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

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  1. 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 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 stunninglyHeartland 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!!… Expand
  2. LeahT.
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    Beautiful orchestration and well-crafted songs. Definitely refreshing and unique.
  3. EricN.
    Jan 19, 2010
    10
    Amazing stuff. 'He Poos Clouds' was darned good, but this is in a whole other stratosphere.
  4. LukeW.
    Jan 19, 2010
    9
    The disney-esque melodies combined with the electronic sounds remind me a bit of st. Vincent's work, but this particular album feels much more "classical" with the ever-present violin. interesting that with all the instruments floating around, somehow the music remains sparse throughout.
  5. UnclePants
    Jan 14, 2010
    10
    Fantastic. Pallett's best work yet. Expect this to be on every best of list in 12 months.
  6. 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 album, and an artist to follow closely!
  7. TimB.
    Jan 13, 2010
    10
    An album that is immediately rewarding, what with Pallet's luminous and painstaking orchestrations, but also one that merits repeated listenings to dig into the crazy world that he's created. It contains some of the most beautiful, angry, and joyous music created in his solo career.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. BBC Music
    70
    Not everyone is going to want a 12-song cycle about the relationship of an extremely violent fictional farmer (no – come back!), of course, but within Heartland’s grand sweep are some riveting and quite glorious ideas.
    Read full review
  2. Clash Music
    70
    Starting with offbeat rhythms and minor key vocals the album is not as accessible as "Has A Good Home" and less adventurous than "He Poos Clouds"--yet there’s something that draws you into Heartland.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Whatever you care to call him, the man’s come up with the goods.
    Read full review
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