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. AllMusic
    Oct 8, 2012
    70
    An ambitious work by an artist intent on developing her total sound, Halcyon finds Goulding poised at the edge of artistic and career possibilities.
  2. Consequence
    Oct 9, 2012
    70
    In today's era of pop, where computers find the soul for winning contestants, it's hard to scoff at Goulding, whose sole problem on her record is being too emotionally redundant.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Oct 5, 2012
    83
    Halcyon could have gone for easy crossovers. But the album is slightly too weird for that--and that's what makes it good.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    Oct 9, 2012
    75
    On Halcyon she marries thoughtful ruminations on young love to whooshing synth riffs and hard-edged machine beats; the album claims electronic dance music as the natural province of sensitive singer-songwriters.
  6. Pitchfork
    Oct 24, 2012
    66
    Goulding can certainly inhabit a soundscape. Her next step is to inhabit just one.
  7. PopMatters
    Oct 9, 2012
    70
    The outcome is a bit flawed and a very loud version of her biggest and smallest self.
  8. Q Magazine
    Oct 22, 2012
    80
    Halcyon casts a formidable spell. [Nov 2012, p.96]
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  9. Rolling Stone
    Oct 9, 2012
    70
    If the songwriting doesn't quite measure up to U.K. art-pop divas like Kate Bush, the hooks always go to town, and her voice – Dolly Parton-dazzling in the upper register – mates gorgeously with electronics.
  10. The Fly (UK)
    Oct 5, 2012
    80
    Halcyon is a bold and confident step forward.
  11. The Telegraph (UK)
    Oct 5, 2012
    80
    Her second album, however, belatedly delivers on all Goulding's latent promise.

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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