Elwan
by Tinariwen
  • Record Label: Epitaph
  • Release Date: Feb 10, 2017
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. musicOMH.com
    Feb 23, 2017
    60
    Their last studio record saw them in upbeat, energetic form, and whilst that playfulness is still present at times on Elwan, there is a conscious grounding too this time around.

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. maxicos
    Feb 14, 2017
    9
    I discovered Tinariwen back in 2014 with their great album Emmaar, that combine original tichumaren music with western blues mood.
    The best    I discovered Tinariwen back in 2014 with their great album Emmaar, that combine original tichumaren music with western blues mood.
    The best word to describe the sound of Elwan album is "deepness". Drums, guitars, voices - everything in such low tones, but at the same time everything is very clear. Elwan is not that different from Emmaar in terms of sound, but is slightly better in every small aspect, the arrangement, the deepness, even the guitar sound sounds slightly better.    … Full Review »
  2. Music_Observer
    May 16, 2017
    7
    This album displays a truly successful percussive sound with spare but effective polyrhythmic techniques, which is not a surprise given theThis album displays a truly successful percussive sound with spare but effective polyrhythmic techniques, which is not a surprise given the group’s African heritage, and it rounds out a nice meditative experience with a few surprisingly catchy lines. My Score: 134/180 (Solid) = 7.4/10… Full Review »
  3. xroomie
    Apr 9, 2017
    8
    While this album almost makes the finishing line as one of their best albums, the contribution from non-african musicians really breaks theWhile this album almost makes the finishing line as one of their best albums, the contribution from non-african musicians really breaks the style and does nothing but confuse the sound and feeling of the record.… Full Review »
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