Golden State - Mia Doi Todd
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Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critics What's this?

User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 4 Ratings

  • Summary: The California-born, classically-trained Yalie makes her major-label debut, after a trio of independent solo acoustic releases. Todd is backed by a full band on this Mitchell Froom-produced album, and some of the tracks here are actually new, fleshed-out versions of songs that appeared on those earlier albums, including "Digital." Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. With its subtle textural enhancement, the album renders the esoteric pleasures of Todd's compositions and highly individual songs considerably more accessible.
  2. She's utterly beguiling, a fresh presence at last in singer-songwriter land. [Jun 2003, p.95]
  3. A spartan showcase for her stern, breathy voice and luxuriant melodies, both of which can be beguiling. [20 Sep 2002, p.106]
  4. 50
    Her simple, repeitious music is predominantly listless and washed out. [Jun 2003, p.102]

See all 6 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. JenniferB.
    10
    Her writing is amazing....the many layers she achieves with her powerful voice and words is an inspiration and unique:)
  2. I'd heard some of these songs in more simpler versions on previous efforts ("Digital" "Independence Day" etc). Here, with Sony's touch, these older songs are "beefed up" with mixed results. Songs written for this album ("88 Ways) fare much better as they may have been written for this larger sound. It's definitely a good listen, with a marked departure from previous albums. Expand
  3. Victor
    1
    This performer is a victim of her pretentious press--"classically trained"? If that's true, one might expect her to have more than a three-note range. Anyone can be classically trained. Faint praise indeed. Vapidly pompous music. Expand

See all 4 User Reviews