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. Mixed: 3 out of 86
  3. Negative: 6 out of 86

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  1. niallriches
    Mar 31, 2013
    3
    When you have a natural vocal talent, like Ellie Goulding does, it needs to be harvested correctly.
    This is where Goulding's second album Halcyon falls short. Over-produced on the majority of tracks, with needless sampling and vocal effects. The irony is that an 'effect' in terms of music production is supposed to enhance the dynamic range, stereo field, or audio aspects of a signal, and     the vocals on Halcyon have in fact been completely ruined by over-production.

    There are standout tracks, Explosions, Halcyon and JOY where Goulding's stunning vocals can be truly appreciated, however there are tracks such as Only You, Hanging On, and the first track Don't Say A Word which completely wreck the mood, and have moments which just completely bewilder me.

    Being a big fan of her debut album Lights, this was a massive dissapointment for me to listen to, and it makes me concerned with the direction that Goulding is going in.

    Blame Skrillex!    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics

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]
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