Space Is Only Noise - Nicolas Jaar
Metascore
86 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. PopMatters
    Mar 4, 2011
    90
    Jaar's emotional honesty is not without lenses though, and, just when you think he's going to address the listener directly, he draws on electronic music's endless sound possibilities to clutter and even drown voice, rhythm and melody with spontaneity and a young dreamer's aimless drift.
  2. Urb
    Feb 28, 2011
    90
    Space Is Only Noise is not a perfect album, he could have done without the fillers, but it's a perfect listening experience.
  3. XLR8r
    Feb 28, 2011
    90
    Space Is Only Noise might be one of the most ear-opening techno records in recent memory.
  4. Pitchfork
    Feb 28, 2011
    84
    This teetering restraint masks the true weirdness of Space Is Only Noise. I could understand someone finding the intensely self-contained Space a bit claustrophobic, but the album is most rewarding when you just grab a seat at the table.
  5. cokemachineglow
    Mar 15, 2011
    81
    Space is Only Noise is delivered with an impressive restraint, especially for a debut LP and from an artist of Jaar's age, its songs warm and dense whilst seeming full of negative space, gentle and humorous whilst threatening claustrophobia.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Boosemo12
    9
    This album is less a collection of songs and more an experience, and a truly magnificent experience at that. It is like nothing you've ever heard and a must listen for everyone.… Full Review »
  2. danav88
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. A beautifully textured, airy, and oddly amusing sonic adventure, that keeps a nice mellow intensity and yet explores new territory on every track. It's a grower, unless you can distinguish just how wonderful some of the field recordings, vocal manipulations, and the subtle instrumentation are. At 21 years old, Jaar cements himself a truly fantastic debut.… Full Review »
  3. MorriBey
    8
    When you hear the track 'Keep Me There' for the first time you will want to know more about this artist. When you listen it to a second time it will become your favourite track until the next artist comes along. Its no wonder that he is compared to James Blake.

    Take a listen. Its worth it.    … Full Review »
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