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Good at Falling
by
Good at Falling Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 61 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for Amber Bain was produced with BJ Burton and George Daniel.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. The Skinny
    Feb 28, 2019
    100
    Good at Falling has a feeling of the relief that comes after crying. It takes a moment to sit in sorrow, to feel every inch of it, only to find it washed away by hope and gratitude.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Feb 28, 2019
    90
    There’s a power that comes from laying fears and anxieties out, admitting that answers can’t be immediately found. Cannily similar to the progression of The Japanese House’s music over the past few years, this exact approach has led her to a magical debut.
  3. Clash Music
    Feb 28, 2019
    90
    Whilst lyrically, it is a portrayal of insecurity and pain, sonically it is a bright, glistening piece of pop magic that merges the quintessential style seen on The Japanese House’s three EPs with new points of exploration that only increases the excitement around this enigmatic superstar-in-waiting.
  4. Q Magazine
    Feb 28, 2019
    80
    Her directness about the experience of falling in and out of love with women is both refreshing and literal. [Apr 2019, p.113]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. The Guardian
    Mar 1, 2019
    80
    There’s also a slipperiness to the production that means you never quite know where you are. Voices shift, melodies disintegrate and those vocal filters sometimes keep you at arm’s length. For the most part, however, Bain showcases a keen self-awareness.
  6. PopMatters
    Feb 28, 2019
    80
    It's the maturation in lyricism and the ability to share herself with the world, which can only result from time and experience, that lift Japanese House's full-length debut above her previous work. It's a rare treat to see such experience fleshed out so early in a young artist's career.
  7. Paste Magazine
    Mar 4, 2019
    51
    Other artists, such as Florence and the Machine are creating better, more interesting music with the same techniques. Seek them out instead of wasting your time on this one.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. ryanora
    Mar 3, 2019
    10
    It's about being free, it's about being the best of ourselves, it's about feeling, perfect.
  2. jodieholmes
    Jan 1, 2020
    10
    never felt so many emotions listening to an album since lorde's pure heroine. it's the best album of 2019, for sure.
  4. stanley834
    Mar 1, 2019
    10
    I've been following The Japanese House since late 2015 when Amber Bain released a series of EPs. Good At Falling is totally worth the wait asI've been following The Japanese House since late 2015 when Amber Bain released a series of EPs. Good At Falling is totally worth the wait as it showcases Amber's artistry and eclectic mix of atmospheric indie pop, folk, ambient, and Imogen Heap-inspired electronica. For those who want to feel the rawness and emotion of music, this is the album that you should definitely listen to in 2019.… Expand
  5. LiamMac
    Jun 2, 2019
    9
    A raw, wild and vulnerable debut encompassed with a grandiose, original sound that promises creativity and a fresh, assuring outlook on lifeA raw, wild and vulnerable debut encompassed with a grandiose, original sound that promises creativity and a fresh, assuring outlook on life complimented by a growing talent and a feat sonically, almost perfect.… Expand
  6. brettrosey
    Mar 1, 2019
    9
    One of the next great musicians. She's got an inherent 1975 vibe, which makes sense as to why George Daniel, the drummer of 1975 was drawn toOne of the next great musicians. She's got an inherent 1975 vibe, which makes sense as to why George Daniel, the drummer of 1975 was drawn to the project. In some ways, she reminds of what the 1975 could have been if they didn't dive off the deep end in terms of mainstream pop. That's not a knock against 1975, though, as they are certainly doing pop music right. This is a record that is certainly not lacking in style and substance. Every song masterfully crafted, and pushing the limits of what it means to be defined by just one respective genre.… Expand
  7. JordanLayton
    Apr 27, 2020
    8
    Soft drums, delicate synths, and quiet, electronically flavored vocal harmonies create a relaxing atmosphere without being too sleepy. ThisSoft drums, delicate synths, and quiet, electronically flavored vocal harmonies create a relaxing atmosphere without being too sleepy. This soothing and engaging album is my new go-to chill music.… Expand
  8. carrsean
    Mar 3, 2019
    8
    One of the better pop records released in a few time. Although both this project and must of The 1975's catalog have similar vibes, Good atOne of the better pop records released in a few time. Although both this project and must of The 1975's catalog have similar vibes, Good at Falling takes the sound into a much more insular and fragile place. The hooks and melodies really shine through the dreamy and lush production, as Amber Bain fleshes out what a Japanese House song can be. From the thick neo-80's riff of Maybe You're the Reason to the stripped back, lullaby-esque rendtion of Saw You In A Dream, Bain experiments with orchestral arrangements, acoustic guitar, autotune amongst other things to create an unifying and engaging listen . For as diverse as the album may seem as paper, the pristinely tight production (courtesy of Bain herself, BJ Burton- who's worked with Bon Iver and Francis and the Lights-, and George Daniel of The 1975, brings that signature sound that brings the album together. That and Bain's voice. Bain's voice captivates with a deeper tone that still manages to hold some fantastic melodies. Think of a slightly more uptempo Victoria Legrand. Her voice will disarm you every-time, as it's unlike anything found in the modern pop landscape. I would definitely turn to her EPs like Saw You in a Dream, Swim Against the Tide and ESPECIALLY Clean. Even though this album is great, her earlier EPs hold some of the best dream pop songs of this decade. But Good At Falling proves more than the Japanese House being more than a fluke. It reveals Bain as one of pop's most intriguing songwriters and hints at the potential for The Japanese House becoming a household name in indie pop in the next decade.… Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

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