Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent
by Lewis Capaldi
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: May 19, 2023
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  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. 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.
  5. The Telegraph (UK)
    May 19, 2023
    60
    His overdue follow up is absolutely stuffed to the rafters with another round of big, weepie ballads about how miserable his love life is.
  6. 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.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 18, 2023
    60
    A record that occasionally shows steady growth, but this potential remains largely untapped.
  8. 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.
  9. The Independent (UK)
    May 18, 2023
    60
    His is the sort of personable charm that even the slickest PR machine can’t drum up. It is also, unfortunately, something that’s too often missing from this album. That and variety.
  10. 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.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed Album of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. 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    … Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. 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!"    … Full Review »
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