The Ones Ahead
by Beverly Glenn-Copeland
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Uncut
    Jul 26, 2023
    90
    Throughout all nine songs, Glenn-Copeland's voice seems to exist on the eternal plane, powerful and vulnerable in equal measure, an elder sharing his knowledge in stirring sonic form. [Sep 2023, p.26]
  2. Record Collector
    Aug 16, 2023
    80
    The Ones Ahead is billed as his first collection of new music in nearly 20 years, but it feels no less vital or inventive than his most celebrated work.
  3. Pitchfork
    Jul 28, 2023
    80
    It’s a remarkably assured statement of purpose.
  5. Mojo
    Jul 26, 2023
    80
    Warbling soul, classical lieder, No Other's stage-musical rapture, the title track's echo of Copeland's 1986 New-Age-synth album Keyboard Fantasies - all united by his seemingly unshakeable belief in humanity. [Aug 2023, p.84]
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  6. The Skinny
    Jul 26, 2023
    80
    The Ones Ahead carries a resolute message of hope for the world, backed up by Glenn-Copeland's evident wisdom.
  7. The Wire
    Jul 26, 2023
    80
    The album’s stylistic breadth and the cinematic sweep of its production add up to a more polished version of the anthemic, collaborative sound cultivated on the tour, heard on his 2020 Live At Le Guess Who? 2018 album. [Aug 2023, p.51]
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  8. AllMusic
    Jul 28, 2023
    60
    The Ones Ahead gets too saccharine at times, and it's not anywhere near as engaging as Glenn-Copeland's visionary folk-jazz records from the early '70s, or his soothing ambient classic Keyboard Fantasies. Nevertheless, it's impossible to find fault with his optimism, and the songs' messages clearly resonate.

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Lajaleaa
    Aug 29, 2023
    7
    Meh. I mean, there is a nice soundtrack right here, but it also feels for too specific moments of life that this can barely be a niceMeh. I mean, there is a nice soundtrack right here, but it also feels for too specific moments of life that this can barely be a nice compliment on your daily playlist, but nothing too big, too surprising or maybe interesting or entertaining to hold strong to it. Yet, I'm happy now I know more about a new age pop and chamber artist that actually knows how to push or explore the genre in accessible and friendly ways for the ears. This might not be his best album, but it is right there, filling the gaps with what the music industry might be lacking these days.… Full Review »
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