Ritual Union
by Little Dragon
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. No Ripcord
    Nov 28, 2011
    60
    Ritual Union is catchy and well-produced, but it certainly doesn't demand any more than a handful of listens.
  2. Consequence
    Jul 26, 2011
    40
    In summation, for a band that received little limelight in the beginning, Little Dragon showed immense talent and work ethic to earn their keep in the world. Our question is this: Where were those two items when recording Ritual Union?
  3. Under The Radar
    Jul 25, 2011
    50
    Ultimately the effort is mighty, and Little Dragon is still clearly at the top of the electro R&B pile. But Ritual Union is a mixed bag, its feet uncomfortably divided between the dance floor and the couch.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Jul 20, 2011
    60
    With Little Dragon, you get it all under the one roof: a groove-powered producer's band with a little edge, an indie sensibility and a soul singer at its helm, able to turn out a pretty melody on the right side of cloyingly doe-eyed.
  6. Q Magazine
    Aug 8, 2011
    60
    Swedish electro-pop hipsters take understatement to a new high. [Aug. 2011, p. 117]
    All this publication's reviews

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. clem666
    Aug 26, 2020
    7
    Some few songs really are impossible to listen to. Those are exaggeretedly repetitive, strident or simply pointless and uninterpretable. ButSome few songs really are impossible to listen to. Those are exaggeretedly repetitive, strident or simply pointless and uninterpretable. But still 'Ritual Union' remains a really impressive album full of brilliant ideas and shocking turnarounds. Vocals beautifully deserve the beats and the atmosphere without being the main centre of the project. Speaking of atmosphere, Little Dragon makes us approach it in varied different ways. Clearly synthpop in its most original form.… Full Review »
  2. Kiyoshi
    Jan 23, 2012
    8
    Really solid album that starts off with a hell of a bang and doesn't let go until it's over. I would say it's their best and not even reallyReally solid album that starts off with a hell of a bang and doesn't let go until it's over. I would say it's their best and not even really all that close. Shuffle A Dream is one of the greatest songs that's come out of any genre in years. Please Turn is amazing as well, hell all of the tracks are.… Full Review »
  3. j30
    Aug 11, 2011
    5
    I was a bit disappointed in this album. After hearing Little Dragon's contributions to Gorillaz (best song on the album, Empire Antz) andI was a bit disappointed in this album. After hearing Little Dragon's contributions to Gorillaz (best song on the album, Empire Antz) and Maximum Balloon (If You Return) you'd expect something a bit more fresh. I really wanted to like this album and I'm still interested to hear where they go from here. All in all it's just meh.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »