Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles
by Suzanne Vega
  • Record Label: Superego
  • Release Date: Feb 18, 2014
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. The Quietus
    Mar 6, 2014
    80
    At her brightest and her best.
  2. Boston Globe
    Feb 18, 2014
    80
    A great overall effort.
  3. American Songwriter
    Feb 18, 2014
    80
    It shows that a talented, visionary singer-songwriter can comfortably do what she does so well, yet not be trapped by conventionality.
  5. Q Magazine
    Feb 14, 2014
    80
    Vega's still small voice of calm remains where the action is,kin to early-'70s Leonard Cohen in her lyrics of enigmatic confession, tarot-casting romance and cool mystique. [Mar 2014, p.121]
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  6. Mojo
    Feb 11, 2014
    80
    An array of session superheroes fill the album with crackling electricity. [Mar 2014, p.93]
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  7. The Telegraph (UK)
    Feb 4, 2014
    80
    Vega’s enduringly classy knack for quirky rhythm, sleek ideas and direct-but-detached delivery shines through much of this album, though it does suffer at times from the leaden, ye olde phrasing hinted at in the title.
  8. musicOMH.com
    Feb 3, 2014
    80
    There may not be anything new or massively revolutionary to attract new disciples to the Vega cause, but Tales From The Realm Of The Queen Of Pentacles is another reliably excellent Suzanne Vega album.
  9. AllMusic
    Feb 18, 2014
    70
    Tales from the Realm of the Queen of Pentacles is a welcome return by an artist who has remained stubbornly true to herself and only records when she has something new to say.
  10. Uncut
    Feb 3, 2014
    70
    These are strong songs, only occasionally hampered by the over-ripe allegorical nonsense advertized in the album's title. [Mar 2014, p.85]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Ricko
    Oct 1, 2014
    8
    Having spent a number of years revisiting her back catalogue with her Close-Up albums, Vega returns brings us new material this time roundHaving spent a number of years revisiting her back catalogue with her Close-Up albums, Vega returns brings us new material this time round with this strangely titled gem. Vega has always been a great songwriter with an ability to make a song out of the most simple of things and once again, her talent for blending poetry with melody is at the forefront of her work. "Realms" won't win Vega a new generation of fans but will please her existing fanbase. While there may not be a "Luka" or a "Marlena" on this, there are a few nice new additions which should appear on future set lists. I particularly like "I Never Wear White", "Song of the Stoic" and "Laying on of hands". Heading into her mid 50's, Vega, the fore-bearer of the likes of PJ Harvey et al still oozes coolness and talent.… Full Review »
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