Halcyon
by Ellie Goulding
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
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  1. marcmyworks
    Sep 5, 2016
    7
    This is an odd album to review. It is so different in sound and vibe from her previous album though still seems quite familiar. The downside is the money grabbing re-issue (Halcyon Days). Download: Figure 8, Anything Can Happen, Explosions.
  2. jotaeseche
    Apr 13, 2014
    9
    Throughout the vast album, Ellie explores and dives into melancholic and heart-broken ballads, original and minimal covers, powerful and stylish electronic songs and flourish and gay pop tracks. Her voice is immaculate and fits with everything she tries to perform. Though the cd as a whole may turn a bit long, every tune is enjoyable and meaningful. Favourite songs? Apart from theThroughout the vast album, Ellie explores and dives into melancholic and heart-broken ballads, original and minimal covers, powerful and stylish electronic songs and flourish and gay pop tracks. Her voice is immaculate and fits with everything she tries to perform. Though the cd as a whole may turn a bit long, every tune is enjoyable and meaningful. Favourite songs? Apart from the underestimated Anything Could Happen and the excellent I Know You Care, the brilliant masterpiece Only You. Goulding has made it again. Fantastic work that must be listened, enjoyed and loved.… Expand
  3. GagaForGhibli
    Nov 7, 2012
    9
    Her Voice Is Amazing! Very Creative Lyrics! Do I Smell A Grammy Nomination?
  4. brubruzinha
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Ellie Goulding's vocals are so unique, there is just no one like her in the music industry and this album proves how great she is
  5. RoxanneKimberly
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    I think this may be my favorite album of hers, Ellie Goulding's voice and charm shines here
  6. EstellaKimberly
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Ellie Goulding's sophomore album is as great as her debut, so many great songs here as well
  7. mchlkirk77
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    New reviewer reviewing my top cds of 2013 -gets at ten because it has so many great songs, enough for two cds and they are dance to dramAtic bubble bath enjoyable romantic an her voice is so sweet love ellie!
  8. leogarcia132002
    Nov 25, 2022
    9
    Love it or hate it Halcyon is one of the albums that changed the style of making music, we are facing that music that was part of the sad and tumblr era.
  9. clarinhaaa
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    The best part of the Divergent movie, Ellie Goulding is brilliant here with both her voice and lyrics
  10. camilosanchez16
    Dec 17, 2014
    8
    Ellie ha definido su música gracias a su divertido y cómodo estilo de canto, siendo sincero, su delicadeza a la hora de cantar, pero así mismo su dureza a la hora de expresarse, me ha encantado.
  11. dharma
    Nov 23, 2012
    8
    Great sophomore album from Ellie Goulding, who is another talented singer coming from UK. She has a great voice and her album has this weird 'electropop' vibe. The version that I bought has the single 'Lights' in it, one of her best singles.
  12. kendylmau5
    Oct 13, 2012
    8
    The hype surrounding English singer-songstress Ellie Goulding is well rewarded, since Halcyon in fact delivers. It's an endearingly soothing blend of genres from indietronica to folktronica to pure soul and dream pop, boosted by Goulding's dazzlingly soft Dolly Parton-esque vocals that's capable of putting deep listeners into a trance. In fact, the first minute of opener "Don't Say a Word"The hype surrounding English singer-songstress Ellie Goulding is well rewarded, since Halcyon in fact delivers. It's an endearingly soothing blend of genres from indietronica to folktronica to pure soul and dream pop, boosted by Goulding's dazzlingly soft Dolly Parton-esque vocals that's capable of putting deep listeners into a trance. In fact, the first minute of opener "Don't Say a Word" could make one believe they've purchased a bluesy folk record. The lead single, "Anything Could Happen", as well as the second single, "I Know You Care", are the album's most accessible and friendliest tracks. However, its true colors shine within its weirdest tracks, such as the stomp-clapping 'folk-tronic' "Only You", the dubstep driven "Figure 8", and the vocally mesmerizing closer "Dead In the Water". Harris's appearance could be well considered "I Need Your Love", but is mediocre in comparison to the rest of the album. All listeners should at least give Halcyon a listen.… Expand
  13. Galletonn
    Dec 3, 2013
    8
    I love it. It's so deep, fresh and so good that I never get tired of it. It's perfect in every way. Tracks like "Hanging On", "My Blood", "Anything Could Happen", "Figure 8" and "Explosions" are literally PERFECT, the lyrics, the sound, the music that is in the whole álbum is excellent. It's true that there are some songs that are no so good in the record, but they fit amazing in it. It'sI love it. It's so deep, fresh and so good that I never get tired of it. It's perfect in every way. Tracks like "Hanging On", "My Blood", "Anything Could Happen", "Figure 8" and "Explosions" are literally PERFECT, the lyrics, the sound, the music that is in the whole álbum is excellent. It's true that there are some songs that are no so good in the record, but they fit amazing in it. It's incredible how I never get tired listening to it.… Expand
  14. James1998
    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
  15. Ashley1998
    May 28, 2013
    10
    A great piece of work from ellie goulding, a very talented artist with a very good voice, i love the songs, the songwrititng is excellent, anything could happen is just brilliant
  16. Spotlights
    Nov 17, 2012
    8
    Intense, dark and emotional, Halcyon shows less of Ellie's folk side and instead focuses on heavy beats and dark lyrics. However, there's still elements of Ellie that appeared on Lights; specifically the synths. Stand out track: Figure 8.
