User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 223 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 28 out of 223

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  1. Lisa
    Feb 25, 2010
    10
    Amazing. Just. Amazing.
  2. Nov 11, 2010
    10
    Maybe the only ''classic'' album released in 2010, each Joanna's album is better than the previous one. Probably she's the best contemporary songwriter.
  3. HenryV
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    Love love love it! Some of the most profound songwriting I've heard in ages.
  4. AdamH
    Apr 17, 2010
    9
    Its only fault is that there's too much of it for one listen. Even writing this I feel like I'm nit-picking. Maybe I'll change my vote next year when I've digested it completely.
  5. DenisS.
    Apr 20, 2010
    9
    I thought it would be impossible for me to like this album, considering that Newsom's previous efforts are two of my favourite albums of the last decade... A three-disc venture just seemed too much to stomach. But Joanna Newsom proved my early concerns wrong. During this 2-hour + listen she explores the benefits and costs of a relationship in all its veriety... she hooks us, and I thought it would be impossible for me to like this album, considering that Newsom's previous efforts are two of my favourite albums of the last decade... A three-disc venture just seemed too much to stomach. But Joanna Newsom proved my early concerns wrong. During this 2-hour + listen she explores the benefits and costs of a relationship in all its veriety... she hooks us, and leaves us in awe of her song-writing greatness. Expand
  6. RodrigoA
    Apr 8, 2010
    10
    Fantastic. Joanna Newson is one of the greatest voices I have ever heard. Truly amazing. After "Ys" it was difficult to do better but she managed it.
  7. BradleyJ
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    Much more versatile than Ys and an easier listen! Some tracks feel almost spiritual! Well, not in a she is "god" sorta sense, but like your head is floating. Ok
  8. TedG
    Feb 24, 2010
    10
    I know making a comparison of any band to the Beatles a a no-no, but to me this is her white album. Not as concise, perhaps not as perfectly constructed as her previous album, but in it's way it is almost more impressive. In the two hours there isn't a moment that could be changed, every song, despite their numbers and lengths is great. If one was not familiar with Joanna I know making a comparison of any band to the Beatles a a no-no, but to me this is her white album. Not as concise, perhaps not as perfectly constructed as her previous album, but in it's way it is almost more impressive. In the two hours there isn't a moment that could be changed, every song, despite their numbers and lengths is great. If one was not familiar with Joanna Newsom's career, they might thing it was a best of collection. Expand
  9. BeauR.
    Feb 26, 2010
    10
    Have One On Me is dense and sprawling but wondrous and surprising, though not as surprising as an unsurprising album would have been. It also sounds like a natural stepping-stone in Newsom's fearless, carefully sculpted body of work.
  10. VincentB
    Mar 2, 2010
    9
    Though completely different to her first two albums once again she has taken a step forwards, developed and come up with something wholly beautiful, even though the amount of music is somewhat daunting. Thank God for Joanna!
  11. LukeH
    Feb 25, 2010
    10
    This is the best release from Joanna Newsom yet. Have One On Me exists in between her debut's simpler folk melodies and Ys's long, more complicated songs, and it's a testament to her talent that this two hour, three disc album has not a single track that could be called filler. It definitely has its weaker moments but there's not one song here that should've been This is the best release from Joanna Newsom yet. Have One On Me exists in between her debut's simpler folk melodies and Ys's long, more complicated songs, and it's a testament to her talent that this two hour, three disc album has not a single track that could be called filler. It definitely has its weaker moments but there's not one song here that should've been left on the cutting room floor. Joanna's voice has improved considerably since her singing on Ys, which was already an improvement over her debut. Whereas before her voice was the main turnoff for many detractors, her voice is now well trained enough to be a non-issue. The arrangements are restrained, which allows Joanna's harp playing to be at the forefront and not be drowned out in the arrangement as it sometimes was in Van Dyk's arrangements for Ys. Overall despite it only being February I can see this being on many publications' and bloggers' top albums at the end of 2010. Expand
  12. TommyB.
    Mar 24, 2010
    10
    This album is stunning beyond words. In the same way that Y's was one of the most profound and dazzling albums of the last three decades, her lattest offering shows her creative genius in full bloom. with a newfound lyrical directness that makes these songs all the more impactfull while retaining their ellusive allure.
  13. JimI
    Mar 6, 2010
    9
    Amazing album, her voice keeps getting better.
  14. JoshK
    Feb 28, 2010
    10
    'Have One On Me' perfectly exemplifies the fruition of someone who may very well go down as one of the best songwriters of her generation. Ambitious yet not pretentious, Newsom recalls the likes of Joni Mitchell and Kate Bush on her magnum opus.
