Laurel Hell
by Mitski
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 84
  3. Negative: 0 out of 84
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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    5
    Mitski return was bound to be noticed right off her unexpected breakthrough into mainstream from her previous highlight "Be the Cowboy" but that success hasn't been easy. The attention has culminated in increased pressures and infamously cringe fans that helped set off the "sad girl mitski "meme to great appeal. But even so this hasn't intervened with her life given her unplugging andMitski return was bound to be noticed right off her unexpected breakthrough into mainstream from her previous highlight "Be the Cowboy" but that success hasn't been easy. The attention has culminated in increased pressures and infamously cringe fans that helped set off the "sad girl mitski "meme to great appeal. But even so this hasn't intervened with her life given her unplugging and almost retirement. "Laurel Hell" is named after bushes that grow in the southern Appalachians that are as impenetrable as they are beautiful. In her sixth full length release that laurel hell that won't release her is her art. Her compulsive desire to create music ,release it and finally perform. Fulfilling these obligations were double edged and each edge is addressed but done so most obviously on the lead single "working for the knife". Where joy and depression spill into each other to confusing results such as regret ,longing or transparency. Despite the depths these songs seek out the delivery rarely excites. This album feels too safe to me as if it was done with little thought which is ironic given the many iterations this record took. The greatest examples of unimpressive songs is most visible on the more slowburn songs such as the forgettable "everyone " which not only being a lyrical void doesn't justify it's trudge with the catharsis mitski had been known for. Or the opener "Valentine, Texas" which feels like an ill imitation of "geyser" grandiose display of tension & release. Even the 8th track "there's nothing left for you" attempts to inject what raised the bar for "be the cowboy" or "puberty 2" but feels so under done that it's as if it is a mitski imitation.

    The aforementioned isn't to say they aren't any good moment's. The 80's rock explosion that's "the only heartbreaker " delivers on all of mitski talents as does the lesser but still worthwhile "love me more" which makes obsession and attention seeking bedfellows. The lyrics also read as desperate and impassioned as the song sounds giving a noteworthy moment of truth. The closing last two songs are on a level with "only heartbreaker " and her 2018 darling. "I Guess" handles the weight of it's own disappointment with a nihilistic acceptance whilst "that's our lamp" is a sprawling nearly 3min marvel that has so many parts that coalesce wonderfully. Truly the best moment saved for last.

    Overall the album is not disappointing it just fails to provoke consistently. An uneven suggestively uninspired sigh that is still worth your time even if it won't see many year end lists. There's a conclusive element to it as if mitski was saying the last paragraph of a speech that summarizes all that was said before the last words as laurel hell has elements from across her discography (relying heavily on to be the cowboy and make out creek) it's worth giving a listen.    … Expand
  2. blue_phoenix
    Jun 22, 2022
    6
    it's good album, not many highlights tho and pretty weak compared to her other projects.
  3. Joffreychvlr
    May 18, 2022
    6
    I have a lot of trouble getting into the album, it's not its best. I think the album is short and I don't have time to enjoy it more, something is missing.
  4. frogcau
    Mar 19, 2022
    5
    another day another slay - mitski O álbum soa bem, as músicas parecem grudar na sua cabeça de um jeito confortável. Não sinto uma tensão musical desesperada nesse álbum como geralmente sinto nos antigos trabalhos dela. Amei!
  5. music_fan1
    Mar 22, 2022
    6
    I've listened to Mitski since way before she was popular and it is amazing to see her be arguably the most mainstream indie artist out. Her albums are always decent bodies of work with impressive songwriting and a lot of catchy hooks. Though, there is so much filler on Laurel Hell that isn't a fun or lively song to listen to. I understand her personal connections with the lyrics and theI've listened to Mitski since way before she was popular and it is amazing to see her be arguably the most mainstream indie artist out. Her albums are always decent bodies of work with impressive songwriting and a lot of catchy hooks. Though, there is so much filler on Laurel Hell that isn't a fun or lively song to listen to. I understand her personal connections with the lyrics and the emotion that is present, it just isn't for me. Slow, sad, and soft songs can be great when executed properly. This album has an unfortunate abundance of misses, that sadly makes me give this a mixed review. I wish all the best for Mitski.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best Album of 2022
43
#43 Most Discussed Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. No Ripcord
    Mar 8, 2022
    70
    She’s emerged from the thickets of Laurel Hell more assured than ever before.
    Read full review
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 7, 2022
    100
    This is an album that wrestles with the sisyphean slog of remaining engaged – with love, with work, with life. And you can dance to it.
    Read full review
  3. Variety
    Feb 7, 2022
    80
    Watching the arc of Mitski’s career, you might expect bombast, but “Laurel Hell” instead highlights the singular insistence of self that made Mitski into the hero she became, even if it comes in the form of honest mid-tempo melancholy.
    Read full review
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