- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
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BlenderThere's clearly imagination here, with strange little sonic tweaks and tics at every turn, but only once does it gel into something satisfying. [Dec 2003, p.141]
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Q MagazineAt times [Folklore] is too self-satisfied, throwing everything available into the mix in what seems like a desperate bid to grab some cred. [Jan 2004, p.114]
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A euphoric mix of wild Latin rhythms, electronic surges, soothing acoustic sounds and just about every instrument imaginable.
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There's nothing on 'Folklore' that comes anywhere near the catchiness of anything off her debut.
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MojoHer melodies are stirring but the headstrong album only works to a limited degree. [Dec 2003, p.122]
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This album is nowhere near as imaginative or as interesting as its maker thinks it is.
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Entertainment WeeklyFolklore is about the joy of making something new out of random elements, and few other albums this year have captured that pleasure as well as this one does. [28 Nov 2003, p.123]
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SpinWhile the vocals and arrangements are more ambitious and arguably better, there's less free play, less of the goofiness and kewpie-dancehall scatting that defined her. [Jan 2004, p.98]
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While there are some interesting musical moments on Folklore -- enough to make it worth a listen -- the dogged seriousness and didactic worldview become a bit overbearing not long before the album is a quarter of the way finished, particularly since the fusion of worldbeat and adult alternative pop often seems heavy-handed.
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Folklore is essentially the sound of an artist taking a risk.
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Though few tracks on Folklore stand out, the album hangs together agreeably, thanks to its parade of offbeat influences and guest stars.
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Folklore is a Whoa, Nelly! redux, without a single as good as "I'm Like a Bird."
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 75 out of 83
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Mixed: 2 out of 83
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Negative: 6 out of 83
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May 10, 2022
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Dec 8, 2020
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Aug 29, 2020Probably Nelly Furtado's best record to date, musically and lirically. Personal and intimate, yet full of energy and love for life.