• Record Label: Superego
  • Release Date: Mar 31, 2017
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 43
  2. Negative: 5 out of 43
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  1. Apr 22, 2017
    10
    Easily one of Aimee Mann's top 3 albums. It's undoubtedly quieter and varied musically compare to her past albums but in a very surprising and positive way. Tunes are catchy and yet the lyrics are deep and meaningful. Patient Zero, Simple Fix & Stuck in the Past are the best of the bunch!
  2. Jul 2, 2020
    7
    This was my first time listening to Aimee Mann. Lyrical this is good stuff, consistently dark. In terms of the songs, they are all carefully put together, honed and produced immaculately but I do think they all blend into one sound and it is hard to tell them apart once you've finished listening to it.
  3. May 16, 2017
    9
    Aimee Mann not only adds versatility to her impressive repertoire, but a beautiful brilliance that is rare to be found in songwriting today with her wonderful phrase stretching and brave, soothing textures. My Score: 153/180 (Great) = 8.5/10

Awards & Rankings

Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Apr 20, 2017
    80
    Mental Illness is first and foremost an album about achieving self-sufficiency through trail and blunder. And in doing so, she once again stands tallest, and quietest, in an exceptionally consistent career.
  2. Q Magazine
    Apr 12, 2017
    80
    These are fine story-songs for any age, era or metal disposition. [Jun 2017, p.107]
  3. Apr 3, 2017
    80
    An album rooted in the low end of the emotional spectrum is a risk, but through fastidious instrumental detailing and lyrics that evince sympathy even when they’re at their most cutting, Mann crafts a melancholic atmosphere that is worth repeated listens, whether as a means for catharsis or as a well-crafted cloud to ease the punishing brightness of a too-sunny day.