Built on Glass
by Chet Faker
  • Record Label: Downtown
  • Release Date: Apr 15, 2014
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Apr 7, 2014
    90
    This record is intelligent, succinct in its ambitions, and more than anything, it’s pretty bloody cool.
  2. AllMusic
    Apr 14, 2014
    80
    Built on Glass isn't so much limited as it is a wonderful mood piece, so think calm and cool with purpose, and then get hip to the restrained and resonating sound of Faker.
  3. NOW Magazine
    Apr 10, 2014
    80
    However varied the influences, there’s one thing the songs have in common: they all make you feel some type of way.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Apr 7, 2014
    80
    This debut album is very much the culmination of Faker's disparate influences, showcasing his broken, downtempo soul at its finest.
  6. The 405
    Apr 7, 2014
    80
    Take Chet's out of context and they might feel as if there were no common theme, but place them side-by-side and you'll find the tracks forming a complete and comprehensive whole--a release that is dynamic, mature, and impressive in all areas.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Apr 15, 2014
    75
    It’s sometimes hard to tell who Faker wants to be, which is funny considering his name--but it’s massively enjoyable in bits and pieces.
  8. Pitchfork
    Apr 15, 2014
    73
    Chet Faker's first full-length album proves that the artist is eager to explore new frontiers.
  9. Filter
    Apr 17, 2014
    72
    The album’s enthralling fusion of electronica and soul proves that Faker’s glass foundation is a prism showing his colorful range.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 14, 2014
    60
    Australia’s Chet Faker has a pretty big hole to dig himself out of on his debut. Singing no faster than 2mph doesn’t help either, but there’s an unexpected range in his schtick that’s disarming.
  11. Uncut
    Apr 7, 2014
    60
    There are some nice details though daft lyrics such as "I kiss your knees and I try to be bold" threaten to undermine the flashes of brilliance elsewhere. [May 2014, p.73]
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  12. Clash Music
    Apr 7, 2014
    60
    There are enough moments of musical eclecticism here to suggest that Built On Glass is his solid starting point, rather than a definitive statement.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 34
  3. Negative: 4 out of 34
  1. Chmielu991
    Apr 29, 2014
    9
    Chet Faker's debut album is amazing, he made huge huge progress after "Thinking in textures' EP. He reminds me of James Blake, but his voiceChet Faker's debut album is amazing, he made huge huge progress after "Thinking in textures' EP. He reminds me of James Blake, but his voice is much deeper. It's perfect record to listen with your girlfriend. I keep listen to it whole time. There is no weak song, you don't have to press "forward" at any point. Music is brilliant, mix of electronic sounds with soft piano and other instruments. Everybody should give this CD a shot. 9/10 from me.… Full Review »
  2. davim
    Mar 7, 2015
    8
    Chilled, catchy and intriguing. Chet Faker's voice is almost an instrument in itself in many of these songs, and the crisp production fusesChilled, catchy and intriguing. Chet Faker's voice is almost an instrument in itself in many of these songs, and the crisp production fuses the genres electronica, indie, house and ambient music into one. An interesting debut.… Full Review »
  3. jotaeseche
    Jan 11, 2015
    9
    In an era where tasteless and plastic-made pop stars shine for doing exactly the same things all over again, I celebrate on artists like ChetIn an era where tasteless and plastic-made pop stars shine for doing exactly the same things all over again, I celebrate on artists like Chet Faker, who are not afraid of taking risks, exploring new territories, crossing boundaries and playing with melodies and structures; making things differently - and actually, doing a great job!… Full Review »
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