Pain Is Beauty
by Chelsea Wolfe
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. AllMusic
    Sep 3, 2013
    80
    Pain Is Beauty isn't quite as cohesive as Wolfe's earlier albums. Regardless, it's exciting to hear her try so many new things and do them so well.
  2. Pitchfork
    Sep 6, 2013
    80
    There's a propulsive quality to much of the beat-oriented Pain, but there remains a relative sense of privacy.
  3. Uncut
    Oct 10, 2013
    80
    A slight tendency to clutter is in evidence, but when the band pare it back, it's magical. [Nov 2013, p.81]
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  5. PopMatters
    Sep 13, 2013
    80
    Throw yourself willingly onto these tracks. Pain Is Beauty is ECT for the heart.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 3, 2013
    60
    If Christopher Nolan ever does one of his gritty makeovers on Twilight, the soundtrack’s as good as sewn up.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Oct 24, 2013
    90
    Pain Is Beauty not only shows Wolfe’s penchant for atmosphere but for stylistic diversity.
  8. Under The Radar
    Aug 28, 2013
    70
    Pain Is Beauty splits equal time between opulent string sections and lean beats, a set of songs that are at once pointed and adrift. [Aug-Sep 2013, p.94]
  9. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 28, 2013
    80
    This is clearly the album that removes any lingering doubt that Chelsea Wolfe is a very special artist; one who is capable of the visceral and the surprisingly soothing in the same stroke.
  10. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 28, 2013
    80
    Wolfe has crafted an impeccable release here, building upon her existing methods and evolving as a songwriter. Things feel more confident – there’s more energy and oomph.
  11. Consequence
    Sep 6, 2013
    80
    Her newest release, Pain is Beauty, takes listeners to the highest of highs, all thanks to Wolfe’s willingness to get low and descend even further into the gloom-hole.
  12. DIY Magazine
    Aug 30, 2013
    70
    This record could well have been made 20 years ago, such is its timeless quality.
  13. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Sep 5, 2013
    80
    Chelsea Wolfe’s songs don’t often sound like they’re supposed to, and therefore they always sound exactly like Chelsea Wolfe.
  14. No Ripcord
    Sep 6, 2013
    80
    Chelsea Wolfe captured the essence of the album title eloquently, succeeding in making an album that is frighteningly honest, poignant, and graceful.
  15. Sputnikmusic
    Aug 28, 2013
    70
    While it's possible Pain Is Beauty would have benefited from some more time spent songwriting and fleshing out the overall direction of the album's sound, there's still more than enough impressive songs to make this a worthy addition to the Chelsea Wolfe catalog.
  16. Prefix Magazine
    Sep 9, 2013
    90
    Bleak, distant, polarizing, and beautiful, Wolfe’s fourth album makes a gargantuan impact.
  17. The New York Times
    Sep 3, 2013
    80
    Her fourth album in three years, confirms her steadiness as a singer-songwriter of gothic intention, drawn to romantic fatalism and beautiful ruin.
  18. Filter
    Sep 5, 2013
    80
    Every album tells a story and, thankfully, Wolfe’s story changes all the time, a morphing type of self-expression with completely pure intent.

Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Best Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 37
  3. Negative: 2 out of 37
  1. feydrautha
    Feb 15, 2017
    9
    This album is so beautiful and soul touching. Sometimes, if you even don't share the same emotion that the song is uttering, you can share anThis album is so beautiful and soul touching. Sometimes, if you even don't share the same emotion that the song is uttering, you can share an empathic feeling with the singer, with the instrumental, with the lyrics. Absolutely exuberant and gorgeous.… Full Review »
  2. Muddsjr
    Oct 27, 2014
    8
    for me, its not a completely perfect album. Sometimes the vocals feel a little swallowed up in all the loud, thick layers of sound, making thefor me, its not a completely perfect album. Sometimes the vocals feel a little swallowed up in all the loud, thick layers of sound, making the tracks feel less tidy and clear, but otherwise, the majority of this album is great. And a proof Chelsea is successfully pushing herself forwards in her music.… Full Review »
  3. DannyDL
    Sep 5, 2013
    8
    Inevitably I look back on the good times with Siouxsie and the Banshees. Of course this is not the same, but it's so good if someone makes youInevitably I look back on the good times with Siouxsie and the Banshees. Of course this is not the same, but it's so good if someone makes you think of other great artists.… Full Review »
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