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Black Sands
by
Black Sands Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth album for Simon Green, the British DJ who goes by the name Bonobo, weaves in orchestral strings, hip hop beats, afro-latin sounds, and vocals from Andreya Triana to his downtempo style.

Top Track

Stay the Same
A night train. Midnight. Bags gathered round my feet. Possessions, some lessened, to carry with me. Heavy and soothing. Like a gentle symphony. I... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Mojo
    60
    Deluxe, post-dance soundscapes from Simon Green's anthropoid alias. [May 2010, p. 97]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Q Magazine
    60
    Chill-out with substance. [May 2010, p.117]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  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.… Expand
  2. Fdoria
    Oct 9, 2019
    10
    Uma grande viagem através do mais sofisticado que há na música eletrônica.
  4. 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..… Expand
  5. longjetty7
    Apr 24, 2015
    9
    I love Bonobo's music. His albums create such a perfect chill mood that's especially great for studying to. Instrumental music has a tendencyI love Bonobo's music. His albums create such a perfect chill mood that's especially great for studying to. Instrumental music has a tendency to get boring, but Black Sands is very rhythmic and melodic, so even though most of the songs don't have any singing, they're hard not to hum along to. Overall it's an extremely enjoyable album, one I listen to frequently whenever I'm trying to relax.… Expand
  6. tchamekh02
    Jun 1, 2014
    7
    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 beggins, the introduction of the bass is simply gorgeous.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Shared Album of 2010