Halcyon
by Ellie Goulding
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Mojo
    Oct 22, 2012
    60
    There is improvement in the songwriting....But halfway through you might well weary at the album's unrelenting, full-bodied tone. [Nov 2012, p.91]
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  2. BBC Music
    Oct 12, 2012
    60
    What scuppers Halcyon, though, is the sense that Ellie's still not nailed down her own identity. There's just too much bombast, and the magpie-like-production and big, booming arrangements swaddle rather than swathe her vocals.
  3. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Oct 8, 2012
    60
    She makes a half-decent dance diva on "I Need Your Love", but I'd ask whether that doesn't defeat the object of being Ellie Goulding, though I still don't know what that object is.
  5. Uncut
    Oct 8, 2012
    60
    With its mix of electric piano and harp, gospel choir, distorted bass and rap, Halcyon seems uncertain where it belongs--low-lit lounge or heaving club. [Nov 2012, p.75]
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  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 8, 2012
    50
    Mainly, Halcyon sees Goulding's quirky-as-usual vocals lazily spliced into factory-standard chart dance.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 5, 2012
    60
    It's a well-crafted, stylish piece of work. But it's hard to love songs that try to hide.
  8. The Guardian
    Oct 5, 2012
    60
    The main flaw of Halcyon is that it occasionally feels a bit too much.

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Discussed Album of 2012
25
#25 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 300 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 272 out of 300
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 300
  3. Negative: 17 out of 300
  1. bamboo
    Oct 10, 2012
    10
    This album captured my soul right on the first listen. Never before have I experienced so many emotions, from despair and sadness to hope.This album captured my soul right on the first listen. Never before have I experienced so many emotions, from despair and sadness to hope. This album deserves the same success, if not more, than what Adele's 21 has achieved.… Full Review »
  2. Klou84
    Oct 9, 2012
    10
    I know people throw out 10's left and right, but there are probably only two other albums I've heard in my life I would rate a 10. Halcyon isI know people throw out 10's left and right, but there are probably only two other albums I've heard in my life I would rate a 10. Halcyon is really amazing. Every single song sounds of QUALITY! You can tell she invested a lot of time on each track to make sure they are all perfect. It's a lot more mature than her first album and a million times better. The main track list is a little more low tempo than the bonus tracks, so if you want the upbeat stuff, definitely get the deluxe version.

    Best Pop Album of 2012 and one of the best records period. It blows everything in recent memory away IMO.

    Favorite Track - My Blood
    Favorite Bonus Track - The End    … Full Review »
  3. Navelpluis1337
    Oct 9, 2012
    9
    A very likable album. Ellie is one of the better singers out there at the moment, and the music her beautiful vocals are set to uniqueA very likable album. Ellie is one of the better singers out there at the moment, and the music her beautiful vocals are set to unique instrumental backgrounds, some a lot different from previous album Lights. It's pop flirting with electronic music, and at that, it does a very good job.… Full Review »
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