Rennen
by Sohn
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Jan 13, 2017
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Mixmag
    Feb 6, 2017
    60
    It’d be nice to hear voice and production crack and cut loose even more--but he’s heading in the right direction.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 17, 2017
    60
    You get lost in them but not in a good way, and the hypnotic nature of SOHN’s music makes it very easy to phase out, which is a shame, because the closing song, 'Harbour', is a raw and vulnerable gamble that pays off well.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Jan 13, 2017
    60
    The refocusing of his songwriting has led to undoubted growth in SOHN’s work, but that stunted sense of adventure leaves moments that fall between the cracks.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    Jan 11, 2017
    60
    Oddly, the busier things get, the less engaging they seem.
  6. Mojo
    Jan 5, 2017
    60
    His tendency to overemote can prove distracting. [Feb 2017, p.99]
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  7. Q Magazine
    Jan 5, 2017
    60
    It's less emotionally instinctive LP than his debut, but over time those new pop hooks prove hard to shake. [Feb 2017, p.116]
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  8. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jan 17, 2017
    42
    It’s well-produced, clean and unobjectionable. Rennen fits this bill nicely, if that’s what you’re looking for. But regardless of whether it’s something you want, it’s nothing you need.
  9. The Guardian
    Jan 12, 2017
    40
    Despite his obvious production chops, Sohn the popstar seems merely an uninspiring iteration of the current trend for singing an irritatingly affected brand of the blues.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 37
  3. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. Book_of_Essence
    Jan 22, 2017
    4
    While SOHN'S debut had a very novel sound to it (specifically through its use of Christopher's vocal snippets as instrumental layering), hisWhile SOHN'S debut had a very novel sound to it (specifically through its use of Christopher's vocal snippets as instrumental layering), his followup album disengages those eccentricities and follows a paint-by-numbers approach to songwriting. SOHN is still very much capable (the actual separation and leveling is immaculate), but nothing here truly excites in the way that a followup to Tremors SHOULD. If his previous release was momentum, this one is a brick wall.… Full Review »
  2. JonnyPicklechin
    Jan 19, 2017
    6
    Only second listen but the neo-blues stuff seems tired. Vocals loop and twist but just as you wait for a surprise we are taken down to eerieOnly second listen but the neo-blues stuff seems tired. Vocals loop and twist but just as you wait for a surprise we are taken down to eerie electronic kick drum beats and not much else. Later experimental tracks veer in and out of ambient trance -But without the undulating swells of multi textural layered electronica and the ethereal vocal loops of the debut, I feel stranded in a minimalist world that artists such as Boards of Canada perform so much better. Most of all its the melodies I miss. Will give a few more tries.… Full Review »
  3. mikethesloan
    Jan 18, 2017
    8
    Upon my third listen my ears were used to the thick, surreal, full, and busy synth tones that filled my listening space. This is Sohn'sUpon my third listen my ears were used to the thick, surreal, full, and busy synth tones that filled my listening space. This is Sohn's sophmore release, and I couldn't be more pleased. From painful blues style vocals to vocals that sound like a menacing android from the future, Sohn delivers. Check out my favorite tracks: Conrad, Signal and Dead Wrong. I can't wait for the next album to drop.

    ~SLOAN    … Full Review »
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