Is It?
by Ben Howard
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Jun 16, 2023
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
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  1. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 22, 2023
    84
    Is It? is his most experimental offering to date. It's not easy to follow, and it rarely does what you'd expect it to...but that's the beauty of it.
  2. Mojo
    Jun 22, 2023
    80
    Like a wonderous and very clever piece of musical brain onomatopoeia. [Aug 2023, p.84]
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  3. Uncut
    Jun 22, 2023
    80
    Pure musical alchemy. [Aug 2023, p.29]
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  5. Clash Music
    Jun 22, 2023
    80
    While it might not be as cohesive as some of his previous work, ‘Is It?’ is a beautiful reconciliation, revelling in making something from a place of struggle.

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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Lajaleaa
    Jul 13, 2023
    7
    For my first time listening to Ben Howard, I appreciate his organic perception of sound and music. I also like how mellow, patience andFor my first time listening to Ben Howard, I appreciate his organic perception of sound and music. I also like how mellow, patience and attentive is with his composition, but that is the best I could find in this new album. There is an ambient well-made, but too simple to find anything completely interesting, and too lay back to have any strengths. There are no highs, and the lows are just good enough, a comfortable project with a lot of room to use.… Full Review »
  2. GavinC543
    Jul 10, 2023
    10
    Fantastic album. Very dreamscape-y and it really shows the trials he's been through lately, captured lyrically, and through the use ofFantastic album. Very dreamscape-y and it really shows the trials he's been through lately, captured lyrically, and through the use of interesting effects with various instruments and the control he chose to use for his vocals.

    It stays consistent throughout, with each track flowing effortlessly into the next, without anything really catching you too off-guard (with what you may expect from the unusual album cover), but that's the beauty of this album; ambivalent & pondering, yet brimming with hopeful undertones.
    Days Of Lantana is the highlight for me. Really captures a beautiful yet troubled image in its melodies, effects and lyrics - and it took more one listen to Really appreciate how interesting the track is.

    Don't think this will be everyone's cuppa, but this will be one I'll return to on and off frequently I'd say. Kudos Ben !    … Full Review »