Self Help Serenade
by Marjorie Fair
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jul 19, 2005
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10

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  1. AndyN
    Oct 20, 2005
    9
    An album that grows on you. The lyrics are straightforward yet complex under the surface. The overall sound combined with the lyrics is very powerful. "Stare" is my favorite, followed by "waves" and "empty room."
  2. MichaelM
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    This album has everything. Perfect.
  3. jasons
    Aug 18, 2005
    10
    This album was not an instant hit for me, but after 5 listens I was so in love. The album has so many undertones that it took a little while, but when I fell, I fell hard. This album is amazing!
  4. lauraF
    Aug 18, 2005
    9
    Love it!
  5. jyotirmayad
    Aug 31, 2005
    9
    Very delicate melodies to eloquent lyrics. One of the 10 best of the year.
  6. Julia
    Sep 26, 2005
    8
    it was a bit plain upon first listen, but as i played it over and over agian, it became something else entirely. great melodies and very smooth vocals.
  7. Matt
    Aug 15, 2005
    5
    Makes me space out, which is not good.
  8. ValerieS
    Jan 31, 2006
    10
    There has not been good music like this in years.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    60
    So Marjorie Fair's debut isn't an immediate five-star classic. But its backgrounds are incredibly well-crafted... and the songs' blend evening-sun comfort with a quiet forlornness that's somehow welcoming.
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  2. Blender
    40
    Marjorie Fair's plinky strums, orchestral swells and hummable lyrics are hard to dislike and impossible to love. [Aug 2005, p.111]
  3. Drowned In Sound
    60
    Much like binging on Haagen Daas ice cream when you’re depressed, a little bit of Marjorie Faire is really rather great. Too much can only make you feel bloated and regretful.
    Read full review
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