Likewise
by Frances Quinlan
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Paste Magazine
    Feb 6, 2020
    89
    Likewise is a record full of little, unrelated moments that manage to create a world of their own when put together. That world isn’t always pleasant—it’s often an anxious and distressing one—but it’s also full of vivid color and meticulous detail.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Jan 30, 2020
    85
    A stunning release, Likewise is Quinlan’s proof that, either on her own or with her band, hers is a voice not likely to get lost in the crowd.
  3. Consequence
    Feb 3, 2020
    83
    Likewise is a gorgeous solo debut from a unique singing and writing voice, a record that quietly gets under your skin and stays there.
  5. Dusted Magazine
    Feb 18, 2020
    80
    While it doesn’t wield the heft of a Hop Along release, Likewise demonstrates Quinlan’s adept melodic sensibility and enviable vocal delivery. It’s a short, sweet collection, easily digestible and ripe for revisiting.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Feb 3, 2020
    80
    Can be folky or synth-y, full of tunes and lyrics that follow a strange logic toward rich epiphanies. [Feb 2020, p.85]
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  7. AllMusic
    Jan 30, 2020
    80
    While Likewise still features the singer's peculiar, leaping vocal melodies, one of the album's biggest surprises is its sweeter, softer demeanor. That quality is partly manifested in lyrics and vocal performances that channel strong currents of compassion.
  8. DIY Magazine
    Jan 30, 2020
    80
    It’s all effortlessly pulled together by Frances’ distinctive and enthralling vocals.
  9. Mojo
    Jan 30, 2020
    80
    Likewise explores empathy's limits and dialogue's importance, Quinlan's densely-packed lyric sheet give anything hackneyed a wide berth. [Feb 2020, p.92]
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  10. The Skinny
    Jan 30, 2020
    80
    Moments of despair are gorgeously balanced by tight, optimistic motifs that are dotted throughout the record.
  11. Pitchfork
    Feb 5, 2020
    77
    Likewise is more minimal and elegant than any Hop Along record.
  12. Under The Radar
    Feb 3, 2020
    70
    Likewise may not be the album that brings new fans to the fold, but those already on the Hop Along bandwagon will eat this up. If Likewise doesn't quite hold up down the stretch there is still much here to recommend it. And maybe more importantly it gives the listener insight into one of the most literate band leaders out there.
  13. Exclaim
    Jan 30, 2020
    60
    Likewise checks all the boxes of a "good" album, but it's also a bit boring. It's too much a showcase of Quinlan's lyrical acumen, which is incisive, but the record doesn't strike a visceral chord.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Best Album of 2020

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Lajaleaa
    Mar 22, 2020
    7
    ( 77/100 )

    Hay dos deficiencias grandes en el trabajo de Frances: su voz y su falta de instrumentación. Su voz no es precisamente la bonita    ( 77/100 )

    Hay dos deficiencias grandes en el trabajo de Frances: su voz y su falta de instrumentación. Su voz no es precisamente la bonita y su música se ahoga con instrumentos de cuerda, lo cual no es malo, pero no hay una velocidad atractiva o un ritmo que ancle a quien escucha. Sin embargo, su voz sí presenta inmediatos rasgos de versatilidad, energía, intensidad y sensibilidad; sus letras son conscientes y bonitas y su música, a cargo de ella y Joe Reinhart, es amena en su mayoría y agradable al camino. Ya sea que solo funcione como música de cafetería o para cantar en una fogata junto a amigos muy especiales, "Likewise" es un proyecto decente de música Folk agradable.
    -
    There are two big deficiencies in Frances's work: her voice and her lack of instrumentation. Her voice is not precisely pretty and her music feels drowned with chord instruments, which is not bad, but there is not an attractive rhythm that holds who listens. Nevertheless, her voice does shows traits of versatility, energy, intensity, and sensibility; her lyrics are conscious and pretty, and her music, in charge of her and Joe Reinhart, is mostly nice to the walk. Even if it's just as cafeteria music or to sing in a campfire along very special friends, "Likewise" is a very decent project of nice Folk.    … Full Review »
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