Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Smoke Ring for My Halo - Kurt Vile
Smoke Ring for My Halo Image
Metascore
82 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: The fourth full-length from the Philadelphian songwriter showcases his ability to weave stories and strings together with his lyrical craftsmanship – comparable to Tom Petty and Bob Seger – and guitar-playing skills.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. No Ripcord
    Apr 28, 2011
    90
    Smoke Ring For My Halo might not be for everyone, but it will definitely find a wider audience than anything else in Vile's catalogue.
  2. Boston Globe
    Mar 8, 2011
    90
    The result is Vile's best record to date, an idiosyncratic amalgam of intimate performance and communal expression - and one that continues to reveal new layers upon repeated listens.
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Mar 8, 2011
    50
    For its circuitousness, there's always been a lean, mean backbone to the guy's writing; even his most bored-sounding toss-offs came wrapped in barbed wire. Here, he just kinda sounds bored.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. philkinney1903
    10
    Album of the Year. The production on songs such as Runner Up's and On Tour is phenomenal. An album to introduce your friends to, and live the songs sound even better with his trademark drawl.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. Hackskeptic
    7
    Whilst mostly impressive, there are moments of overwrought weariness that portray a self piteous, almost precious characteristic that Vile can't help but reveal. That said, such self absorption often guides the listener to the complexities of the new millennial stoner/strummer, and one can forgive the odd soul searching moment because overall the rewards outweigh the negatives. http://hackskeptic.com… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

Related Articles

  1. Best of 2011, Music

    2011 Music Critic Top Ten Lists [Updated Jan. 7]

    2011 Music Critic Top Ten Lists [Updated Jan. 7] Image
    Published: November 29, 2011
    Between now and January, we'll be collecting top 10 lists published by major music critics, publications, and websites, and tallying their cumulative picks to determine the best albums of 2011. Check back here daily to get an updated scorecard.
    More »
  2. Music

    March's Best New Music

    March's Best New Music Image
    Published: March 31, 2011
    Find out which albums impressed critics the most over the past month (hint: think Lykke Li and Elbow, among others), and listen to full tracks from each of the best-reviewed albums.
    More »

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. Loveless [Reissue] - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 96
  2. Ram [Deluxe Edition] - Paul & Linda McCartney
    Metascore: 93
  3. L.A. Woman - The Doors
    Metascore: 93
  4. On the Impossible Past - The Menzingers
    Metascore: 93
  5. Biokinetics [Reissue] - Porter Ricks
    Metascore: 93
  6. Bitch Magnet - Bitch Magnet
    Metascore: 91
  7. Reform Club - Claro Intelecto
    Metascore: 89
  8. Be Good - Gregory Porter
    Metascore: 89
  9. Crown and Treaty - Sweet Billy Pilgrim
    Metascore: 88
  10. 1992-2012 - Underworld
    Metascore: 88
  11. Undun - The Roots
    Metascore: 88
  12. Accelerando - Vijay Iyer Trio
    Metascore: 87
  13. R.A.P. Music - Killer Mike
    Metascore: 87
  14. Voices from the Lake - Voices from the Lake
    Metascore: 87
  15. The Earn - Yu
    Metascore: 86
  16. Europe - Allo Darlin'
    Metascore: 86
  17. Young Man In America - Anais Mitchell
    Metascore: 86
  18. Vee Vee [Remastered] - Archers of Loaf
    Metascore: 86
  19. Mermaid Avenue: The Complete Sessions - Billy Bragg/Wilco
    Metascore: 86
  20. Locked Down - Dr. John
    Metascore: 86
All Current Music »