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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  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 deserves the same success, if not more, than what Adele's 21 has achieved.
  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 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
  3. ashleymark
    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.
  4. Zelda_Racer
    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 qualityWhy 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
  5. DRP64
    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 inIt 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.    … Expand
  6. 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.
  7. Lolalove
    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.
  8. 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
  9. ej125
    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!
  10. 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
  11. 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!
  12. Skitte
    May 14, 2014
    10
    Ellie Goulding is a massive talent, but people haven't seen it yet. 4 years since her debut and already Hollywood aimed for her. Halcyon is the best album in this overloaded era of music. This is so weird, so nice, so full of sentiments... Her voice is fully naked and this means to be a great singer, although her lives sound almost with the studio. Go Ellie! I can't wait to see you highly!
  13. joshuastar
    Jul 18, 2014
    10
    This is definitely one of the most beautiful pop record of the 2010s: Ellie's vocals are here at their best, whereas the songs are always intense and well-crafted.
  14. 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
  15. 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.
  16. giannisavdis
    Nov 13, 2015
    10
    I THIND HALCYON WAS THE BEST ALBUM THAT ELLIE GOULDING HAVE EVER RECORDED. IM WRITTING THAT AT 13/11/2015 AND DELIRIUM IS OUT. I HAVE HEARD THE WHOLE ALBUM AND I STILL BELIVE THAT HALCYON IS BETTER. HALCYON WAS SPECIAL DELIRIUM IS JUST MAINSTREAM MUSIC. BY THE WAY I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU ELLIE AND I WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT YOU!
  17. RickyReviews
    Feb 19, 2016
    10
    One of the best albums I have ever heard. All the songs are catchy, but in a good way, not like Uptown Funk. Much much better than Taylor Swift. Should be a Grammy winner! 10/10!
  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. igor_26
    Aug 11, 2019
    10
    Such a great album, oh my goooooodness Ellie! You are so amazing, this album is pop perfection
  20. 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.
  21. 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!
  22. 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.
  23. clarinhaaa
    Nov 22, 2021
    10
    The best part of the Divergent movie, Ellie Goulding is brilliant here with both her voice and lyrics
  24. RoxanneKimberly
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    I think this may be my favorite album of hers, Ellie Goulding's voice and charm shines here
  25. EstellaKimberly
    Nov 25, 2021
    10
    Ellie Goulding's sophomore album is as great as her debut, so many great songs here as well
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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 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.
  29. GagaForGhibli
    Nov 7, 2012
    9
    Her Voice Is Amazing! Very Creative Lyrics! Do I Smell A Grammy Nomination?
  30. Neoncat
    Jun 14, 2013
    9
    Second album from the British singer-songwriter. I like this album and even dare to say, that this is maybe even better than Lights; the album, not the song, nothing beats the song >w< anyway. I mostly enjoyed the album, but far some reason I don't like Atlantis that much, maybe because the high-pitched chipmunk vocals, but other than that it is okay song. This is also a nice contrast toSecond album from the British singer-songwriter. I like this album and even dare to say, that this is maybe even better than Lights; the album, not the song, nothing beats the song >w< anyway. I mostly enjoyed the album, but far some reason I don't like Atlantis that much, maybe because the high-pitched chipmunk vocals, but other than that it is okay song. This is also a nice contrast to her previous album, that was more light and delightful, when Halcyon is dark and sad yet beautiful. I also think this album deserves more than meta-score of 69-out-of-100, in my opinion the album is great and almost perfect. She deserves more recognition.
    Favourite songs from the album: My Blood, Halcyon, Anything Could Happen, Figure 8, I Know You Care, JOY, Explosions, I Need Your Love, Lights, Stay Awake & High For This.    … Expand
prev
Page:

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 »