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Night Falls Over Kortedala
by
Night Falls Over Kortedala Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

  • Summary: The Swedish singer's second studio album features guest singers Frida Hyvonen and El Perro del Mar.

Top Track

Your Arms Around Me
I was slicing up an avocado, When you came up behind me. With your silent brand-new sneakers, Your reflection I did not see. It was the hottest day... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. The Guardian
    100
    Pop is rarely as genuinely affecting, joyful or good as this.
  2. Under The Radar
    90
    Each song unfolds so effortlessly one imagines it springing forth, fully formed, with the same exaggerated inevitability of a cartoon bubble sprouting above his head. [Fall 2007, p.74]
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  3. AllMusic
    90
    Night Falls Over Kortadela is witty, pretty, silly, and wise; and filled with instantly memorable melodies, thrilling moments of surprise in the arrangements, and laugh-out-loud lyrics.
  4. Blender
    80
    Unlike other current heart-on-sleeve troubadours, Lekman uses his tender touch to brilliantly tease out the bumbling awkwardness that defines modern love.
  5. Hartford Courant
    80
    The Swedish indie-pop singer shows a remarkably keen eye for detail, finding surprising moments of sweetness, poignancy, and humor in a variety of situations.
  6. Stylus Magazine
    75
    This is a pretty great album, filler and all.
  7. Q Magazine
    40
    His knowing delivery is laboured and the relentless schmaltz proves difficult to stomach over a whole album. [Nov 2007, p.141]
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See all 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. smithsgirl
    Oct 30, 2007
    10
    A stunning album, from start to finish. Lekman is a craftsman of wry, affecting and humourous lyrics. All wrapped up in sparkling, bright and A stunning album, from start to finish. Lekman is a craftsman of wry, affecting and humourous lyrics. All wrapped up in sparkling, bright and memorable tunes. Not a duff track; Postcard to Nina, The Opposite of Hallelujah, Shirin, and Sipping on the Sweet Nectar are standout tracks. My hottest contender for best album of 2007. And unlikely to be eclipsed. Don't be put off by the 'twee' ,'camp' 'pretentious' labels. I believe it's called postmodern irony...… Expand
  2. Drew
    Oct 17, 2007
    10
    Great stuff!!! It's like rollerskating through the best memories you never had. It's so rich and beautiful that the melancholy Great stuff!!! It's like rollerskating through the best memories you never had. It's so rich and beautiful that the melancholy running through it is given an amber glow. Somehow this Swede pulls this off, with it all seeming lighter than air! The vocals remind me of the Magnetic Fields, in a very good way.… Expand
  4. BlairS
    Oct 21, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums of the year! His best of his three LP releases. Brilliant work, from one of the most brilliant lyricists and One of the best albums of the year! His best of his three LP releases. Brilliant work, from one of the most brilliant lyricists and entertainers out there today. Absolutely stunning.… Expand
  5. JeffS.
    Oct 18, 2007
    9
    Lovely lovely lovely and very funny. Jen Lekman has an original voice, and a tender heart behind the wackiness. I can't get enough of Lovely lovely lovely and very funny. Jen Lekman has an original voice, and a tender heart behind the wackiness. I can't get enough of this album.… Expand
  6. DavidF.
    Oct 26, 2007
    9
    For me, album of the year. I'm staggered by the beauty, charm, and humor in these twelve songs.
  7. emilyw.
    Oct 26, 2007
    9
    It's amazing how Q magazine can be okay with shit (read: schmaltz) like the new Kaiser Chiefs or Travis albums but they can't It's amazing how Q magazine can be okay with shit (read: schmaltz) like the new Kaiser Chiefs or Travis albums but they can't "stomach" something with legitimately good hooks and knowing, tongue-in-cheek cheesy lyrics. Lekman is a pop genius and this album is his best yet. Reviews by the Guardian or the normally overly snobbish Pitchfork or Tiny Mix Tapes are the people to listen to on this one. Don't miss this great album. It is even better than other amazing releases of '07 including Radiohead, The National and The Arcade Fire.… Expand
  8. ElliottM
    Oct 16, 2007
    4
    Not for me. The melodies are often quite nice, but the lyrics are horribly schmaltzy. I could only take so much.

See all 15 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Album of 2007

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