Overgrown
by James Blake
  • Record Label: Polydor
  • Release Date: Apr 9, 2013
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
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  1. The Quietus
    Apr 30, 2013
    50
    Blake may have dispensed with some of the more experimental and emotionally obtuse trappings of his debut album on Overgrown in an attempt to engage more directly with a wider audience, but his intentions are all but drowned out by a thick glass porthole being hammered on feverishly by a dozen drowning onlookers.
  2. Dusted Magazine
    Apr 12, 2013
    40
    The object of his lamentations is conveniently out of reach, hence the constant cat-and-mouse game between enunciation and melisma. When Blake sees fit to loop a phrase or attempt a chorus, the undertaking breaks down under its own weight.
  3. Q Magazine
    Apr 9, 2013
    60
    His sometimes-still-too-warbly voice is the main instrument on this follow-up, but it's pockmarked with new friends' influence. [May 2013, p.96]
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  5. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 8, 2013
    60
    The London producer with the voice like a bruise remains perennially inconsolable here.
  6. DIY Magazine
    Apr 5, 2013
    60
    Overgrown demonstrates that for all Blake's myriad talents as a producer he still isn't able to carve a great song out of a simple idea.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Album of 2013
67
#67 Most Discussed Album of 2013
62
#62 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 187 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 178 out of 187
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 187
  3. Negative: 3 out of 187
  1. WadeVS
    Sep 1, 2013
    10
    Oh good Lord the soul crushing beauty of the tracks 'Overgrown' and 'Retrograde' are enough to earn this album a space in the Top Ten AlbumsOh good Lord the soul crushing beauty of the tracks 'Overgrown' and 'Retrograde' are enough to earn this album a space in the Top Ten Albums of the Year on their own. Thankfully though they are nestled in a dark, glistening concoction of yet more of Blake's soul oozing masterpieces. 'Overgrown' sounds like a journey underground. You never know where you're gonna surface or how deep you're going to go. Blake steers you through the labyrinth of his creation, depositing you reluctantly back in real life at the end of it. 'Digital Lion' has been played on my iPod multiple times daily since it's release.… Full Review »
  2. BENNEB
    Apr 9, 2013
    10
    The great James Blake is back. An immediate love at first-listen. Smooth, soulful, raw and R&B in it, Overgrown is by far the best in theThe great James Blake is back. An immediate love at first-listen. Smooth, soulful, raw and R&B in it, Overgrown is by far the best in the making this year so far.… Full Review »
  3. DemonicLongden
    Apr 9, 2013
    10
    James Blake is an artist coming out of his shell. Originally he didn't even like his singing voice, but release by release his vocals haveJames Blake is an artist coming out of his shell. Originally he didn't even like his singing voice, but release by release his vocals have become more and more the core fragment of his synthesis, and all the better for it. Expanding on his song-writing and knack for strong vocal melodies, and pushing his production back into the form of restrained beats, which elevate his vocal ability to a higher level, Overgrown is a refinement in every aspect of his debut LP, and a bold step into the realm of more traditional song structures. It is therefore warmer and more accessible than his previous work, which should hopefully earn a fair few fans before taking off into electronic experimentation, carrying his fans along with him.… Full Review »
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