Becoming A Jackal
by Villagers
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jun 8, 2010
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    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.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Ricko
    Oct 13, 2018
    8
    This is an album that has really stood the test of time and I have to say I really love it and revisit regularly. Of it's 11 tracks there isThis is an album that has really stood the test of time and I have to say I really love it and revisit regularly. Of it's 11 tracks there is something to find in most of them. The sound is predominantly quite mellow of the chamber pop variety, with mainly gently delivered vocals, piano and acoustic guitars. The songwriting is excellent. 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 but such is the quality of his music that I just can't help but love it. A classic Irish debut and a great place to start with Villagers who went on to produce 3 further superb albums (as of 2018).… Full Review »
  2. fredjblack
    Jul 28, 2011
    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 willDefinitely 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.… Full Review »
  3. jbledsoe
    Dec 22, 2010
    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,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.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »