Becoming A Jackal - Villagers
Becoming A Jackal Image
Metascore
78 out of 100

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

User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: This is the solo debut for Irishman Conor J. O'Brien, a member of the rock band The Immediate who split up in 2007.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Hot Press
    90
    Astonishing new album from ex-Immediate wunderkind.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    There's depth, sincerity and beauty in abundance here.
  3. All Music Guide
    60
    There's enough honesty in his rich, warm voice to render even the most forgettable tracks into pleasant diversions on the way to future favorites.
  4. Under The Radar
    It all adds up to an imtimate album--not overly produced, but fairly epic in scope. [Summer 2010, p.86]
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See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. nunchuks
    10
    This is a hauntingly beautiful album. I would absolutely recommend this album to anyone despite their taste in music, normally i wouldn't have patience for anything even remotely folksy but i genuinely think this is something rather special.… Expand
  2. fredjblack
    10
    Definitely the album of the year, and if he manages to produce another album of anything close to the haunting beauty of this one, he will become a legend.… Expand
  3. jbledsoe
    9
    Really fantastic album. One of the best of 2010, and that's really saying something with the excellent albums out this year by Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Sufjan Stevens, and The National. This guy has a lovely, soft, delicate voice that goes well with his folk-rock arrangements. The music is beautiful. He reminds me of a mixture of Conor Oberst and Elvis Perkins.… Expand
  4. Ricko
    8
    Have to say I really like this record. Of it's 11 tracks there are only a couple of dull numbers. The sound is predominantly quite mellow, with mainly gently delivered vocals, piano and acoustic guitars. The songwriting is excellent for the most part. I would say your better off hearing this record without hearing its creator, Conor O Brien talk. If he was a hamburger he'd eat himself. A bit like the way Bono turns a lot of people off of U2, COB had a similar effect for me. Still, this is good stuff.… Expand

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