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Halcyon Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 300 Ratings

  • Summary: The second release for the British pop singer was produced by Jim Eliot.
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Top Track

Anything Could Happen
Stripped to the waist We fall into the river Cover your eyes So you don't know the secret I've been trying to hide We held our breath To see our... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. 83
    Halcyon could have gone for easy crossovers. But the album is slightly too weird for that--and that's what makes it good.
  2. Oct 5, 2012
    80
    Halcyon is a bold and confident step forward.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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]
  6. She makes a half-decent dance diva on "I Need Your Love", but I'd ask whether that doesn't defeat the object of being Ellie Goulding, though I still don't know what that object is.
  7. Mainly, Halcyon sees Goulding's quirky-as-usual vocals lazily spliced into factory-standard chart dance.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 48
  2. Negative: 2 out of 48
  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 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. Expand
  2. 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 butNever 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. Expand
  3. 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."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. Expand
  4. 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 isEllie 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! Expand
  5. Apr 13, 2014
    9
    Throughout the vast album, Ellie explores and dives into melancholic and heart-broken ballads, original and minimal covers, powerful andThroughout 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
  6. Feb 2, 2014
    8
    An awesome album! Great compositions and nice variety. Considering you get 21 tracks and there's a nice balance between upbeat and more gentleAn awesome album! Great compositions and nice variety. Considering you get 21 tracks and there's a nice balance between upbeat and more gentle songs, it's a must for fans of the artist. Great vocals and nice rhythm. It's the kind of album that gets better the more you listen to it. Expand
  7. Aug 24, 2022
    0
    Mainly, Halcyon sees Goulding's quirky-as-usual vocals lazily spliced into factory-standard chart dance. A few good songs though...0

See all 48 User Reviews