Goon
by Tobias Jesso Jr.
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 42
  3. Negative: 1 out of 42
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  1. coltylocks
    Mar 18, 2015
    9
    An album that is not demanding of the listener, however,is not watered down. Jesso has a McCartney like ear for infectious melodies that deliver messages which are not mentally taxing to understand. Jesso dlievers his lyrics simply without too many cringe-worthy. Do to its accessibility for a wide range of listeners expect this album to make many year end lists. Jesso isnt reinventing theAn album that is not demanding of the listener, however,is not watered down. Jesso has a McCartney like ear for infectious melodies that deliver messages which are not mentally taxing to understand. Jesso dlievers his lyrics simply without too many cringe-worthy. Do to its accessibility for a wide range of listeners expect this album to make many year end lists. Jesso isnt reinventing the wheel, he is just doing something that is over done, but doing it better than anyone else is the recent past… Expand
  2. Nedloh94
    Mar 24, 2015
    9
    This is a gorgeous, soulful, and earnest little album. Sure, the influences are as naked as they come. Some Elton here. Some McCartney there. Regardless, the songwriting and performances are far too winning to be overshadowed by who this sounds like. Definitely one of the best of the year.
  3. Custom_Concerns
    Apr 18, 2015
    8
    Tobias Jesso Jr. has delivered us a poignant series of tracks emulating the sounds of 70's singer/songwriters like Elton John, Joe Cocker, and Harry Nilsson. The sound of the album itself may strike some as uninspired - simply replicating praised styles of the past in an attempt to secure success in today's difficult music industry - but I don't think Goon is one of those records. TheTobias Jesso Jr. has delivered us a poignant series of tracks emulating the sounds of 70's singer/songwriters like Elton John, Joe Cocker, and Harry Nilsson. The sound of the album itself may strike some as uninspired - simply replicating praised styles of the past in an attempt to secure success in today's difficult music industry - but I don't think Goon is one of those records. The vocal delivery, lyrics, and songwriting all maintain a level of tact and authenticity one doesn't find too terribly often. While it may not be the most ambitious album of the year, it is one of the most listenable. Certainly an argument against those who claim modern music has degraded into the same electro-pop song we all hear on the radio.… Expand
  4. NickolasM
    Mar 18, 2015
    8
    Tobias Jesso Jr has every potential to be huge in 2015, because he is honest with his music. Ed Sheeran is huge, Sam Smith is huge, so it's the perfect timing for him to be the next Best New Artist nominee at the Grammys of 2016.
    Read the whole review here: http://www.anartcalled.blogspot.gr/2015/03/tobias-jesso-jr-goon.html
  5. jesseurbancsik
    Mar 24, 2015
    8
    A great album to listen to while studying or with headphones at work, drinking coffee and trying to forget your problems. Looks like we have a lil' spawn of Elton John or something in the works.
  6. tannerparsons
    Mar 13, 2017
    9
    A stellar album coming from a young man who originally didn't even want to sing his own songs. I hope he continues to do just that. Looking forward to his next release to see if he experiments with new instrumentation.
  7. ElroyRosenberg
    Jun 14, 2015
    9
    An wonderful album. Jesso packs it with McCartney-like songs, containing infectious melodies and haunting progressions that seem like a Beatles-Elton John amalgamation of epic proportions. It's not a game-changer but no doubt this will put Jesso on the map. A wonderful album indeed.
  8. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 22, 2021
    7
    An album that is not demanding of the listener, however,is not watered down. Jesso has a McCartney like ear for infectious melodies that deliver messages which are not mentally taxing to understand. Jesso dlievers his lyrics simply without too many cringe-worthy. Do to its accessibility for a wide range of listeners expect this album to make many year end lists. Jesso isnt reinventing theAn album that is not demanding of the listener, however,is not watered down. Jesso has a McCartney like ear for infectious melodies that deliver messages which are not mentally taxing to understand. Jesso dlievers his lyrics simply without too many cringe-worthy. Do to its accessibility for a wide range of listeners expect this album to make many year end lists. Jesso isnt reinventing the wheel, he is just doing something that is over done, but doing it better than anyone else is the recent past.

    a gorgeous, soulful, and earnest little album. Sure, the influences are as naked as they come. Some Elton here. Some McCartney there. Regardless, the songwriting and performances are far too winning to be overshadowed by who this sounds like.

    Jesso packs it with McCartney-like songs, containing infectious melodies and haunting progressions that seem like a Beatles-Elton John amalgamation of epic proportions. It's not a game-changer but no doubt this will put Jesso on the map.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Apr 23, 2015
    89
    Like his piano chops, his lyrics are no-frills expressions, ripe and ready to be groomed into something even bigger.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    Mar 26, 2015
    60
    Goon isn’t great, at least in terms of its ambitions, but it is a fine example of what might evolve from pure pop purpose.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Mar 23, 2015
    70
    There's not much one can do to deny the emotional weight or the eerily '70s character of Goon; it's probably best to settle into the La-Z-Boy, flick feathered hair off of your polyester lapel, grab a box of tissues, and let it be.
    Read full review
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