Slow Phaser
by Nicole Atkins
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
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  1. Boston Globe
    Feb 25, 2014
    80
    Atkins’s songwriting has since mutated, so that even songs that would have fit on “Neptune City” (the remix-ready disco track “Girl You Look Amazing”) or “Mondo Amore” (the stomping country-gospel “Sin Song”) represent a progression.
  2. AllMusic
    Feb 25, 2014
    80
    Atkins has come a long way since her debut and without the distractions of a major label or a major break-up, she seems to be in the driver's seat and completely in control of her destiny, delivering her most artistic and confident album to date.
  3. Blurt Magazine
    Feb 25, 2014
    80
    The album is not flawless; there are one or two songs that don’t quite hit the high bar Atkins set for herself with this outing. But songs like the drinks-in-the-air sing-along “It’s Only Chemistry” and the instant classic “Sin Song” more than make up for what you pay for this album.
  5. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Feb 25, 2014
    80
    Atkins’ songs have enough range to recall a Kurt Weill art-song in “It’s Only Chemistry.” But it’s her voice that ties it all together, with a sound sure enough to let the vulnerability of her words proudly show.
  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Apr 29, 2014
    70
    Just like her songwriting, her singing has developed and matured and with Slow Phaser Nicole Atkins has produced a record of much deeper confidence, one that will surely exist way beyond any of those physical losses she experienced at the hands of Hurricane Sandy. ​

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 2 out of 7
  1. KnockKnock
    Mar 11, 2020
    0
    I like this album a lot. Great singing, great production, and enough solid, diverse songs that the keep the energy level up from the beginningI like this album a lot. Great singing, great production, and enough solid, diverse songs that the keep the energy level up from the beginning to the end of the album. Nicole Atkins first two albums proved her vocal prowess could be a beautiful force of nature. 'Slow Phaser' may not contain a vocal tour-de-force like "The Way It Is" or "You Come to Me" or "The Tower" but here Ms. Atkins uses her regal powers in a more nuanced way.

    "Who Killed the Moonlight" purrs along seductively, a great opening song that foreshadows the smoky smoldering atmosphere of the rest of the album. "It's Only Chemistry" starts off with an ultra catchy sing-along chorus (sort of reminds me of some of the lyrics from Pink Floyd song "Eclipse") and when the first verse kicks in "you've lost your mind!" this is pure pop nirvana. The banjo on this track is the sort of subtle creative hook that swings on the monkey bars in the playground of my mind. "Girl You Look Amazing" is a would be should be hit single if this was a different era. "Cool People" is simply cool, emphasizing that Nicole has learned how to harness her hemi-powered vocals with precision restraint. "Red Ropes" keeps the momentum pulsing along and "Gasoline Bride" is a blend of tasty songwriting and inventive production skills. "Sin Song" provides a beneficial lyrical change up for the album.

    'Slow Phaser' is an old fashioned type of an album that deserves to be listened from the beginning to the end. It rewards repeated listens with its inspired song craft and bright production ideas. Yes it is more poppy than 'Mondo Amore'. Recorded in Sweden, Ms. Atkins has done herself proud with one of the best recordings of 2014.    … Full Review »
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