  3. The New York Times
    Jul 9, 2013
    70
    The tracks, mostly in minor keys, are bass heavy, unhurried and unexpectedly thoughtful. Sonically as well as verbally, they set aside hip-hop swagger to contemplate how the present reconfigures the past.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Jul 9, 2013
    70
    Smith constructed these from vinyl pressings of live-band grooves he'd composed, and Disc Two is the grooves themselves--which have even more weight and resonance when left alone.
  6. Sputnikmusic
    Aug 7, 2013
    64
    For fans of Pretty Lights, A Color Map of the Sun is an acceptable recreation of his wild live show, if nothing else. For those looking to get into the real contradiction of Smith, the album makes for a wonderful primer.
  7. Spin
    Jul 9, 2013
    30
    The result has to feel like a studio adventure! Whereas Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories was lavishly rich, Smith’s treatment of his session players manages to flatten all human serendipity and rhythmic nuance.

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. clem666
    Feb 7, 2023
    5
    As the note tends to show, I have mixed feelings about this project.
    What I regret is the length of 'A Color Map of the Sun'. This tape is a    As the note tends to show, I have mixed feelings about this project.
    What I regret is the length of 'A Color Map of the Sun'. This tape is a record of percussive tracks, some inducing something close to headaches as I listen to them for too long. In addition to these constant drum sounds and hymns, I have to point out that the electro layer also was a bit too much for me. I all feels and sounds so disorganized, so over-the-top that it almost becomes unbearable from time to time.

    But I have to admit that, between the many disappointments and questions, some poetic and unpredictable gems do shine. I am speaking about tracks like 'Press Pause', 'Yellow Bird' or some parts of 'Color of My Soul'. I was amazed by these trumpet and horns coming out of nowhere. Some vocal samples also make it glitter here and there. Once I was in the mood, it stuck to me, but some tracks just totally missed my sensitivity. A split album should have been more enjoyable to me.    … Full Review »
  2. edvard
    Sep 21, 2013
    9
    I discovered Pretty Lights through his EP: Making Up A Changing Mind back in 2011. I have been a huge fan since and have enjoyed his musicI discovered Pretty Lights through his EP: Making Up A Changing Mind back in 2011. I have been a huge fan since and have enjoyed his music very much. Seeing that his next album he would compose himself instead of sampling others music I was a little sceptic. He released Around The Block and it was very good.
    I finally listened to the whole album on spotify the day it came out. Wow! This sounds awesome! Recomend this to anyone who likes good music. (PS. turn the volume up)    … Full Review »
  3. smoothoperator
    Aug 21, 2013
    7
    Derek Vincent Smith is truly one of the most gifted producers of music I have ever across. He spans infinite genres, makes music that is easyDerek Vincent Smith is truly one of the most gifted producers of music I have ever across. He spans infinite genres, makes music that is easy to listen to and for every occasion. I appreciate his explorative nature of this cd and from a purely production standpoint, its genius. However, this album is filled with countless awkward breaks, beats and rhythms. There are 6 or 7 stand out gems from this album, which before now, I could not name a track he has made that is not pure flame.

    I respect the amount of time and effort he put into this work, but I am just not all that impressed with it. My expectations for him are always higher than the highest peaks and I feel he tried too hard on this release, trying to do to much with his own sound. I respect that he constantly that he is continuously innovating his music and his mentality on these tracks, but it lacks the usual PL originality that will have you nodding your head uncontrollably as you study for your next test, write your next paper, or patiently drudge through your daily commute.

    I have been listening to PL since the days of "Taking Up Your Precious Time" and been attending his live shows just as long. His music on this album, while has more depth and layers, lacks that completely original feel and vibe that you could just get down to. ACMOTS is more downtempo, which I appreciate and do love, but most of these tracks will surely bore the drugged out, frat boy crowd that has infested his once, amazingly lively and energetic live performances. If you're the type just looking for the next 'rager' to party with your boys to, do us all a favor and dont get into PL. Go to the next daft punk show, because you don't appreciate the music, you just want to party.

    A color map of the sun truly is a unique, exploratory dive into electronic music that is unlike any other, and much better than the generic techno sound that saturates the already played-out market. PL's music is for a special person who appreciates all the subtle hits, drops, samples, beats, vocals n breaks he dashes into his productions, and they will surely dig this album. I absolutely recommend you check out A Color Map of The Sun if you are a PL fan, but it is apparent he will likely never re-kindle the magic of his yesteryears.    … Full Review »
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