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The Raven That Refused to Sing and Other Stories
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The Raven That Refused to Sing and Other Stories Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 93 Ratings

  • Summary: Co-produced with Alan Parsons, the third solo release from Steven Wilson was based on short stories the Porcupine Tree singer/guitarist wrote or co-wrote with Hajo Mueller.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. The Guardian
    Feb 27, 2013
    100
    This album shows Wilson to be one of modern rock's most cunning and soulful protagonists.
  2. Clash Music
    Jun 6, 2013
    90
    Sad, weird, beautiful, fiercesome; music to move and excite. [Apr 2013, p.97]
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  3. Q Magazine
    Apr 10, 2013
    80
    Wilson never forgets the melodies or real sentiment. [May 2013, p.113]
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  4. PopMatters
    Feb 27, 2013
    70
    Since this is prog release, some pretentious philosophizing is helpful in elucidating the plight of this otherwise great record; to borrow Hegelian language, Wilson needs to move beyond thesis and antithesis into the realm of synthesis.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Feb 28, 2013
    70
    The Raven That Refused To Sing (And Other Stories) is certainly an intense listen, but it is ultimately a rewarding one, despite its ability to frustrate or confound.
  6. Mojo
    Mar 7, 2013
    60
    Wilson's Raven can sound magpie-like--with jazz-rock joining the classical prog references--but tunes as lovely as Drive Home or the slow-burning title track remind you that he has a vision that's all his own. [Apr 2013, p.94]
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  7. Record Collector
    Jun 4, 2013
    60
    Despite the eclectic background material, it feels like a consolidation rather than a development.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. eufonia
    Apr 27, 2013
    10
    There must be something really amazing (and great for music) if this is not the best album of 2013. Themed (ghosts) album, almost classicThere must be something really amazing (and great for music) if this is not the best album of 2013. Themed (ghosts) album, almost classic progressive compositions (most of the tracks with multiple "movements" and so), extraordinary performances (great musicians), but most important: this album is made with intelligence, soulfulness and love for music by Wilson & Co. If you can, try the HD/Blu-Ray version. My personal favorite: The Watchmaker.… Expand
  2. BigRed1
    Mar 3, 2013
    10
    Love this album, an instant classic. On the surface a collection of songs based on ghost stories and tales of the supernatural, but beneathLove this album, an instant classic. On the surface a collection of songs based on ghost stories and tales of the supernatural, but beneath that really these are stories about humanity, with a depth of emotion not found on many albums these days. The musical performances are amazing, complementing the stories/lyrics perfectly, without veering off into excessive progressive rock "noodling". Highly recommended!… Expand
  4. jmneeley06
    May 27, 2013
    10
    A remarkable record that should easily the "best of 2013" list in most music goers. Steven Wilson has truly outdone himself here. Highly recommend it!
  5. licardio
    Oct 11, 2013
    10
    This is an instant classic. A standard of excellence and precision. A masterpiece only matched by other classics, only SW can create thisThis is an instant classic. A standard of excellence and precision. A masterpiece only matched by other classics, only SW can create this quality nowadays.… Expand
  6. midiankomidian
    Mar 1, 2013
    10
    The man did it again. The album is full of emotion, you can basically just listen to it all day long, and you will always find something new,The man did it again. The album is full of emotion, you can basically just listen to it all day long, and you will always find something new, that you did not notice before. I liked Grace for Drowning a lot, but this is just better. I do not know how Steven does it, he always comes with something, that is pushing the boundaries of rock/ progressive rock music, he is shaping the world in his own way, and that is what it makes him a true artist. A master of his art. Thank you Steven 10/10… Expand
  7. Geffen
    Jan 29, 2021
    10
    Outstanding, unbelievably amazing album! This truly is prog heaven. Steven Wilson's best work.
  8. shesho
    Oct 14, 2013
    10
    Way past the electric prog-rock experiments with Porcupine Tree, in this record Steve Wilson achieves a timeless record: artful, precise,Way past the electric prog-rock experiments with Porcupine Tree, in this record Steve Wilson achieves a timeless record: artful, precise, melodic and more full of sentiment than any other previous Wilson effort. Sharply mixed by Alan Parsons and beautifully executed by some of the most talented and expressive musicians out there, this collection of songs exudes perfection and shines the most in their quietest, softest moments like the middle section in Luminol or The Watchmaker.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

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