Daniel Powter
by Daniel Powter
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 3 out of 11
  1. Billboard
    80
    Powter firmly establishes himself as a singer/songwriter who sits somewhere between James Blunt and early recordings by Elton John—albeit one who also knows the power of blue-eyed soul. [15 Apr 2006]
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  2. E! Online
    75
    A self-titled debut album steeped in beautiful but bland lovelorn ballads that tip a wool cap to vintage Elton John.
  3. PopMatters
    70
    Unfortunately, Powter doesn’t always take advantage of his talent, and half the album ends up being solidly catchy, but ultimately unremarkable and predictable piano songs.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    63
    As a writer, Powter aims at updating [Elton] John's piano-based format with hip-hop-derived beats, but he lacks the role model's emotional depth. [9 Apr 2006]
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  6. Rolling Stone
    60
    Lacking the star personality of a Robbie Williams or the wit of a Ben Folds, Powter doesn't rise above his instantly familiar keyboard riffs, yet neither does he drown in them.
  7. AllMusic
    60
    A series of expertly produced, expertly recorded adult pop tunes.
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    42
    As the album lurches along, you keep hoping for the real Daniel Powter to stand up, but he never quite does. [14 Apr 2006, p.83]
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  9. Blender
    40
    Like [David Gray and Damien Rice], Powter writes faceless tunes landmined with unsubtle hooks that can devour your brain in less time than it takes for an expert barista to whip up a cappuccino. [Jun 2006, p.143]
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  10. The New York Times
    30
    The album's consistency is its downfall; Mr. Powter's chosen sound may stand out on a radio playlist, but over 10 songs it yields diminishing returns. [10 Apr 2006]
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  11. Slant Magazine
    30
    A reminder that "adult" pop can be every bit as vapid and formulaic as its teenage counterparts.
  12. musicOMH.com
    20
    After a while, it grates badly on the nerves.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Most Shared Album of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 6 out of 16
  1. opieandy
    Dec 22, 2018
    8
    The album is fantastic. Tons of great songs besides "Bad Day" and not a single one that I skip. It is hard to fathom how some artists churnThe album is fantastic. Tons of great songs besides "Bad Day" and not a single one that I skip. It is hard to fathom how some artists churn out great songs without getting more airplay, while others damage our hearing with their "hits". Great pop, great music, great vocals, great album.… Full Review »
  2. star_gazing
    Oct 30, 2012
    10
    It's a good album. Considering how the composition was done and the abstractivity of the lyricism, this is some quality music than can be usedIt's a good album. Considering how the composition was done and the abstractivity of the lyricism, this is some quality music than can be used as background music or as jam-out music. It's fun to listen to, the only downfall being that there's only ten songs, wanting more!… Full Review »
  3. SamD
    Jun 24, 2006
    3
    Bad Day is the only half way decent song from it and he stole the piano from aimee mann's "wise up".
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