Nobody Knows - Willis Earl Beal
Nobody Knows Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critics What's this?

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10

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  • Summary: The second release for the singer-songwriter features Rodaidh McDonald and a duet with Cat Powers.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Mojo
    Oct 11, 2013
    80
    A masterful song cycle of raw confessionals, ghostly R&B and gritty stompers, all channelled via intense vocals that razor and soothe. [Nov 2013, p.94]
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  2. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 4, 2013
    80
    With Nobody Knows Willis Earl Beal has rescued soul from the depths of the X Factor's Motown week.
  3. All Music Guide
    Sep 9, 2013
    80
    It's hard to tell if the album feels angrier and grittier than its predecessor, or if peeling off the layers of lo-fidelity actually reveal an artist more raw and without rules than we first perceived.
  4. Uncut
    Sep 4, 2013
    70
    More polished than 2012's ragged debut, Acousmatic Sorcery. [Oct 2013, p.63]
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  5. No Ripcord
    Sep 12, 2013
    70
    There’s no denying that the elements that make up Nobody knows. are profoundly captivating, from the album's rich sonic detail to Beal’s reliably powerhouse vocals and personality. But as refined as these elements are, they still don’t quite add up to make the excellent record that many of us are still waiting for Beal to finally make.
  6. Consequence of Sound
    Sep 9, 2013
    70
    It’s not a mulligan by any means, but more a second round of laying all his raw talent out on the table before the unraveling of his mystery begins.
  7. The New York Times
    Sep 9, 2013
    60
    It’s possible to like this record in theory while imagining one that’s 50 percent more enjoyable.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. monkeytrousers
    Sep 19, 2013
    10
    The man loves TOM WAITS so do I and I LOVE this album.
    More produced and fuller than his amazing debut there's still a really nice experime    ntation and home-made feel I can really hear PJ Harvey in there too which goes beautifully with his other influences Beefheart, Dylan and I'm guessing Stax soul if you love any of these buy it it's a charmer… Expand

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