Manzanita
by Mia Doi Todd
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Pitchfork
    69
    The high points of the album are the tracks that feature Todd by herself either on guitar or piano, filling the song with the trembling strength of her singing.
  2. Under The Radar
    70
    Todd is one of the few writers who can be heavy without being suffocating, self-conscious without being self-obsessed, and fragile without being frail. [#9]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Mojo
    80
    A lesson in ageless folk rock opulence. [Apr 2005, p.97]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Junkmedia
    70
    Manzanita may be too diverse to be cohesive, but it is filled with interesting songs and the continued potential for great things.
  6. Spin
    83
    Imagine Joni Mitchell if she'd made Miles after Mingus. [Feb 2005, p.92]
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  7. Neumu.net
    80
    Todd... smartly allows her soaring, angelic voice to take the lead, leaving the sparse arrangement of strings and keys to take a delicate backseat. This also means her lyricism, poignant and wry, stands out.
  8. The A.V. Club
    80
    Brings in a smoky mysticism and freeform beauty that recalls Nick Drake, Tim Buckley, and Joni Mitchell.

User Reviews

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Morcoded
    Jun 15, 2011
    7
    A welcome return after The Golden State's overly produced sound. If GS had any good outcome on Manzanita, it introduced a fuller of soundA welcome return after The Golden State's overly produced sound. If GS had any good outcome on Manzanita, it introduced a fuller of sound brought in from some of her touring band. There are still songs with just her and a piano or a guitar - which highlight her lyrical writing, but sons like "The Way," "Deep At Sea" and "What If We Do?" underscore the rich territory brought in from the new band sound. Building a career on austere songwriting, what's most surprising is the sense of humor or whimsy on Manzanita are the songs that I would have never guessed she would have done. Songs like "Casa Nova," and "Tongue-Tied" are welcome additions.… Full Review »
  2. BBlatt
    Mar 24, 2005
    9
    Brilliant work. Lyrically subtle, musically satisifying.Cohen, Mitchell and Janch.