Lush
by Snail Mail
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jun 8, 2018
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 89 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 89
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 89
  3. Negative: 5 out of 89
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  1. Wael
    Jul 7, 2018
    6
    The first studio album from Snail Mail mainly showcases that Lindsey Jordan is a true, earnest, and undeniably talented songwriter: her lyrics are introspective and honest, and it's truly heartfelt to hear her pour her heart out over solid instrumentation consisting of guitars and drums. The whole album sounds so much like Paramore's earlier stuff (she even sounds like Hayley Williams onThe first studio album from Snail Mail mainly showcases that Lindsey Jordan is a true, earnest, and undeniably talented songwriter: her lyrics are introspective and honest, and it's truly heartfelt to hear her pour her heart out over solid instrumentation consisting of guitars and drums. The whole album sounds so much like Paramore's earlier stuff (she even sounds like Hayley Williams on "Let's Find an Out"). However, it tends to get a little weary and- slightly- boring as it goes on, as some tracks could've really used a shorter running time. Songs like "Pristine" and "Heat Wave" prove that Snail Mail truly belongs in the music business. "LUSH" is a solid debut, even though it could've used some more supervising and organizing.… Expand
  2. Scraper
    Jan 3, 2019
    6
    The two astounding singles, Pristine and Heat Wave, encouraged me to buy the album. Was slightly disappointed in how slow it was. If this obviously talented young woman turns up her rhythm and drive she can really make some waves. I think when a music talent turns in a slow album so early on in their career it's a way of being safe - running back to the singer-songwriter vibe instead of aThe two astounding singles, Pristine and Heat Wave, encouraged me to buy the album. Was slightly disappointed in how slow it was. If this obviously talented young woman turns up her rhythm and drive she can really make some waves. I think when a music talent turns in a slow album so early on in their career it's a way of being safe - running back to the singer-songwriter vibe instead of a cohesive band. Hope for the future though. Turn up the volume and speed a little bit. You're so close to breaking through!… Expand
  3. Doof
    Jun 8, 2018
    6
    This is the fashionable retro-leaning indie rock sound of 2018, plus female fronted - so again, she's in good 'girl with guitar' company this year for sure. Problem is, no element of this music is ear catching enough to really draw you in, so close to slacker which can be great...if you have tonnes of natural charisma and great low key melodies floating about in your head. I'm not sure sheThis is the fashionable retro-leaning indie rock sound of 2018, plus female fronted - so again, she's in good 'girl with guitar' company this year for sure. Problem is, no element of this music is ear catching enough to really draw you in, so close to slacker which can be great...if you have tonnes of natural charisma and great low key melodies floating about in your head. I'm not sure she has either of those qualities, so rather than sparkling hard like Malkmus she's just pitter-pattered into sputtering soft.… Expand
  4. mellonhead
    Jan 16, 2019
    6
    A solid debut effort with a handful of enjoyable tracks that keep things interesting, but the release is almost too consistent - in hindsight only a couple songs, if any stick out. While there may be more than a couple good songs, they're too stylistically similar and when placed next to each other can drag on and bore the listener somewhat. The guitar parts are creative enough, thoughA solid debut effort with a handful of enjoyable tracks that keep things interesting, but the release is almost too consistent - in hindsight only a couple songs, if any stick out. While there may be more than a couple good songs, they're too stylistically similar and when placed next to each other can drag on and bore the listener somewhat. The guitar parts are creative enough, though using Lush's formula for everything after would be a mistake. If one can appreciate, or at least accept the lyrical content, and tolerate sameness of her voice, this is a good mood-album. The main refute for criticising the general dullness of her voice is to look to the lyrics which convey a crushing sense of sameness and dullness that overwhelm the subject's life. It's a smart idea, and Jordan likely (and rightfully so) isn't aiming to please with pleasant, fluffy music. In practice, it's just not a worthwhile front-to-back listen to return to, nor an experiment that warrants repeat.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Most Discussed Album of 2018
36
#36 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Mojo
    Jun 25, 2018
    80
    A debut proving the universal emotional weight in teenage preoccupation with romance. One to watch. [Aug 2018, p.96]
  2. No Ripcord
    Jun 19, 2018
    70
    Lush marks the arrival of an immensely talented singer-songwriter who also still has much room to grow. It may not live up to those more exuberant expectations of an instant classic, but it’s still an admirable, skillful piece of music that leaves me excited for what comes next. In this case, Jordan hasn’t finished the race. She’s just arrived at the starting line.
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  3. musicOMH.com
    Jun 15, 2018
    80
    Lush is an album that the devoted will take to their hearts and luxuriate in its sadness. Some may decry the lack of variety on show (there’s a definite template to a Snail Mail song and it’s stuck to rigidly on Lush), but it cannot be denied that this is a debut that promises great things to come.
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