A Map of the Floating City
by Thomas Dolby
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. The A.V. Club
    Oct 28, 2011
    83
    Dolby takes care to construct whole worlds, making sure there are people to talk to there, and scenery to drink in.
  2. Mojo
    Dec 22, 2011
    80
    This album is a punchy, lyrical and moving set. [Nov 2011, p. 103]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Nov 4, 2011
    80
    For all its stylistic diversity--bluegrass, bossa, jazz and electro all get a look in--and voracious internationalism, Floating City is a work with an identifiable centre.
  5. Consequence
    Oct 28, 2011
    80
    Overall Dolby proves his keen ear and impeccable taste for arrangements.
  6. PopMatters
    Oct 28, 2011
    80
    In the end Dolby emerges as one of those rare artists who's managed to grow with the times while retaining his artistic vision, who has taken a prolonged hiatus and yet sounds like he never left.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 3 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. PBTDoyle
    Dec 24, 2011
    10
    An album almost twenty years in the waiting! - but it appears worthwhile. Dolby's art is well-crafted, and his production and arrangement isAn album almost twenty years in the waiting! - but it appears worthwhile. Dolby's art is well-crafted, and his production and arrangement is sleek and balanced. Some songs stick out more than others (Oceanea, Evil Twin Brother and 17 Hills) but this is more about personal taste than quality. Map of the Floating City is a cornucopia of concept, mood and narrative woven from a tapestry-like blend of melody, chord sequence and line - both wistful and heartfelt. The album offers up new gems upon each listening and for this reason is a musician's album. Map of the Floating City's centrepiece is definitely Oceanea; Dolby's voice counterpoints beautifully with Eddi Reader's. if your choice of listening is for an album within which you can immerse yourself in completely - this album is for you… Full Review »