Collapsed in Sunbeams
by Arlo Parks
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 73 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 73
  3. Negative: 0 out of 73
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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Sep 14, 2022
    5
    Sounds like coffee, mornings and warmth. Arlo park's debut is a an admirable airy jazz inspired rnb record. Lately created with the help of songwriter/producer Gianluca Buccellati it's a light and tender affair that focuses on the intimacy of longterm relationships whether it be with friends,self or strangers. It's well written,occasionally heartbreaking but mostly it's just ok .Sounds like coffee, mornings and warmth. Arlo park's debut is a an admirable airy jazz inspired rnb record. Lately created with the help of songwriter/producer Gianluca Buccellati it's a light and tender affair that focuses on the intimacy of longterm relationships whether it be with friends,self or strangers. It's well written,occasionally heartbreaking but mostly it's just ok . Admittedly overstuffed and potentially one note it suffers from a very cohesive sound that rarely leaves room for innovation, excitement or growth . Favorites:black dog, too good,ivy (cover)… Expand
  2. hausoflilluis
    Mar 27, 2021
    6
    The moment I heard "Black Dog", I perceived it: Billie Eilish with an improved vocal technique on the verge of becoming Corinne Bailey Rae. Even if I feel that homey vibe, the project can be rhythmically monotonous and jaded (what save it a bit are the references to British popular culture); it would fit better if she launched it at the beginning or middle of the pandemic. Many materialsThe moment I heard "Black Dog", I perceived it: Billie Eilish with an improved vocal technique on the verge of becoming Corinne Bailey Rae. Even if I feel that homey vibe, the project can be rhythmically monotonous and jaded (what save it a bit are the references to British popular culture); it would fit better if she launched it at the beginning or middle of the pandemic. Many materials to polish, but they are a good introduction.

    favorite tracks: "Just Go", "Bluish", "Black Dog", "Too Good" and "Green Eyes"
    KEY-TRACK: "Portra 400"    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Album of 2021
59
#59 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Beats Per Minute
    Feb 4, 2021
    72
    The irony of Collapsed in Sunbeams is that Parks’ greatest strength also gives the album its most noticeable weaknesses. We are mainly here for her connecting songwriting, which means that the production – by Gianluca Buccellati – is restrained to allow her direct words to flow at their own behest.
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  2. PopMatters
    Feb 1, 2021
    70
    There's a confessional quality to these songs that feels real, regardless of whether Parks is telling these stories exactly as they happened or embellishing them for narrative impact. She also keeps the music engaging throughout, using a lot of guitar and piano for melodies and riffs and a rock-solid rhythm section to create strong grooves. It's early in 2021, but this is already a candidate for one of the year's better debuts.
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  3. No Ripcord
    Feb 1, 2021
    70
    The hazy production in Sunbeams does, to an extent, water down some of Parks' poetic musings and reduce them to pleasant background music. Even if there are hardly any low points here, the forceful sentiments of past songs like Angel's Song and Romantic Garbage are sorely absent—both of which are just mellow as this project but more musically rewarding.
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