Soft Money
by Jel
  • Record Label: Anticon
  • Release Date: Feb 28, 2006
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Soft Money has a firm foundation, with SP-1200 fetishism being just one small sliver of its appeal.
  2. Almost Cool
    75
    If you like instrumental hip-hop and don't mind a few tracks with vocals (most of which are quite well done), Soft Money is worth checking out.
  3. Alternative Press
    40
    Today, yet another album filled with introverted hip-hop instrumentals--even one with occasional moments of beauty radiating from the murk--is doomed by comparison to the more innovative work the label has been offering lately. [Mar 2006, p.138]
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  5. BBC collective
    70
    There are few dynamic surprises here, and no serrated edges, but this disc's strength lies in its building mass of lumbering, decelerated funk, its textures gluey and thick.
  6. cokemachineglow
    59
    On Soft Money undeniable talent finds its nemesis in homogeneity of style and absence of individuality.
  7. Filter
    88
    A production gem. [#19, p.91]
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  8. Pitchfork
    60
    Jel's music here doesn't focus your attention to a laser-point the way Them did, but neither is it big enough to saturate it-- it lurks comfortably in the middle distance.
  9. Prefix Magazine
    70
    In a genre where dullness is constantly being fought off, there's never a moment on Soft Money moment when monotony threatens to take over.
  10. Q Magazine
    70
    Beguiling, high-density productions. [Apr 2006, p.119]
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  11. Stylus Magazine
    58
    Soft Money is full of the sort of guitar riffs that mutter their notes and beats that knock about to break themselves free from dumpsters.
  12. Tiny Mix Tapes
    100
    Soft Money continues to blur the line between downtempo electronica and underground hip-hop in its own distinct, highly gratifying way.
  13. Uncut
    60
    A sampling tour de force, but short on soul. [Apr 2006, p.112]
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  14. Under The Radar
    70
    The results are mesmerizing. [#13, p.90]
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  15. Urb
    60
    Jel's cagey, chunky breaks interlace into stereoscopic head-nodding noir. [Mar 2006, p.113]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. MikeB
    Mar 17, 2008
    8
    Ranges from good to very good. The vinyl is worth seeking out, great sound for low price
  2. LibbiL
    Jul 12, 2007
    9
    Bangin' cd! Plus Ms. John Soda is featured on more than 1 track. You can't touch that. The beats sink in deep.
  3. PedroP
    Mar 31, 2006
    9
    The best surprise of the year so far. Great beats with a political message. My favourite hip-hop "Supa Star". Check it out!
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