Elixer
by Bria Valente
  • Record Label: NPG
  • Release Date: Mar 29, 2009
Metascore
49

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. The New York Times
    60
    A palatable but undistinguished batch of slow- to medium-tempo R&B fare.
  2. AllMusic
    60
    This attempt at old-fashioned star-making might have worked if Bria Valente had a smidgeon of star charisma but she's merely a pleasantly breathy crooner, slipping easily into Prince's shimmering quiet storm production.
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Elixer is at least a more pleasant listen; ignore the Prince mystique and it's a collection of reasonably well-turned pop ballads.
  5. The A.V. Club
    58
    Elixir showcases Bria Valente, whose sultry-but-dull vocals don’t foretell great things.
  6. Boston Globe
    50
    Polite and polished, the music amounts to little more than R&B lite with washes of bossa nova and strings.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    50
    The problem is that not enough of Elixer sounds strong or fresh.
  8. Billboard
    50
    It's about average for albums from Prince proteges.
  9. Entertainment Weekly
    42
    Her 10 strenuously generic tracks are pure R&B Ambien, and the lady is no Sheila E.
  10. Hartford Courant
    40
    The third disc, Bria Valente's Elixer, is a tepid afterthought.
  11. Vibe
    40
    Her ten tracks are disposable, and redeemed only by Prince’s extraordinary production ear.
  12. Rolling Stone
    40
    Valente has a pleasant, if thin, voice--she doesn’t have the chops to elevate this material into anything memorable.

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