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The Turning Wheel
by
The Turning Wheel Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 51 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for Chrystia Cabral as Spellling was self-produced.
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  • Record Label: Sacred Bones
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Electronic, Alternative Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Pop
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 24, 2021
    90
    Aside from the constant stream of new sounds and instruments ("Revolution" may be the first song to utilise a steel drum for its big drop), the other joy of the record is its themes of self-affirmation and courage.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Jun 25, 2021
    80
    On the whole this is a significant artistic leap, a progressive album of dazzling stylistic pluralities that demands attention.
  3. The Wire
    Jun 29, 2021
    80
    It’s not often that an album comes along that feels this loaded with transformative potential. [Jul 2021, p.66]
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  4. Beats Per Minute
    Jun 28, 2021
    76
    Slap as many abstract adjectives and kitschy references you want on it, you’re not going to pin The Turning Wheel down. Its ineffability can be its greatest strength.
  5. Pitchfork
    Jun 28, 2021
    75
    While The Turning Wheel was originally planned for release in September of last year, its whimsical presentation and urgent, socially conscious lyrics give it a timeless feeling.
  6. Under The Radar
    Jun 24, 2021
    75
    The album is littered with a barrage of ghostly and reverb-laden foley effects, making it near impossible to not visualize the space in which her witchy, out-of-this-world performance would theoretically take place. This is Cabral’s show, and we’re all just spectators.
  7. AllMusic
    Jun 24, 2021
    70
    As with Cabral's previous album, The Turning Wheel has several standouts along with a handful of other tracks that don't leave as much of an impression. However, this is undeniably her best-produced work yet, and clearly demonstrates her impressive growth as an artist.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 3 out of 20
  1. lukascabahug
    Jul 7, 2021
    10
    ahhhhhhh beautiful beautiful. Such luscious instrumentals with perfectly mixed and EQed production. Spellling's vocals are so exciting areahhhhhhh beautiful beautiful. Such luscious instrumentals with perfectly mixed and EQed production. Spellling's vocals are so exciting are personal. Songwriting is a great balance of impressionistic poeticism and nuanced storytelling. I'm so happy Spellling is getting the recognition she deserves… Expand
  2. alexxchristt
    Sep 18, 2021
    10
    Lost my mind when I heard Little Dear for the first time. Absolutely phenomenal
  4. Doxxman5
    Sep 21, 2021
    10
    like a traveling carnival ride of Kate Bush, Fiery Furnaces, Bjork, Jane Siberry, Massive Attack, and Tori Amos. Completely in control, andlike a traveling carnival ride of Kate Bush, Fiery Furnaces, Bjork, Jane Siberry, Massive Attack, and Tori Amos. Completely in control, and full of captivating Melodies- not quite as masterfully psychedelic as Kramer or Dogbowl, but very close. Every song is uniquely theirs but very different at the same time. Rock music...? If rock music is a menagerie in our childhood dreams.… Expand
  5. Xar
    Jul 4, 2021
    10
    Spelling mixed all her influences perfectly in her latest LP, great transitions, witchy instrumentals and mesmerising vocals.
  6. leumassregor
    Nov 2, 2021
    9
    Beautiful, luscious, rich instrumentals and vocals that'll just reel you in. Spellling gets personal on this record and balancesBeautiful, luscious, rich instrumentals and vocals that'll just reel you in. Spellling gets personal on this record and balances impressionistic poetry and nuanced storytelling. Hints of Bjork and FKA Twigs really come through on this project. Truly beautiful and unique.… Expand
  7. draftword800379
    Jul 7, 2021
    9
    This is cool. Love the arrangements and the detailed, layered production. Her voice is amazing and has a wide range. This album reminds me aThis is cool. Love the arrangements and the detailed, layered production. Her voice is amazing and has a wide range. This album reminds me a lot of Kate Bush and David Bowie. Feels so celestial and fantastical, very imaginative.… Expand
  8. Dunsweet21
    Jul 4, 2021
    0
    Hm...

See all 20 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2021

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