Animals In The Dark
by William Elliott Whitmore
  • Record Label: Anti
  • Release Date: Feb 17, 2009
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Alternative Press
    90
    Repeat listens yield rich and profound rewards. [Mar 2009, p.104]
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  2. Mojo
    80
    If Solomon Burke and Will Oldham had a baby. [Mar 2009, p.105]
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  3. Uncut
    80
    This one is more bluesy and soulful, a kind of semi-protest record that takes stock of post-Bush USA. [Mar 2009, p.88]
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  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    Animals in the Dark is a natural progression from Whitmore’s previous stripped-down affairs.
  6. PopMatters
    70
    If the subject matter becomes a little too repetitive after multiple listenings, there’s always the music itself to enjoy.
  7. Slant Magazine
    70
    His voice leads the material along, punching up the momentum of the heavier songs and providing an earthy low end for the simpler ones.
  8. Spin
    70
    For all its grim honesty, Whitmore's fifth album also boasts a survivor's tenacity.
  9. Under The Radar
    60
    Adding to his old-time preacher's moan and expressive banjo, Whitmore utilizes a full band for the first time in this collection of songs lamenting corrupt authority in all its various forms. [Winter 2009, p.79]
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Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Best Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. [Anonymous]
    Mar 12, 2009
    9
    Beautiful work from an incredible artist.
  2. MLJ
    Feb 27, 2009
    9
    Animals is a transition record for William, and even when he's figuring things out, he makes beautiful honest music.
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