Heartland
by Owen Pallett
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jan 12, 2010
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The Guardian
    60
    This is the pop Brian Wilson might have made, had he grown up infatuated with Sondheim rather than the Four Freshmen.
  2. Uncut
    60
    Pallett's pallid voice fails to dramatise the narrative or really engage the listener. As a calling card for future soundtrack commissions, however, it should succeed splendidly. [Feb 2010, p.84]
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  3. Mojo
    40
    The whole sprawl of tooting loops, sawing violins and Pallett's unlovely operatic warbling feels gruelling and indigestible - prog stodge in a dashing post millennial disguise. [Feb 2010, p. 93]
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  5. Q Magazine
    60
    What's lacking are a few copper-bottomed pop melodies to bind it all together; the kind of thing his collaborators normally provide, in other words. He's beter as a team player. [Mar 2010, p.101]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 47 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 47
  3. Negative: 4 out of 47
  1. ClifC.
    Jan 14, 2010
    9
    This album totally surprised me by its greatness. I didn't know Owen Pallett at all, but I can already say that this is a MUST HAVE This album totally surprised me by its greatness. I didn't know Owen Pallett at all, but I can already say that this is a MUST HAVE album, and an artist to follow closely!… Full Review »
  2. vicyamusicgreat
    May 30, 2014
    10
    Heartland is a brilliant and beautiful testament to one man's agreement to contend with the forces of music in his life and make them work forHeartland is a brilliant and beautiful testament to one man's agreement to contend with the forces of music in his life and make them work for him. Though it may take some getting used to, the first 6 songs are beautifully crafted and lyric-ed odes to a fantasy world of Owen's own creative making, while from song 7, Lewis Takes Off His Shirt, to the end of the album, we have a stunningly moving and locomotive song cycle that takes listeners on one of the most amazing journeys, hearkening back to the days of the Beatles and early Stevie Wonder!!… Full Review »
  3. LeahT.
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    Beautiful orchestration and well-crafted songs. Definitely refreshing and unique.
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