Knowle West Boy
by Tricky
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2008
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. AllMusic
    80
    It not only re-establishes him as a pioneer, but as an engaging personae who isn't hiding behind his sonic palette anymore; his music is all the better for it.
  2. Billboard
    80
    Knowle West Boy shows that regardless of era, Tricky does his thing and does it well.
  3. Blender
    70
    The music, coproduced by M.I.A. confederate Switch, warps and wanders too, from rock-rap to dancehall to new wave to folk.
  5. Boston Globe
    80
    Knowle West Boy marks a long-overdue return to form from one of the founding fathers of trip-hop.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Knowle still offers a diverse evocation of his childhood in the proverty-riddled district of the title. [12 Sep 2008]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    This is pure Tricky; sometimes at his near-best, sometimes coasting, but always unique.
  8. PopMatters
    70
    Perhaps it’s not a full home run--it’s good, but more a retrenchment than a bold step forward. That’s OK, however.
  9. Rolling Stone
    70
    It's variety that makes this Tricky's best since his 1995 debut, Maxinquaye.
  10. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    Knowle West Boy is a survey of Tricky’s sonic versatility--straightforward rock and oppressive, moody atmospherics all have a home here--and it is frequently gorgeous.
  11. The Wire
    70
    There are many memorable tracks here, but you still can't help missing the scratchy textures and humid atmosphereics of "Maxinquaye" and "Pre-millennium Tension." [July 2008, p.60]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Uncut
    80
    Tricky is back with his best album in at least a decade.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. CianH.
    Sep 10, 2008
    8
    Definitely his best since Maxinquaye and if anybody says otherwise they're lying. Overall it's a very enjoyable record that never Definitely his best since Maxinquaye and if anybody says otherwise they're lying. Overall it's a very enjoyable record that never stays static, there's a great variety of sound. I saw him play live about two months ago, best gig I've ever been to, so intimate. Comes highly recommended.… Full Review »
  2. CalR
    Feb 20, 2012
    7
    Arguably Tricky's best release, post-2000, and its not difficult to see why. Tracks like 'Past Mistake' and 'Council Estate' embed anArguably Tricky's best release, post-2000, and its not difficult to see why. Tracks like 'Past Mistake' and 'Council Estate' embed an assortment of new and old Tricky, yet the material is just not quite at the level it should be. Nevertheless, this is an album where you can breathe a sigh of relief, Tricky isn't over yet...… Full Review »
See all user reviews »