I Inside the Old Year Dying
by PJ Harvey
  • Record Label: Partisan
  • Release Date: Jul 7, 2023
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 2 out of 21
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  1. AnythingGood
    Jul 8, 2023
    10
    It is one of the most unique albums I have heard it a long time. The standouts Lwonesome Tonight, Seem an I. The Nether-edge, A Child's question August, I Inside the Old Dying. And finally A Child's Question July. It is the female version of Radiohead, It is stunning. It will haunt you. I guess that is what PJ is up too these days. Bravo.
  2. Warehamtyler5
    Jul 9, 2023
    9
    Really interesting stuff. Took a few listens but it sits nicely with the rest of her discography.
  3. SergeiWalankov
    Jul 19, 2023
    5
    It's as if Harvey set about this uninspired slog of an album as an exercise to address the question, "what do I have to do to get a bad review?" To which the answer for her would seem to be that it simply cannot be done. That its Metacritic rating is six points higher than The Hope Six Demolition Project is testament to how soft music criticism has become in the seven years since it wasIt's as if Harvey set about this uninspired slog of an album as an exercise to address the question, "what do I have to do to get a bad review?" To which the answer for her would seem to be that it simply cannot be done. That its Metacritic rating is six points higher than The Hope Six Demolition Project is testament to how soft music criticism has become in the seven years since it was released. Everyone who follows these things can tell you that any current album with a rating of less than 80 has been, in real terms, a critical failure.… Expand
  4. AmericanSkins
    Jul 15, 2023
    1
    Failed to incite any interest whatsoever. Pretentious but lacking in any kind of memorable lyric or melody.
  5. Lajaleaa
    Aug 22, 2023
    8
    First time listening to PJ Harvey and I find her incredibly interesting and very appalling. Her music has a complete awareness of itself, and it exists in a very organic place. Even though the risks are small, you can actually sense how this album is the first step on the stairs PJ Harvey is building up for herself. Returning to her music after 7 years, this is a strong statement on howFirst time listening to PJ Harvey and I find her incredibly interesting and very appalling. Her music has a complete awareness of itself, and it exists in a very organic place. Even though the risks are small, you can actually sense how this album is the first step on the stairs PJ Harvey is building up for herself. Returning to her music after 7 years, this is a strong statement on how she is actually unique on the way she makes and achieves her anbientation, concept and textures. Hopefully this is the prologue to amazing things to come.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best Album of 2023
65
#65 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Record Collector
    Jul 19, 2023
    100
    With expressive restraint, key collaborators John Parish and Flood utilise instruments and field recordings to tactile effect, while leaving room for Harvey’s voice to resonate. The results hold their folk-horror secrets close and harbour dark suggestions on investigation.
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  2. Dusted Magazine
    Jul 18, 2023
    80
    The instrumental parts patiently map out their terrain, Harvey intones her vivid poetry, often backed by long-time collaborator John Parish’s affecting voice, then the song will stand aside. It’s only on repeat listens and by drawing threads between the individual songs that the beauty of the whole begins to take form.
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  3. Under The Radar
    Jul 14, 2023
    85
    I Inside the Old Year Dying has the hallmark of an album that will only get better with age.
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