Our Version of Events
by Emeli Sandé
  • Record Label: EMI
  • Release Date: Jun 5, 2012
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Q Magazine
    Apr 19, 2012
    80
    She's made an album that deserves to linger in the limelight--passionate, powerful and possessed of real star quality. [Feb 2012, p.98]
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  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 16, 2012
    80
    This is a hugely impressive introduction to a dynamic, arresting talent.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Apr 16, 2012
    80
    Ultimately, as beautiful as it is in its more subdued moments, the album feels fully realised when her alternative and mainstream instincts find each other.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 16, 2012
    80
    This ability to tiptoe between opposing positions brings a pleasing depth and grain to some of her songs.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Jun 5, 2012
    75
    In comparison to the drudge that is contemporary mainstream American pop and R&B, Emeli's folk-inflected soul/pop is Nina Simone and Bob Dylan all in one.
  7. PopMatters
    Aug 14, 2012
    70
    [There] is lovely thematic unity, which comes close to making Our Version of Events a satisfying album experience rather than just a series of songs that are largely easy-to-love. Unfortunately, by the time Sandé finishes up with "Hope", an unusually cloying, overreaching secular prayer co-written with Alicia Keys, ballad fatigue has already set in.
  8. Exclaim
    Jun 27, 2012
    70
    It's a flawed yet noteworthy project that whets the appetite for Sandé's sophomore effort.
  9. The New York Times
    Jun 6, 2012
    70
    What's magical about this album is how Ms. Sande's stance remains unmistakable regardless of what the backdrop is. It's not a flawless album, but rather one with a number of flawless moments.
  10. Boston Globe
    Jun 5, 2012
    70
    Rarely does a pop debut come as fully realized as this one.
  11. AllMusic
    Jun 5, 2012
    70
    Our Version of Events is an earnest collection of works by a woman who is as good a composer as she is vocalist, a lethal combination in today's pop music business.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 50
  3. Negative: 3 out of 50
  1. AlexxTrusc
    Jun 18, 2012
    7
    Emeli Sandé for over three years successfully marked her presence in the music world, but until now the Scottish artist has decided toEmeli Sandé for over three years successfully marked her presence in the music world, but until now the Scottish artist has decided to release her debut album, on which there was room for up to four singles. The whole CD is based on the soulful arrangements, accompanied by a characteristic to the R&B vocals. Despite the repetition of some themes on the album, the compositions placed on it are so vivid, so stirring atmosphere that can enchant the listener.… Full Review »
  2. RK13
    Jun 7, 2017
    6
    There's no doubt that Emeli Sandé has a once in a generation voice. So many of the songs on the album are beautiful and have quite the deepThere's no doubt that Emeli Sandé has a once in a generation voice. So many of the songs on the album are beautiful and have quite the deep meaning. However, this album doesn't go anywhere. The album is not dire, but the album is not exceptional. Nevertheless there is always room for improvement as shown in her second LP...… Full Review »
  3. Jiano74
    Jan 25, 2016
    7
    A brilliant album by an amazingly talented singer but with family members playing it constantly it begins to get annoying but first timeA brilliant album by an amazingly talented singer but with family members playing it constantly it begins to get annoying but first time listening to it I liked it and that is hard to do.… Full Review »
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