Absent Friends - The Divine Comedy
Absent Friends Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

  • Summary: Neil Hannon returns with his first album since 2001's 'Regeneration.' Basically a solo effort (though retaining the Divine Comedy name), 'Friends' was produced and largely performed by Hannon, with Nigel Godrich handling the mixing.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Gorgeous, grotto-fabulous chamber pop. [14 May 2004, p.71]
  2. 80
    His songwriting has rarely sounded so acute. [Apr 2004, p.109]
  3. It’s pretty much all fantastic.
  4. By the time "Our Mutual Friend"'s symphonic percussion and hammering cellos reach their crashing apex, the album begins to feel a little like the fourth consecutive hour at a well-stocked party full of musical theater majors.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. KrisH
    10
    The more I listen to this, the more I like it. Less oppressive than Casanova and hits the right emotional spots.
  2. allisonm
    10
    came across this very late but love love it..
  3. asierr
    9
    hannon comes back to the walkers' road. And sounds (nearly) better than ever. thank you chap
  4. JesseS
    7
    Somewhere in between the cheesy ("Come Home Billy Bird") and the sadly immaculate drama-ridden & clever ("Our Mutual Friend") we have a generally good effort from his Divine Hannon. His most Scott Walker-ish homage. Perhaps. Expand

See all 5 User Reviews