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House of Balloons
by
House of Balloons Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 442 Ratings

  • Summary: The mixtape by Canadian artist Abel Tesfaye was released as a free download.

Top Track

Wicked Games
I left my girl back home I don't love her no more And she'll never fucking know that These fucking eyes that I'm staring at Let me see that ass Look... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. No Ripcord
    Jun 13, 2011
    90
    When it's all said and done, Tesfaye has presided over a mind bending, drug induced tour through an underground world of debauchery that only leaves him hollow. He commands the mood better than artists who have been in the game for years and yet this his first release.
  2. Okayplayer
    Apr 20, 2011
    89
    House of Balloons is a surprisingly strong and confident debut for a new artist.
  3. Beats Per Minute
    May 4, 2011
    86
    The core of the album's success is its fantastic establishment of tonal environment--a brooding sexuality both sadistic and carnivalesque.
  4. NOW Magazine
    Apr 8, 2011
    80
    Lyrically, the mood vacillates between confrontational and reflective, but House Of Balloons really soars when his blunt resolve collides with a more nuanced or gentle vocal delivery, creating a tension reminiscent of Aaliyah's clear-headed emotional states.
  5. 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.
  6. BBC Music
    Jul 14, 2011
    80
    A startling debut from a young Canadian RnB artist with huge potential.
  7. 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.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 71
  3. Negative: 3 out of 71
  1. fraser
    Apr 15, 2011
    10
    This is quality, one of the best things ive heard in ages. I cant quite work out why its so good, it just is and I cant stop listening to it.This is quality, one of the best things ive heard in ages. I cant quite work out why its so good, it just is and I cant stop listening to it. It kind of reminds me a bit of Massive Attack in their earlier days.... the Siouxie and the Banshees sample really works. Its quality, best album of 2011 so far for me.… Expand
  2. OmriMusic
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    BEST WORK FROM THE WEEKND BY FAR
    HIS FIRST SOLO PROJECT AND BY FAR HIS BEST ONE
    10/10 FOR SURE MASTERPIECE I OWN THE TWO LP'S VERSION VERY    BEST WORK FROM THE WEEKND BY FAR
    HIS FIRST SOLO PROJECT AND BY FAR HIS BEST ONE
    10/10 FOR SURE
    MASTERPIECE
    I OWN THE TWO LP'S VERSION VERY RECOMENDED    … Expand
  4. drbswrgk
    Sep 22, 2011
    10
    For sure one of the best albums this year. I hope he gets a Grammy, or at lest gets nominated for one. Best tracks: House of Balloons/GlassFor sure one of the best albums this year. I hope he gets a Grammy, or at lest gets nominated for one. Best tracks: House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls, Wicked Games… Expand
  5. rolli
    Apr 15, 2011
    10
    It's an amazing entry from the R&B front. Its sounds like if House of Balloons is just about filthy sex and drugs but it is an amazingIt's an amazing entry from the R&B front. Its sounds like if House of Balloons is just about filthy sex and drugs but it is an amazing imaginative journey of progressive new R&B styled music. The term "Broken Soul" music was invented to describe the Swedish act cirKus (Neneh Cherry, Cameron McVey, Lola Moon and Matt Karmil) but it would fit even better to this album. For me the surprise of the year (Ok - we are only in the beginning of 2011 but I'm sure that this one will last).
    Just go to the homepage and download the whole goodness for free and enjoy!    … Expand
  6. itz_giological
    Jul 8, 2011
    9
    Though left-field experiments are evident, The Weeknd reaches a certain degree of commercial goodness in the likes of a Ne-Yo album. This isThough left-field experiments are evident, The Weeknd reaches a certain degree of commercial goodness in the likes of a Ne-Yo album. This is refereshing R&B that never denied its sound, unlike modern R&B artists that mash up with dance and pop. Definitely a must-hear.… Collapse
  7. veljko_
    Jan 9, 2022
    9
    dark and sad. thats it. i only wish Twenty Eight was on the original mixtape cuz its so good.

    best tracks: The Morning and The Knowing    dark and sad. thats it. i only wish Twenty Eight was on the original mixtape cuz its so good.

    best tracks: The Morning and The Knowing
    worst track: Loft Music

    9.6/10    … Expand
  8. 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 ownBy 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.… Expand

See all 71 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

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

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