  15. DarrenS.
    Mar 18, 2010
    10
    An unbelievably perfect album, one for the ages, beyond Automatic For The People, Astral Weeks, Daydream Nation..... There's not one weak/boring/unnecessary moment on it. I'll never listen to Ys again. This is light years beyond that, lyrically, musically, vocally.....there's a supreme confidence here. The songwriting is beyond brilliant. We'll be gushing over this An unbelievably perfect album, one for the ages, beyond Automatic For The People, Astral Weeks, Daydream Nation..... There's not one weak/boring/unnecessary moment on it. I'll never listen to Ys again. This is light years beyond that, lyrically, musically, vocally.....there's a supreme confidence here. The songwriting is beyond brilliant. We'll be gushing over this album in 50 years from now. Expand
  16. JS
    Mar 3, 2010
    8
    A great album that could essentially be a lot shorter. I think in the end over saturation takes over. Nonetheless there some beautiful songs like '81, among others.
  17. Jan 18, 2012
    8
    'Have One On Me' is difficult to take in, it's two-hour running time being the prime cause of this, but if you dip in and out of it, it is haunting and enjoyable. Newsom's voice just keeps maturing and here it is at it's best, the songs are not as groundbreaking as they were on 'Ys', but they sound more comfortable. A full, epic album with lots to it, but once you digest it, it is really'Have One On Me' is difficult to take in, it's two-hour running time being the prime cause of this, but if you dip in and out of it, it is haunting and enjoyable. Newsom's voice just keeps maturing and here it is at it's best, the songs are not as groundbreaking as they were on 'Ys', but they sound more comfortable. A full, epic album with lots to it, but once you digest it, it is really beautiful. Songs like '81', 'Easy' and 'Good Intentions Paving Company' will all sound good on the radio, compared to songs 'Ys' which were the opposite of radio-friendly. She is constantly doing things that are completely daring, original and unexpected and on-paper 'Have On One Me' easily could have been a throwaway, but even after this triple album, her scorecard is perfect. Expand
  18. Jul 14, 2012
    9
    There is no better description for this album than "beautiful". At times this beauty is inspiring, at other times heartbreaking. Every song invites the listener on a journey -- sometimes short and sweet ("On a Good Day"), but more often long, mysterious, and tangential (everything else). Delicate, thoughtful arrangements weave seamlessly into the magical environment created by Newsom'sThere is no better description for this album than "beautiful". At times this beauty is inspiring, at other times heartbreaking. Every song invites the listener on a journey -- sometimes short and sweet ("On a Good Day"), but more often long, mysterious, and tangential (everything else). Delicate, thoughtful arrangements weave seamlessly into the magical environment created by Newsom's intriguing vocal style. While the first few outings may leave the listener overwhelmed or confused, infecting melodies and lovable nuances seem to sprout from the album on each repeated listen. Newsom is one of modern music's most ambitious, creative songwriters. So many of the songs on the album, like "Have One On Me" or "In California" to name a few, leave me wondering if I need to listen to anything else ever again. This album is a masterpiece. The only thing standing in the way of its perfection is its quantity. It is possible to have "too much of a good thing", and I believe this album does. Even so, this will be one of the albums I get lost in for the rest of my life. Expand
  19. Nov 27, 2013
    10
    This is my favorite album, hands down. I am an alternative rock sort of guy (Radiohead is my favorite band), but this album completely stole my heart. It's hard for me to read negative reviews about her art. This album with any condensation would be a grave injustice. She takes you on a journey, and if you weren't prepared, should should have thought about that before you took on a threeThis is my favorite album, hands down. I am an alternative rock sort of guy (Radiohead is my favorite band), but this album completely stole my heart. It's hard for me to read negative reviews about her art. This album with any condensation would be a grave injustice. She takes you on a journey, and if you weren't prepared, should should have thought about that before you took on a three disk album. She is the most vulnerable and eager to share artist out there. Every single pluck of her harp, or the well places entry of a trombone is meant to stir something inside, and for me, it completely succeeds. This album has so much depth, so much range, and showcases such a raw talent, that it's undeniably a masterpiece. Joanna Newsom transcended musician to me, she is really the artist in the world I most respect.. She's a gift. Collapse
  20. May 6, 2014
    10
    I will be obsessing over this Album/s for the rest of my life. True love never truly dies. She is hands down the best storyteller and lyricist I can think of. Her songs are a construction of climax, shift, quicken, flow and ebb. I have personally listened to 'Have One On Me' enough to know it. It took me a long time, and quite a few complete listen-throughs. I never got bored, once. 'BabyI will be obsessing over this Album/s for the rest of my life. True love never truly dies. She is hands down the best storyteller and lyricist I can think of. Her songs are a construction of climax, shift, quicken, flow and ebb. I have personally listened to 'Have One On Me' enough to know it. It took me a long time, and quite a few complete listen-throughs. I never got bored, once. 'Baby Birch' has brought me to tears every time I've heard it. 'In California' is my favorite. Her lyrics are utterly haunting, and I think about them all the time. 'Well, I have sown untidy furrows across my soul, but I am still a coward, content to see my garden grow so sweet & full of someone else's flowers.' those lyrics will stick with me for ever. I am astonished by her ability, and sense of musical range. I have found her voice to be her weakest quality in past records, but she sounds so much more polished here, her tone is a little more concise. Bust out your thesaurus, it's everything synonymous with love, great, and beautiful. Expand
