Love This Giant
by David Byrne & St. Vincent
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Sep 11, 2012
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 42
  3. Negative: 1 out of 42

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  1. Ricko
    Feb 15, 2018
    8
    To call this pairing interesting would be an understatement. "Love This Giant" is the perfect blend of the two artists strengths. It sounds like what you'd hope it would be, an achievement in itself - the fact that they pulled off bringing the best of both artists to the table without sounding like a mess is to be commended. David Byrne probably comes across more on the record and carriesTo call this pairing interesting would be an understatement. "Love This Giant" is the perfect blend of the two artists strengths. It sounds like what you'd hope it would be, an achievement in itself - the fact that they pulled off bringing the best of both artists to the table without sounding like a mess is to be commended. David Byrne probably comes across more on the record and carries the majority of the songs and Talking Heads/Byrne fans will probably like this more than fans of St Vincent. The songs are generally in the 3 to 4 minute mark so perfect for a pop record. The ideas never outlast their welcome. The sequencing and editing is well thought out the only argument against this release is that maybe a 5 track EP would have better served the purpose of the collaboration. When it all comes together, "Love This Giant" is up there with the best of 2012 stuff. "Who", "I Am An Ape", "I Should Watch TV", "Optimist", "Lightning" and "The One Who Broke Your Heart" would have made that EP.… Expand
  2. KCOTAKU
    Mar 8, 2015
    10
    Love This Giant is a masterpiece. Album of The Year 2012 in my opinion along with Born This Way by Lady Gaga. Byrne & Clark have some of the best lyrics ever released. It's so weird and so beautiful at the same time.
  3. JohnL
    Apr 27, 2014
    8
    I think the St. Vincent material is strongest here...love Byrne too, but love St. Vincent all that much more. Terrific album & the live show was totally great as well.
  4. agunsux
    Dec 9, 2012
    9
    David Byrne is the ex front man and songwriter for American new wave band, The Talking Heads (1975-1991). He has received Grammy, Golden Globe and Oscar awards and also had been inducted to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In two simple words: Living Legend.

    St. Vincent is her stage name. She is Annie Erin Clark, an american singer-song writer and multi-instrumentalist. Clark has opened show    David Byrne is the ex front man and songwriter for American new wave band, The Talking Heads (1975-1991). He has received Grammy, Golden Globe and Oscar awards and also had been inducted to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In two simple words: Living Legend.

    St. Vincent is her stage name. She is Annie Erin Clark, an american singer-song writer and multi-instrumentalist. Clark has opened show for acts such as Arcade Fire, Grizzly Bear, Television and many more. She has also collaborated with Bon Iver on the song called     … Expand
  5. thordursveins
    Oct 5, 2012
    9
    This one requires your attention. You need to really listen. All this brass and funky beats, strange melodies and enchanting voices. "Who" and "I am an Ape" are my personal favorites and will definitely get you hooked.
  6. Dingo
    Oct 3, 2012
    9
    Let's just admit that there are a couple of moments, or maybe even songs, that aren't fully realized. Then let's move on, cause there are scads of prime material. Who, I Should Watch TV, and Lightning are very much realized, and the vision is beautiful. The Forest Awakes, aside from a lacklustre melody in the verse, is big and wondrous. I imagine that this album is best heard live. SeizeLet's just admit that there are a couple of moments, or maybe even songs, that aren't fully realized. Then let's move on, cause there are scads of prime material. Who, I Should Watch TV, and Lightning are very much realized, and the vision is beautiful. The Forest Awakes, aside from a lacklustre melody in the verse, is big and wondrous. I imagine that this album is best heard live. Seize the opportunity while you can.… Expand
  7. StuartHolmes
    Sep 13, 2012
    8
    David Byrne and Annie Clark are two extremely distinctive artists. Byrne has grasped legendary status through his impressive career spanning back to Talking Heads debut

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 4, 2012
    89
    Above all, this is an album of intensely dramatic arrangements, never allowing the listener to settle and continually rewarding anew.
    Read full review
  2. Magnet
    Oct 1, 2012
    50
    Love This Giant fitfully achieves its aim of unlikely, unearthly pop. [No.91 p.56]
  3. Uncut
    Sep 28, 2012
    60
    A collection that feels more art project than album. [Nov 2012, p.71]
See all critic reviews »