Set My Heart on Fire Immediately
by Perfume Genius
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: May 15, 2020
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 189 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 169 out of 189
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 189
  3. Negative: 7 out of 189
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  1. StevenX
    Jun 3, 2020
    5
    With the release of Mike Hadreas' latest album as Perfume Genius, the world's longest suicide note continues. Changing genres for each song like he's hunting for one that works, he steps on far heavier musical toes than usual ("Describe" is pretty much lifted musically intact from Lou Reed's "The Blue Mask" album, and "One More Try" is suspiciously like a Chris Isaak outtake), so maybeWith the release of Mike Hadreas' latest album as Perfume Genius, the world's longest suicide note continues. Changing genres for each song like he's hunting for one that works, he steps on far heavier musical toes than usual ("Describe" is pretty much lifted musically intact from Lou Reed's "The Blue Mask" album, and "One More Try" is suspiciously like a Chris Isaak outtake), so maybe he's at least learned something and is trying to branch out and wake himself up. It isn't enough to get him to expand much vocally, though - as usual, a lot of this sounds like he had to do the singing under his blankets quietly so the folks wouldn't wake up. He keeps going back to the tried and true I'm-bleeding-out-isn't-it-pretty sound that started his cult in the first place, because why screw with semi-success? (Can't help but think this album would have been better if he'd hired someone else to be the singer on it.) I'm beginning to think it's not necessarily a coincidence that one of his early video costars kicked off shortly after working with Hadreas- I needed to watch old Monty Python episodes just to come back from this abyss. Remember when that guy called Radiohead's album "music to slit your wrists by"? Perfume Genius keeps telling that band "hold my beer".

    "Just let that old thing die", Hadreas sings on the album's last track. Regarding the poor-pitiful-me shell he's inhabited for five albums now, I concur. There's talent to be seen there if Perfume Genius ever makes it out of therapy.    … Expand
  2. NormanAlee
    Jul 9, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good arranged, but second half distinctly weak and sparse. Overall melodies not rich and lush, sometimes repetitive.… Expand
  3. connordalzin
    Oct 24, 2020
    6
    I understand why everyone loves it. I think Perfume Genius is amazing and No Shape is an easy 9/10. I just think this album is a little less exciting than i like and a little too pretentious.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2020
65
#65 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Q Magazine
    Jun 9, 2020
    80
    The record's second half feels a little dreary after the spectacular opening, but the combination of doleful beauty and violent emotion that makes Hadreas's work extraordinary is never hard to find. [Summer 2020, p.104]
  2. PopMatters
    May 28, 2020
    90
    His ability to purge himself on every track is contagious. You don't have to go there with him to enjoy this album, but don't be surprised if you do.
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  3. No Ripcord
    May 26, 2020
    90
    Set My Heart on Fire Immediately isn’t a perfect album. There are a couple of wormholes that Hadreas gets lost down and the sequencing causes a slightly jilted second half, but once these songs nestle in, they’re impossible to shift.
    Read full review
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