House of Balloons
by The Weeknd
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 442 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 409 out of 442
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 442
  3. Negative: 18 out of 442

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  1. Unbiasedforreal
    Mar 25, 2017
    3
    One of the big reasons why I personally don't like this album is simply because of The Weeknd's lack of adequate lyricism and single dimension instrumentals. The Weeknd's lyrics usually revolve around living a reckless lifestyle (filled to the brim with sex, drugs, alcohol and non-stop parties) and being better than his peers. Themes evident on this record and even in his entireOne of the big reasons why I personally don't like this album is simply because of The Weeknd's lack of adequate lyricism and single dimension instrumentals. The Weeknd's lyrics usually revolve around living a reckless lifestyle (filled to the brim with sex, drugs, alcohol and non-stop parties) and being better than his peers. Themes evident on this record and even in his entire discography. Though his abilities as a producer are undeniable, there is not really moment on this record that made me go, 'wow' or that I thought was innovative. The similarities in his songs also become more evident as the album progresses. One of the most redeeming factors of his album is the features, but even there is some lost potential. I feel as though every time you think the Weeknd did something great, he ends doing the same stuff, just with better quality. At least his has a good singing voice, but it's unfortunately not used creatively or to it's full potential. Rather listen to this without being too critical.… Collapse
  2. Stuie
    Apr 13, 2011
    1
    I gave this album a 1 instead of a 0, because, while it is utter trash, it does have slightly better instrumentation then more mainstream R&B releases. However it still has negatives like those awful drum machines beats. I simply cannot stand the R&B Style vocals. Every time I hear them I immediately think of mainstream stuff weather its a fair comparison or not.I gave this album a 1 instead of a 0, because, while it is utter trash, it does have slightly better instrumentation then more mainstream R&B releases. However it still has negatives like those awful drum machines beats. I simply cannot stand the R&B Style vocals. Every time I hear them I immediately think of mainstream stuff weather its a fair comparison or not. However the worst part of this album is the lyrics. Even if it was a concept album you can pretty much forget all of that, because the guys behind The weekend just seem to be genuinely terrible lyricists. To top it all off I had to constantly keep reminding myself that I wasn't listening to the radio. Its almost as if The Weekend released this album with the soul intent of being picked up by some major label. It just sounds like the average money grabber of a song they usually produce.… Expand
  3. anon21321
    Feb 15, 2023
    0
    By far The Weeknd's best work alongside Echoes of Silence released subsequently of Thursday, which was also an amazing record in its own right. The influence this has had on the Alternative R&B scene is also not to be ignored.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 2011
15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2011
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 21, 2011
    70
    It's no turning point in a field populated by dozens of elder space cadets and mood architects, from Massive Attack to Spacek to Sa-Ra. As a flawed first step from a young newcomer, however, it's impressive.
    Read full review
  2. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Sep 13, 2011
    80
    While overall House of Balloons carries a chilling vibe, it proceeds to rock the listener with exciting tempos and relaxing melodies that intertwine to form a beautiful piece of art.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 3, 2011
    80
    For what The Weeknd have produced, regardless of what genre it is or isn't, is a very good record.
    Read full review
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