  21. Sep 22, 2010
    10
    The term genius is not often called for in pop music, but in this case it's justified. She's a totally original and unique artist, and one of the best storytellers around. The sheer amount of material on this album is enough to scare a lot of people off, but I think it's only a great thing. The listener can't concentrate on all of it at once, but is forced to pick a few favorites thatThe term genius is not often called for in pop music, but in this case it's justified. She's a totally original and unique artist, and one of the best storytellers around. The sheer amount of material on this album is enough to scare a lot of people off, but I think it's only a great thing. The listener can't concentrate on all of it at once, but is forced to pick a few favorites that rotates after a while, and ensures the album a long life. Just fantastic. Album of the year, by a mile! Expand
  22. Sep 29, 2010
    10
    If one were to superficially look at Joanna Newsom's 3 LP album, he or she would probably assume that she sacrificed quality over quantity. But instead, every song of this album is gem in its own way. Newsom takes a different approach with this album, as she steps towards a more mainstream style of sound focusing more on the piano rather than the harp. Ys focused on being like aIf one were to superficially look at Joanna Newsom's 3 LP album, he or she would probably assume that she sacrificed quality over quantity. But instead, every song of this album is gem in its own way. Newsom takes a different approach with this album, as she steps towards a more mainstream style of sound focusing more on the piano rather than the harp. Ys focused on being like a fairytale experience, while Milk Eyed Blender was more childlike. Newsom settles down in this album sitting on the piano, but still brings her beautiful lyrics to the table. Each album is separated into 3 LP records with about 5-6 songs on each of them. Each LP has a separate theme that the audience will found out for themselves. This is an open experience, and the separation of the songs enables this variety. The album starts with Easy, an elaborate song that utilizes percussion and piano beautifully. This sets the pace for the rest of the album as they are equally good or better. But the highlight of the first album is "Good Intentions Paving Company." This is as close Newsom will come close to a rock/pop song as it is unusually fast-paced using brass instruments, piano, and percussion. The second album contains "In California," as song that is much similar to "Does Not Suffice," which is seen in the final album. Both of these songs are connected in a way, which show the much thought Newsom put in the album. But perhaps the best song on Have One On Me is "Soft As Chalk." There are multiple tempo changes, beautiful solos, and abstract lyrics. It is the highlight of the whole album. Joanna Newsom's album is flawless. It is not only an album, but an experience. If you can get over her eccentric vocal style, you will find 2 hours of beauty, thought, and heart. Expand
  23. Dec 6, 2010
    10
    beautiful. I have little that I can think to say other than listen to this.
    It may take a little while to get into as all the songs are about 6 minutes long at the least
  24. ArviG
    Apr 5, 2010
    7
    It pains me to say it, but this album is not her best... actually, it's not even her second best. There's too many "little darlin's" and "a-rounds" and "a-ways", too much forced warbling when holding the note would suffice (and sound so much better), and, frankly, too many redundant lyrics. The album also suffers from a melodic sameness that persists even with repeated It pains me to say it, but this album is not her best... actually, it's not even her second best. There's too many "little darlin's" and "a-rounds" and "a-ways", too much forced warbling when holding the note would suffice (and sound so much better), and, frankly, too many redundant lyrics. The album also suffers from a melodic sameness that persists even with repeated listens... I find myself singing lyrics from "In California" (the best song on the album) to the music of "Does Not Suffice". All that said, there's still some fine stuff here - the highlights along with "In California" for me are "Go Long" and "Esme". Expand
  25. Steve
    Feb 26, 2010
    8
    In a way, I feel the same way about this album that I do about Speakerboxx/The Love Below. There are a lot of songs, a lot of them are pretty good, but why not weed out a few of the weaker ones and just fit it all on one 'disc'? On the one hand this album appears to offer incredible depth (just like Ys), so that the songs that are enjoyable should have a long shelf-life. On the In a way, I feel the same way about this album that I do about Speakerboxx/The Love Below. There are a lot of songs, a lot of them are pretty good, but why not weed out a few of the weaker ones and just fit it all on one 'disc'? On the one hand this album appears to offer incredible depth (just like Ys), so that the songs that are enjoyable should have a long shelf-life. On the other hand, the weaker songs are often meandering, with un-anchored melodies and chord progressions that sound like they were chosen based on unpredictability rather than quality. Still, I gave it an 8 because there's at least an hour of good music here. There are some very rewarding tracks here ("Good Intentions Paving Company," "Kingfisher," "Jackrabbits," "Easy," to give some examples), and for the rest just don't be too afraid to press skip. Expand
