Black Sands
by Bonobo
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. musicOMH.com
    90
    It is a hugely impressive piece of work, and subsequent listens will reveal further layers and melodies you missed first time around. Don't delay the induction a minute longer.
  2. cokemachineglow
    82
    Black Sands is an album so fully realized that comprehending the places he still so obviously has yet to reach is staggering.
  3. BBC Music
    80
    Although the parallels with Bonobo's peers are obvious, his fourth album doesn't just sit in their shadows. Rather, it's an inspiring example of how, free of pressure and publicity, he has blossomed into something beautiful at his own pace.
  5. Urb
    80
    Simon Green stands with a select group of musicians who have been consistent in both quantity/quality output of this type of introspective music. Bonobo's Black Sands is an album that should not be missed and is undoubtedly one of the most superior releases of this year.
  6. AllMusic
    70
    For a style of electronica (chillout/downtempo) that's grown decidedly dusty over the past decade--even though Bonobo is clearly striving to move well beyond such staid genre divisions, and in many ways succeeding, that's probably still the best place to slot him if you gotta--Black Sands is a welcome infusion of life and warmth.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    70
    [The title track] may not be very Bonobo, but it is very beautiful, and--like much else on his latest long play--begs to be listened to.
  8. PopMatters
    70
    Even though Black Sands is no radical departure in the Bonobo narrative, it tells us once again how Green made Chill Out palatable to discerning listeners. It's also another feather in his cap for making electronic production into a sophisticated art form.
  9. Q Magazine
    60
    Chill-out with substance. [May 2010, p.117]
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  10. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    With Black Sands, he's proven himself to be a skilled multi-instrumentalist who knows how to construct beautiful, arresting music with enough layers of complexity to hold interest for multiple listens. Nevertheless, if he wishes to avoid being the listening choice for those who don't actually want to listen, he's not quite succeeded yet.
  11. Mojo
    60
    Deluxe, post-dance soundscapes from Simon Green's anthropoid alias. [May 2010, p. 97]
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Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Shared Album of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 1 out of 26
  1. nicholkid
    Aug 30, 2011
    10
    Bonobo makes music that everyone can enjoy. My mom likes it, my 60 year old boss liked it (she hated everything else I played) I LOVE it. TheBonobo makes music that everyone can enjoy. My mom likes it, my 60 year old boss liked it (she hated everything else I played) I LOVE it. The genre is called Chill-out and that makes sense cause it so smooth and rhythmic. "Eyesdown" is one of the most played songs in my itunes, it is just so beautiful. As DopeBird said, this album was also one the first electronic music albums I ever listened to and still the best.… Full Review »
  2. DopeBird
    Jan 4, 2011
    10
    This album got me introduced (and addicted) to electronic and dub music. It starts beautiful with a prelude to Kiara, and when the latterThis album got me introduced (and addicted) to electronic and dub music. It starts beautiful with a prelude to Kiara, and when the latter begins, the introduction of the bass is simply gorgeous. With the perfect vocals from Andreya Triana, this record is a thrill from the very beginning to the last second. It's a shame few people I know have heard of this gem..… Full Review »
  3. Fdoria
    Oct 9, 2019
    10
    Uma grande viagem através do mais sofisticado que há na música eletrônica.
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