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Absent Friends
by
Absent Friends Image
Metascore
78

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

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 19 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.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Gorgeous, grotto-fabulous chamber pop. [14 May 2004, p.71]
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  2. AllMusic
    90
    It ranks high among his finest albums.
  3. Mojo
    80
    His songwriting has rarely sounded so acute. [Apr 2004, p.109]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. The Guardian
    80
    It's quite something - all the more given that he's now a one-man operation - and merits attention as much for its ludicrousness as anything.
  5. Q Magazine
    70
    Another beautifully scored Divine Comedy album that sounds a bit like Scott Walker and a lot like the last one. [May 2004, p.102]
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  6. Blender
    70
    His wisest and warmest record yet. [#27, p.136]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Logo
    40
    Patchy at best.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. KrisH
    Jul 1, 2004
    10
    The more I listen to this, the more I like it. Less oppressive than Casanova and hits the right emotional spots.
  2. allisonm
    Feb 7, 2005
    10
    came across this very late but love love it..
  4. asierr
    Apr 20, 2004
    9
    hannon comes back to the walkers' road. And sounds (nearly) better than ever. thank you chap
  5. as
    Jul 8, 2004
    7
    good cd, BUT copy protected - and small print on cover says may not play on car cd players - i'm not impressed, as thats where I play good cd, BUT copy protected - and small print on cover says may not play on car cd players - i'm not impressed, as thats where I play most of my cds.… Expand
  6. JesseS
    Oct 25, 2004
    7
    Somewhere in between the cheesy ("Come Home Billy Bird") and the sadly immaculate drama-ridden & clever ("Our Mutual Friend") we have a 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