Halcyon - Ellie Goulding
User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 86 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 77 out of 86
  2. Negative: 6 out of 86

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  1. 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 deserves the same success, if not more, than what Adele's 21 has achieved.
  2. Oct 9, 2012
    10
    This is a crafted and adventurous piece of work from such a young musician. She has clearly invested a lot of time into this and has built upon what was good about her previous record. It's an album that screams for your attention and from the first to the last song, it maintains it.
  3. 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 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.
  4. 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 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
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  5. Oct 13, 2012
    10
    It was always going to be difficult for Ellie coming back to the UK, after such a long absence whilst she unexpectedly smashed America, but she hasn't disappointed. 'Halcyon' couldn't be much different from her debut album, but it that was always going to be the case given how much her life has changed since she penned 'Lights'. Indeed, 'Halcyon' has very much captured a specific moment in her life, based around the break-up with Radio 1 DJ Greg James, yet this is not your typical heartbreak album.
    Tender yet resilient, emotions displayed on the album certainly contrast each other, with the earlier tracks such as 'My Blood' and 'Halcyon' displaying optimism and drive only to give way to much softer and deeper tones of 'I Know You Care' and 'Explosions'. This album definitely has a versatility to it and it will no doubt act as plenty of material for dance artists such are the strong drum beats that provide the backbone to many of the tracks.
    But all-round this is a fantastic and busy album, which has given Ellie Goulding the chance to start afresh and show how she has grown in confidence as an artist to wear her heart on her sleeve. Up there with the best.
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  6. Oct 16, 2012
    9
    I became relaxed, almost in a state of trance while listening to this album. The combination of Ellies beautiful voice and powerful yet simple production makes the album a great everyday album. My only gripe is the track on the iTunes bonus that featured the rapper. Man does that track stick out like a sore thumb. After 13 tracks of melodic singing, having a random rapper come in totally throws off the flow. Expand
  7. Nov 7, 2012
    9
    Her Voice Is Amazing! Very Creative Lyrics! Do I Smell A Grammy Nomination?
  8. Mar 21, 2013
    10
    Why a 10? Every single song is worth a listen, that's why. Actually...that one with Calvin Harris is pretty generic with nothing noteworthy about it; even Ellie's voice can't save it. The album does go through a range of emotions, but much of them fall under "sad". It's no wonder 'Anything Could Happen' is the only single, most of the other songs would bum people out. However, the quality shouldn't. The soundscapes created by 'My Blood', 'Only You' and 'Figure 8' are simply incredible. You will get lost in the music, and you'll love every second of it. Expand
  9. May 20, 2013
    10
    Canciones excelentes y un ritmo conmovedor y a la vez impactante, ahora muestra mas tenacidad a la hora de interpretar y de escribir. Ellie Goulding la mejor en el DREAM POP.
  10. Apr 19, 2013
    10
    Never before have so feel such emotions. Turn the Halcyon and feel it. Very emotional album. Each song is like a piece of a broken heart but it is a very pleasant feeling when you are finished listening and your heart is fixed. I love this album and Ellie's voice like an angel. My favorite songs are My Blood, Anything Could Happen, Figure 8 and I Need Your Love.
  11. Apr 20, 2013
    10
    Very good album, i very much liked it. The lyrics were amazing, she has a great voice and is very talented, Anything could happen, Only you, My blood and explosions are my favourites
  12. May 5, 2013
    10
    One of the BEST albums I've ever heard!!! Highlights are: My Blood, Halcyon, JOY, I Know You Care, I Need Your Love, and Ritual. This album is WAY better than her previous album Lights. Love you Ellie!
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Oct 24, 2012
    66
    Goulding can certainly inhabit a soundscape. Her next step is to inhabit just one.
  2. 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]
  3. Oct 22, 2012
    80
    Halcyon casts a formidable spell. [Nov 2012, p.96]