  26. HanzelL.
    Feb 23, 2010
    10
    So far, the best album of 2010! I've been following its mistery since she introduced us with the new tracks. I must say that, if you were expecting Ryan Francescony to equal Van Dyke Park
  27. Dec 29, 2010
    8
    As a rule, I hate dance music just slightly less than actually dancing, but this is pretty damn good. Far, far less monotonous than most of its ilk. For folks like me, a good listen, and great to clean house to!
  28. Jul 30, 2012
    10
    It's obviously an ambitious recording: three discs of a singer known by her quirky voice and usually accompanied by a harp... But Joanna made it pixie-way beautiful. A step ahead from her previous work, now she has pianos, trumpets and the old harp, and her voice tone matured enough to prove herself to the critics. And now, her songwriting is in a higher level than in 'Ys', making her theIt's obviously an ambitious recording: three discs of a singer known by her quirky voice and usually accompanied by a harp... But Joanna made it pixie-way beautiful. A step ahead from her previous work, now she has pianos, trumpets and the old harp, and her voice tone matured enough to prove herself to the critics. And now, her songwriting is in a higher level than in 'Ys', making her the most complete folk singer of our generation. Expand
  29. Nov 10, 2018
    10
    Joanna Newsom has got to be my favorite songwriter of this generation. Point blank. Her third album might be her opus, though Divers holds a special significance to me as well. One of the most stunning details about this album is that each track pulls you in at a different time throughout the many times you listen. For example, a few months ago, Go Long was my favorite track, but as of aJoanna Newsom has got to be my favorite songwriter of this generation. Point blank. Her third album might be her opus, though Divers holds a special significance to me as well. One of the most stunning details about this album is that each track pulls you in at a different time throughout the many times you listen. For example, a few months ago, Go Long was my favorite track, but as of a few days ago, Baby Birch has taken over. Joanna's lyricism is lightyears ahead of anyone else's I've heard in modern pop and rock music. This is her jazziest album, featuring horns in tracks such as Good Intentions Paving Company and You and Me, Bess. Highlights include all of the aforementioned tracks, in addition to No Provenance, '81, Soft as Chalk, Esmé and In California. This album will change your life, and will solidify itself as a fixture for years to come. Seriously. Check it out. Start with Go Long if you are a new listener. Share your favorite songs with your friends and interpret her dazzling lyrics. 10/10. Expand
  30. Jan 29, 2018
    9
    Certainly enough material on this thing! Newsom's most approachable album for sure.
  31. Sep 8, 2022
    10
    Originally reviewed: 14/03/21
    Original score: 9
    Updated:10 Sprawling ,focused and poignant as F!@k. This is her 'white album' made greater than the late band due to her rejection of fillers and ambient pandering interludes. This album from it's cover art to it's running time is just an exercise on decadence. She express so much without losing draw. We are taken through allegories and
    Originally reviewed: 14/03/21
    Original score: 9
    Updated:10
    Sprawling ,focused and poignant as F!@k. This is her 'white album' made greater than the late band due to her rejection of fillers and ambient pandering interludes. This album from it's cover art to it's running time is just an exercise on decadence. She express so much without losing draw. We are taken through allegories and metaphors of her own experiences as the dark but outwardly chipper " baby birch" or solemnity of "on a good day". This is a statement from a master flexing their skill . Though a record this big could easily be indulgent, repetitive and dull it becomes varied and compelling. The stories all stand on their own and capture the emotions they intend that you cannot help but cry or laugh as she delivers puns or harsh realities. Favourites:have one on me,baby birch,on a good day,good intentions paving good company, soft chalk
    Expand
  32. Oct 9, 2021
    10
    Im just here casually trying to make the rating higher. People are actually such haters on here and I thought the tabloids were bad.
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 35
  2. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. As an album, it is huge, sometimes overwhelming-- but such is the strength and individuality of Newsom’s vision, it seems almost inconceivable she could produce anything unremarkable.
  2. Much like a riveting movie keeps you in your seat, you’ll want to pay close attention to Joanna Newsom’s astonishing new album for fear of missing too much of the plot.
  3. Try to label what Newsom does in a sentence or two, and you just tie yourself in knots. Have One On Me will do little to change all that, and so the only clear point of reference is her own previous work. Beyond that, though, it’s enough to say that it’s her, and if you loved "Ys" as much as this writer did, you’re probably going to love Have One On Me also.