I find this one the more varied than the rest of her albums. Absolutely brilliant as always. We assume that there will be many people who find it hard to provide an opportunity for St. Vincent, that didn't agree with that kind of pop or because it dismay them the references to symphonic rock, but even they would recommend Strange Mercy because it is a clear demonstration of what Clark can do with talent unlike many others, trying to enlarge a style.… Expand

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great Album! One of the best I have heard this year so far! This is her best album. Highlights songs: "Cruel" , "Surgeon" and "Dilettante".… Expand

Annie Clark's musical evolution takes its next big step delivering one of the year's best albums yet -- a thrilling,intense yet deeply personal collection of songs that develop on musical and lyrical concepts she has dabbled with on her previous works.
The musical sophistication on the album is apparent right from "Chloe in the Afternoon" with rough guitars co-operating in tune with her choir-like vocals. "Cheerleader" possibly her most personal song lyrically sees her sick and tired of being at the sidelines and states her independence with a defiant " I...I...I" beat in the song.
"Surgeon" might be her most sophisticated work having an oft-kilter guitar hook in the middle that is catchy. As she evolves as a songwriter,singer and composer she also develops in unique way as a guitarist. She has a very unique way of treating the instrument often caressing it on songs to produce deep,soulful melodies but can strangle her guitar to produce jarring rough solos that are as memorable as the music in this album.

A top contender for the album of the year! "Strange Mercy" sees the one of the better solo artists in the indie scene realize the immense scope of her true potential. This might just be the beginning but what a beginning it really is.… Expand

Might sound slightly off-putting at first, but 5 listens later, I can confidently say there isn't a stinker on this album. Highly experimental, yet highly rewarding. One of my favorites from 2011.

Annie turned it up a notch with Strange Mercy, which is deffo her best so far. Lyrically, it's simple but clever and how cannot i resist loving the brilliant erotic delivery in Chloe In The Afternoon or the fusion of her voice into the guitar freakout in Northern Lights? Flabbergasting masterwork.

In her own words, Annie Clark said this album was wirtten in a solitude moment of her life, and it sounds very personal. It's like she put all of her thoughts about life itself in this album, and they seem to be brilliant. She left behind the experimental/baroque sound of "Actor", and gave us a different kind of pop, mixed with folk. It is one of the marvelous CDs from last year.

This is a sometimes beautiful, sometimes experimental and always interesting record. It's still growing on me but I think it might be growing on me for a long while to come. And what a voice.

Clark's gotten a bit of criticism for the lyrics on this album, and I really don't understand whyâ

I used to think Actor was a flawless album, until I listened to Strange Mercy and my opinion changed quickly. Don't get me wrong, Actor is a fantastic album, but Strange Mercy is better. Annie Clark writes songs no other person would think about. Her vocals are beautiful, her lyrics are out of this world, and the production value is impeccable. Each track is a landmark in music. St. Vincent just seems to get better with each release. A… Expand

Strange Mercy feels like it is definitely up for album of the year. It feels so out there, but with familiar aspects. St. Vincent is an artist who is very unknown, but is truly innovative. Great melodies over what is in some songs absolute chaos. Phenomenal album.

Instantly liked it. Grows on you so easily. Its the cardigans mixed with Bjork mixed with addictive guitar. And I dont even like Bjork. Dont be put off my the first track, start with the second, Cruel. Great sound and so original. Top 10 for 2011, another great female vocalist to add to The Cults and Phantogram. When you get it, you will eventually love the first track!

St. Vincent invites you into a world that pairs her hypnotic, beautiful voice with music that is elegant yet chaotic. It's an unusual, surreal treat that feels like The Beatles meet Bjork. Strange Mercy is an indie powerhouse that is one of the best albums from 2011.

I think a lot of people would agree with me if I say that this is one of the best albums of the year. After the sweet "Marry Me" and the psychotic "Actor", "Strange Mercy" seems a more introverted and sensitive albums. Annie's voice is challenged in this album a well as her guitar, but she was able to take control of both, getting new sounds which in my opinion are very interesting. "Chloe In The Afternoon" opens the album with a catchy beat, and it's followed by the single "Cruel" (I recommend you to watch the music video of this song). I think "Cheerleader" is one of the highlights of this album, transmitting a desperation and tiredness. There are also more calmly songs such as "Champagne Year" and "Dilettante", in which the slow motion style in which Annie sings can be easily noted. Another highlight for me is "Strange Mercy", which seems a song that has nothing from another world with a peaceful guitar, until she's starts singing with her now incinerating guitar thunders at the back "If I ever meet that dirty policeman who rough you up!". Personally, I think this album is for St. Vincent another step up the ladder. I had nothing to do but congratulate her for this incredible album.… Expand