  17. Panda_moniums
    May 10, 2014
    8
    I love this album. She has a unique voice and the music is awesome. I really love lots of the songs, everyone is very unique but they all stray in the same sound. I really like her music, but it does seem like Ellie Goulding is a bit of a jerk in real life. Whatever, her music is still great.
  18. Paranormal
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    Один из самых личных для меня альбомов. Полон эмоций, плавных и глубоких ритмов, песен под любое настроение. Во прослушивания спасал от одиночества (или дополнял его). Много раз успокаивал. Не могу разбивать этот альбом на отдельные песни. Он цельный и непередаваемый. Для меня - лучший альбом Элли.Один из самых личных для меня альбомов. Полон эмоций, плавных и глубоких ритмов, песен под любое настроение. Во прослушивания спасал от одиночества (или дополнял его). Много раз успокаивал. Не могу разбивать этот альбом на отдельные песни. Он цельный и непередаваемый. Для меня - лучший альбом Элли.
  19. Maytemena
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    El disco es unos de mis favoritos, las letras son hermosas y los sonidos son espectaculares, es unos de los mejores trabajos de Ellie.
  20. killerlover24
    Aug 17, 2015
    10
    "Halcyon" is an amazing album in Ellie's career. With a wonderful mix of sounds and her greatful vocals, she made of this album a masterpiece. The lyrics are are really wonderful. One of my favorite albums.
  21. djprinvale
    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 totallyI 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
  22. igor_26
    Aug 11, 2019
    10
    Such a great album, oh my goooooodness Ellie! You are so amazing, this album is pop perfection
  23. Carlsdil000
    Jan 6, 2014
    9
    Loads of fun and beautiful to listen to. The songs grow on you, and you feel like you are getting to know Ellie Goulding as person. I love this album.
  24. 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 deserves the same success, if not more, than what Adele's 21 has achieved.
  25. SebastianRR
    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.
  26. Clemen
    Dec 5, 2013
    7
    She have a very unique and special voice. Hoping that her next album she plays with different kind of tone but currently her music are great and beautiful. Notably her lyrical sense, amazing.
  27. xDiamondxx
    Apr 3, 2015
    10
    SUA VAGABUNDA DO CARALHO EU TE AMOOOOOOOOOOOO o álbum é 100% urban só tem composição boa e ainda furou o olho da Marina p produzir o álbum pq uma bad **** é uma bad **** né amores Halcyon Days >>>> Halcyon por motivos de Tessellate, Under Control, Stay Awake e aquelas outras deluxe que esqueci o nome mas vai 10 mesmo pq eu te amo sua safada
  28. AGMDZ1033
    Jul 18, 2020
    10
    this could be easily Goulding's best work in so many ways, the atmosphere that she creates to fit all songs together it's another lever.
  29. BrightestBlue
    Jul 5, 2020
    10
    best album by ellie goulding, one of the more succesful albums i ever listened in my whole life, thats the best!
  30. 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 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 moreI 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    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Pitchfork
    Oct 24, 2012
    66
    Goulding can certainly inhabit a soundscape. Her next step is to inhabit just one.
    Read full review
  2. 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]
  3. Q Magazine
    Oct 22, 2012
    80
    Halcyon casts a formidable spell. [Nov 2012, p.96]
See all critic reviews »