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Spaces Image
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 59 Ratings

  • Summary: Described as a field recording, this latest release from the Berlin-based composer was recorded over two years at various locations with different methods including cassette recordings.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Nov 18, 2013
    90
    Spaces demonstrates a prodigious, world-class talent that shines through regardless of format or circumstance.
  2. Jan 21, 2014
    90
    If, by chance, Spaces happens to be the very first record which you pick up by Nils Frahm, I must proclaim to be extremely jealous--you have a beautiful and highly rewarding journey ahead of you, my friend.
  3. Nov 18, 2013
    90
    After the delicate beauty of previous albums, this is the sound of an artist unleashed.
  4. Nov 22, 2013
    90
    With Spaces he goes one further--successfully channelling the chills of an actual performance, and making a genuine connection with his listener even in recorded form.
  5. 90
    That’s the achievement of Spaces: not simply to replicate the music of Frahm’s concerts, divine though it is, but to evoke the events’ communal intimacy.
  6. Nov 19, 2013
    85
    The variety of Frahm's career is captured with selective care, but Spaces' true achievement is transcending the summary nature of live records.
  7. Nov 21, 2013
    75
    Spaces is still a wonderful document of the powerful force that Nils Frahm is as a performer. At the same time, the album in some ways seems like a missed opportunity--no one has questioned the man's ability as a live act (quite the opposite, actually), so the record can't help coming off like a bit of a "gimme."

See all 15 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Jan 1, 2014
    10
    Simply beautiful music. The live atmosphere makes this that much more rewarding of a listen. Sit back and absorb this wonderful album and youSimply beautiful music. The live atmosphere makes this that much more rewarding of a listen. Sit back and absorb this wonderful album and you will not regret it for a second. I have been truly moved by Nils Frahm's compositions. Hammers is a powerful song, Went Missing soothes my soul and Under-Tristana is just lovely. Do yourself a favor and buy this album! Expand
  2. Dec 21, 2013
    9
    Spaces. The name speaks for itself. It's all about the setting that Nils played and that you are listening. This album have throwable moments,Spaces. The name speaks for itself. It's all about the setting that Nils played and that you are listening. This album have throwable moments, such as, ross's harmonium and improvisation... However the are beautiful moments (what to say about those moments) there is something special, even MAGICAL. You have to pay attention to it to feel it, this is NOT background music that you listen while you do something else. This is music, that's it. It is impossible not to be in love with "went missing" or "over there, it's raining" or not to fell the tension of "said and done" and "hammers" or not to feel the passion of "for -peter..." and "under-tristana..." if you want to hear One Direction or Britney Spears thinking they have the best album of the year and have your fun dancing to it, that's fine. But, if you want to hear music that touches your heart and feelings, if you want real music, you're on the right place. Expand
  3. Feb 19, 2014
    9
    This album is different. Not all the songs are good and some of them ends up pretty boring and unnecessary. With that said, the other songsThis album is different. Not all the songs are good and some of them ends up pretty boring and unnecessary. With that said, the other songs are so close to perfection that it makes this album good as a whole even thought. The highlights of the album are Says, Hammers and the 17 minutes long For - Peter - Toilet Brushes - More. This is pretty much my favorite album of 2013 with Once I Was An Eagle by Laura Marling.
    9.3/10
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  4. Jan 29, 2014
    9
    The album is a precious document of some of Nils Frahm's finest moments as a performer. "Spaces" transmits the atmospheres created by him inThe album is a precious document of some of Nils Frahm's finest moments as a performer. "Spaces" transmits the atmospheres created by him in special spaces through a studio album. The result is purely fantastical. Borderline-silent keys and delicious reverberation accompany Frahm's piano performances to build these "spaces".
    Applause is necessary, it is the only connection to reality and lucidity after the rapid immersion Frahm provokes into this album.
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  5. Apr 24, 2014
    7
    Overall, it's pretty good. It's a nice change of pace from his earlier work. I don't believe it's worth a 90 though. I have to say i preferOverall, it's pretty good. It's a nice change of pace from his earlier work. I don't believe it's worth a 90 though. I have to say i prefer the studio versions of these tracks much more unfortunately. It's longer and more intense, it's pretty enthralling, but just not as good as the studio albums. Expand