The House That Jack Built
by Jesca Hoop
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. AllMusic
    Aug 21, 2012
    80
    The House That Jack Built may be aimed at a new audience, or it might simply be the record that Hoop had to make. Either way, it's welcome for the risks it takes and delivers on.
  2. The Quietus
    Jul 19, 2012
    80
    Lyrically The House That Jack Built is a masterpiece.
  3. Mojo
    Jun 26, 2012
    80
    Certain of her likable idiosyncrasies appear to have been straightened out [since 2009's Hunting My Dress]. But while big, booming choruses bookend the album on Born To and When I'm Asleep, that's about as easy as this listen gets. [Jul 2012, p.89]
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  5. Uncut
    Jun 22, 2012
    80
    Her despondency is balanced with levity elsewhere. [Jul 2012, p.74]
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  6. BBC Music
    Jun 22, 2012
    80
    On the strength of this richly felt, richly imagined album, though, lack of love needn't concern Hoop.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 22, 2012
    80
    It's certainly the most arresting record that she's made.
  8. musicOMH.com
    Jun 22, 2012
    80
    While it lacks the initial rush of Hunting My Dress, The House That Jack Built throws in surprises and twists and turns that are evidence of a satisfying progression.
  9. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 22, 2012
    80
    Imaginative and innovative in equal measure.
  10. Q Magazine
    Oct 12, 2012
    60
    She's at her most compelling when the rhythmic cross-currents come with a deep dark undertow. [Jul 2012, p.103]
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  11. Consequence
    Jun 29, 2012
    60
    The glossy pop songs will disappoint fans who liked her more unusual aspects, while the weird bits may put off the more casual listener.
  12. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 25, 2012
    60
    Her third album has plenty of likable qualities: mild lyrical quirkiness (making doe eyes at Banksy), moderate eclecticism (dabbling in 70s MOR and breathy electropop), and an unerring knack for hummable melodies.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. sncold
    Jun 27, 2012
    10
    Jesca Hoop's third full length record is an absolute triumph. It keeps the level of musicianship that her older works contained while addingJesca Hoop's third full length record is an absolute triumph. It keeps the level of musicianship that her older works contained while adding new ideas that are approached with a great amount of creativity and concentration. Lyrically, Jesca has become even more personal (most noticeable in "DNR"), and it clashes with the music perfectly. The House That Jack Built is by far my favorite album of the year.… Full Review »
  2. revillo
    Oct 12, 2012
    10
    Despite spending significant time with great albums from Grizzly Bear, Fionna Apple and others, this album really takes the cake for album ofDespite spending significant time with great albums from Grizzly Bear, Fionna Apple and others, this album really takes the cake for album of the year. It's pop songs are rich and satisfying, Hoop's evolving personality seduces, entertains, humors, and thrills. I'll never know why Jesca Hoop doesn't get more attention and adulation for these records, which have all been great but none as excellent as the House that Jack Built. Please make more albums! I love you!… Full Review »
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