Master of My Make-Believe
by Santigold
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 1, 2012
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. Boston Globe
    May 1, 2012
    60
    Dazzling moments don't come often enough to make up for flat ones.
  2. Consequence
    May 3, 2012
    50
    [The album] shines in most parts and violently hampers itself in others.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 20, 2012
    50
    Master of My Make Believe has the feel of being made deliberately difficult to listen to; obstructionist for the sake of being obstructionist, confrontational without really having anything to argue against - except what might, ultimately, be self-imposed expectations.
  5. No Ripcord
    Jun 4, 2012
    40
    On Make-Believe, a sloppy more-of-the-same same approach has crippled what this album could have been, ultimately leaving us with some vaguely interesting notions rather than well-explored concepts.
  6. Q Magazine
    Jun 21, 2012
    60
    Make-Believe is a record you're more likely to respectfully admire than fall hopelessly in love with. [Jun 2012, p.110]
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  7. Rolling Stone
    May 1, 2012
    60
    Her songs sound great but feel off, merely gesturing in the direction of emotions. In the end, she's so cool she'll frost up your earbuds.
  8. The Guardian
    Apr 20, 2012
    60
    There's a subdued, mid-paced feel to it, too, and this sense of somehow sad restraint holds it back from greatness.
  9. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 23, 2012
    60
    On standout tracks such as "Disparate Youth" and "Big Mouth", the collision of nagging pop and neon polyrhythms often feels like a halfway party-house between MIA and Florence Welch.
  10. Under The Radar
    May 4, 2012
    50
    Master of My Make-Believe lands with a bit of a thud in contrast; lots of filler propped up by a few far-out pop jams, possessing as many ups and downs as her 2008 debut record.

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 46
  3. Negative: 1 out of 46
  1. Hugonetuno
    May 22, 2019
    10
    De todos, este é o melhor álbum da Santigold, na minha opinião. O álbum como um todo carrega verdadeiros hinos como This Isn't Our Parade, GodDe todos, este é o melhor álbum da Santigold, na minha opinião. O álbum como um todo carrega verdadeiros hinos como This Isn't Our Parade, God From The Machine, The Riot's Gone e a clássica Disparate Youth. Álbum sem defeitos que deveria ser muito mais valorizado.… Full Review »
  2. vern
    Sep 20, 2012
    8
    While not as adventurous as her self-titled debut, taken as a whole, Santigold's "Master of My Make-Believe" is a much more cohesive album.While not as adventurous as her self-titled debut, taken as a whole, Santigold's "Master of My Make-Believe" is a much more cohesive album. It is evident that Santigold has matured since her first outing, and she is improving on figuring out the sound that she wants. The production here is top-tier, and sounds amazing. A few of these songs (Disparate Youth, Fame, Pirate in the Water, Big Mouth) will stay in your head for a while after listening, no doubt about it. This is an excellent sophomore effort from Santigold, and I am curious to see where she goes next.… Full Review »
  3. Methylenedioxy
    Aug 20, 2012
    8
    Like Santi's previous work, MomMB takes a few listens to truly appreciate. Production is tight and vocals are up to par, but there'sLike Santi's previous work, MomMB takes a few listens to truly appreciate. Production is tight and vocals are up to par, but there's something missing. Many of the medium-tempo songs ("This Isn't Our Parade" and "The Riot's Gone") are lackluster, and the track ordering seems out of whack. That said, it's still better than 90% of the music that gets airplay. Okay, make that 99%. "Go!", "Big Mouth", "Look at These Hoes" and "Pirate in the Water" are definite highlights.… Full Review »
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