Crayons
by Donna Summer
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Billboard
    80
    This surprisingly lively set finds the former disco diva teaming with a crew of young collaborators--including Greg Kurstin, Danielle Brisebois, Ziggy Marley, J.R. Rotem and Lester Mendez--for a series of uptempo forays into stomping dance-pop, juke-joint blues-rock, breezy Latin jazz and African-accented soul.
  2. The New York Times
    70
    Crayons, though consistently good-natured and glossily wise about life’s learning curves, isn’t it. It’s a Los Angeles pop record, seemingly made by committee; it has no center.
  3. Hartford Courant
    70
    Some of her tunes are more steady than sizzling, but when she taps into the likes of the soaring, synthesizer-driven 'I'm a Fire,' her smart combination of rich personality and kinetic energy invites a trip to the dance floor.
  5. Village Voice
    80
    On Crayons, it’s like no time has passed at all, and of course it hasn't.
  6. Vibe
    70
    The disco ball might be unplugged, but Summer still shines. [July 2008, p.61]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. PopMatters
    80
    Crayons is a healthy antidote to an industry that loves to package and box artists.

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Discussed Album of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 53
  3. Negative: 12 out of 53
  1. someonewhocares
    Dec 13, 2022
    9
    This is the very short-lived comeback of Donna Summer, that has since become her most cohesive and most experimental record to date. The albumThis is the very short-lived comeback of Donna Summer, that has since become her most cohesive and most experimental record to date. The album is heavy in fun factor, and its lyricism and vocals are very Summer-esque, making us feel like she never really left for 14 years before releasing this 4 years before her very tragic death in 2012.… Full Review »
  2. FrancoisC.
    Sep 6, 2008
    10
    When the gap between the appreciation by critics and the one by general public is so big, I say to myself that something is wrong... about When the gap between the appreciation by critics and the one by general public is so big, I say to myself that something is wrong... about the critics of course. Donna Summer, like Celine Dion, is the type of artist critics as so scared about saying something good. Do not hesitate a second to get this album. One of the best in 2008 so far.… Full Review »
  3. AjR.
    Jul 12, 2008
    10
    I'm buying this cd no doubt a older and more glamous look i love the new look donna summer given the sucess of the other 1970s I'm buying this cd no doubt a older and more glamous look i love the new look donna summer given the sucess of the other 1970s returning stars she a babe.… Full Review »
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