Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Jul 9, 2012
    85
    Happy music can sometimes seem superficial or lacking the emotional depth that music is "supposed to" capture. On the contrary, this album seems enlightened. It's happy and deep and complex and present, all at the same time.
  2. Mojo
    Dec 13, 2012
    80
    From Clapton to cosmic rock, Afro-pop and experimenting with dizzying ease. [Oct 2012, p.96]
  3. Jul 12, 2012
    80
    Through it all, Delicate Steve does what so few composers are able to do: his billowing compilation resonates without words, its sterling procession an otherworldly creation that remains grounded somehow.
  4. Jul 9, 2012
    80
    Positive Force will uplift you.
  5. Jul 27, 2012
    78
    Sit back, listen and enjoy the trip.
  6. Aug 29, 2012
    76
    If there's anything wrong with Positive Force, it's that it's better suited as background music than bearing up to intense listening; while the guitar lines on most of the songs here are deliciously difficult to whistle, they're all essentially fairly similar.
  7. Under The Radar
    Aug 22, 2012
    75
    If you're willing to invest multiple listens, dividends of divine pleasure pay off in spades. [Aug/Sep 2012, p.122]
  8. Jul 11, 2012
    70
    While other guitarists this talented would want their shredding to be the thing you take away from an instrumental album, Marion uses it as one tool (a strong tool to be sure, but a tool) in the production of a set of bright, funky, fun jams.
  9. Jul 9, 2012
    70
    It's a light, breezy affair that seems to take its title quite literally.
  10. Jul 9, 2012
    70
    Marion's guitar and synth bedroom pop project continues to be immediately enjoyable, simply because he never seems to be reaching for something that's outside of his grasp.
  11. Jul 9, 2012
    60
    When Marion makes more creative use of his varied, globe-spanning influences, however, Positive Force is every bit as compelling as its predecessor.... [yet] far too many of the melodic hooks are merely adequate, and he doesn't pull any surprises.
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Aug 1, 2012
    7
    Marion's second album seems to have more diminished hooks when it comes to comparing the emotional resonance of 'Wondervisions', but it alsoMarion's second album seems to have more diminished hooks when it comes to comparing the emotional resonance of 'Wondervisions', but it also feels more layered and it certainly deals out good vibes. As a bonus, I doubt anyone has guitar riffs as distinctive as Steve's. Full Review »