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Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent
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Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release from Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi features Pointless, a song co-written by Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid and Ed Sheeran.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    May 18, 2023
    80
    Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent is a triumphant return from Capaldi. There’s plenty that’s consistent with his debut.
  2. AllMusic
    Jun 9, 2023
    70
    Tracks like "Wishing You the Best," "Pointless," and the unexpectedly clubby "Forget Me" are soundtrack-ready anthems that nicely showcase Capaldi's throaty croon.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 18, 2023
    60
    A record that occasionally shows steady growth, but this potential remains largely untapped.
  4. The Guardian
    May 18, 2023
    60
    His voice is undeniably powerful; moreover it adds some grit and heft that’s lacking among sappier balladeers. So, occasionally, do the lyrics.
  5. Clash Music
    May 18, 2023
    60
    Plays it safe, doubling down on the formula that made his debut so beloved by fans, while making only subtle changes.
  6. musicOMH.com
    May 19, 2023
    60
    Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent generally plays it safe, assuming the schtick that’s got Capaldi this far has more mileage in it, which gives the album a competent, workmanlike air.
  7. Pitchfork
    May 19, 2023
    40
    I cannot remember an album that suffered from such an extreme case of risk-aversion, nor demonstrated so little faith in an artist’s potential, nor any notion that their fanbase might be willing to grow with them. If anything, it shrinks his already narrow proposition.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. jodieclax
    May 21, 2023
    10
    Lewis’ music continues to make me feel something deep within that no other musician brings out. Reading other reviews it appears that peopleLewis’ music continues to make me feel something deep within that no other musician brings out. Reading other reviews it appears that people are finding the album “more of the same” and in some places it is, but that, fundamentally for me, is what I love about Lewis. His style of songwriting is what I love. Ballads you can belt at the top of your lungs (“love the hell out of you”/ “wish you the best” etc.,) no matter the mood. And with absolute gems buried between the ballads (“leave me slowly” / “The Pretender” / “How this ends” ) there is no way you can’t be enchanted by the raspy voiced, genuine to the core, as Scottish as they come legend that is Lewis Capaldi. Another complete masterpiece by my opinion.… Expand
  2. SAFTFabi
    May 19, 2023
    10
    Amazing Album! It‘s even better than the first one!
    Good work Lewis
    One of the best Albums I have ever heard
  4. SamiraG
    May 23, 2023
    8
    I appreciate Capaldi in part because of his character and, of course, his musical abilities. As a fan, I have to acknowledge that practicallyI appreciate Capaldi in part because of his character and, of course, his musical abilities. As a fan, I have to acknowledge that practically all of his songs follow the same formula. Huge respect to his undeniably powerful voice, but I feel that at some points when he sings in a high tone, it comes across more like yelling, which makes it difficult to listen to them for a long period of time. I watched him perform "Heavenly Kinda State of Mind" live and loved it and was looking forward to hearing it on the CD; it wasn't entirely satisfactory.
    It is extremely weird because the same song sounds a lot better when he performs live. However, I'm genuinely glad to have him back. And the album has a few tracks that make me want to give him a big hug and say, "THANK YOU!"    … Expand
  5. MelancholyPanda
    Jun 12, 2023
    8
    This album is similar musically to his first.... but I'm ok with that. He does explore different topics and has a few songs that are notThis album is similar musically to his first.... but I'm ok with that. He does explore different topics and has a few songs that are not heartbreaking. Not everything is a deep, introspective, or heavy subject matter. Some are to be sure...but i also like music that make me feel something.
    Still, most of the songs on this album have replay appeal for me and that's all i really care about    … Expand
  6. someonewhocares
    May 24, 2023
    3
    Capaldi's second studio album has a pretentious, cryptic title which clearly is the best way to describe this boring, stale record that showsCapaldi's second studio album has a pretentious, cryptic title which clearly is the best way to describe this boring, stale record that shows no artist or musical growth of any substantial level.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed Album of 2023

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