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Strange Mercy Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 210 Ratings

  • Summary: St. Vincent, otherwise known as Annie Clark, releases her third album, produced by John Congleton.
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  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Pop, Alternative Singer/Songwriter
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Top Track

Surgeon
I spent the Summer on my back Another attack Steal you just to get along Turn off the TV, wait in bed Blue and red, Somethin' to get along. Best,... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 39
  2. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Sep 11, 2011
    100
    The modulations and switches in pace remain as bold as ever, and Clark has a knack for memorable melody and a winning voice with shades of Kate Bush and Leslie Feist.
  2. 90
    Strange Mercy is more mysterious than its predecessors, the references more obscure, but it also feels more personal.
  3. Jan 3, 2012
    90
    St. Vincent's most sonically rich effort to date.
  4. Sep 9, 2011
    80
    It's a little top-heavy, and meanders towards the end, but it's smart, demanding and unique, too.
  5. Sep 22, 2011
    80
    Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, is an astounding electric guitarist, yet on her absorbing third album she never puts her mastery of the instrument ahead of a great song.
  6. Sep 13, 2011
    80
    Strange Mercy is her best yet, a deft mixture of self-confession, master class musicality, and downright unshakable songs.
  7. Sep 1, 2011
    60
    Ultimately Strange Mercy sounds like her best record still lies ahead, once she feels a little more at ease with balancing her obviously multiple talents.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Sep 21, 2011
    10
    This album has the precision of a surgeon and the cruelness of a puppy. All the experimentation and blips and dissonance, it works out so damnThis album has the precision of a surgeon and the cruelness of a puppy. All the experimentation and blips and dissonance, it works out so damn well! Strange Mercy simply one of the best, if not, the best pop albums of 2011. I am in love with this. Expand
  2. Mar 19, 2012
    10
    Clark's gotten a bit of criticism for the lyrics on this album, and I really don't understand whyâ
  3. Sep 13, 2011
    10
    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
  4. Dec 30, 2011
    9
    St. Vincent invites you into a world that pairs her hypnotic, beautiful voice with music that is elegant yet chaotic. It's an unusual, surrealSt. 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. Expand
  5. Dec 30, 2011
    9
    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 findI 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
  6. Oct 2, 2011
    8
    On Strange Mercy St. Vincent finally releases her inner freak. While itâ
  7. Sep 14, 2011
    5
    Just another Tori Amos trying to reach Kate Bush level. No chance. Songs are boring, no surprises at all. At least lyrics is not bad. To sumJust another Tori Amos trying to reach Kate Bush level. No chance. Songs are boring, no surprises at all. At least lyrics is not bad. To sum up, nothing to be so excited about. Critics definitely went wrong. Expand

See all 27 User Reviews

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