The Vision
by Joker
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Nov 8, 2011
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
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  1. Mixmag
    Feb 10, 2012
    60
    It's not 100 per cent coherent, but especially if you get the bonus instrumental disc you'll find proof of an important talent spreading his wings.
  2. Uncut
    Nov 23, 2011
    60
    The Vision unveils a colorful, sensualist take on the dubstep sound, flexing basslines set into relief by twinkling R&B melodies and a host of guest vocalists. [Dec 2011, p.87]
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  3. PopMatters
    Nov 17, 2011
    60
    There's another classic Joker EP in here. It's just a shame we couldn't get our first classic Joker album.
  5. AllMusic
    Nov 8, 2011
    60
    While it required only slight modifications to his approach--brighter tones and simpler arrangements, allowing room for singers and MCs--it's still surprising that much of The Vision sounds like an effort to assimilate into commercial airwaves.
  6. Resident Advisor
    Nov 8, 2011
    60
    It's an unadventurous but pleasant effort from a talented artist who used to make everyone else look boring.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Nov 4, 2011
    60
    While it's hard to critique The Vision for its scattershot successes, as a whole the album is just too erratic to have any sort of lasting impact on formerly ardent fans or casual admirers.
  8. NOW Magazine
    Nov 3, 2011
    60
    Unfortunately, subtlety gets lost in the process, and only about half the guest vocalist are actually effective.
  9. Clash Music
    Nov 2, 2011
    60
    It has bassline crunch, and a very distinctive space-age exterior; so why does The Vision sound like it's playing catch up?
  10. Sputnikmusic
    Nov 2, 2011
    60
    The Vision is a true mixed bag that while offering up a few outstanding gems, disappoints more than it probably should and reveals its maker as far less of a visionary as we all assumed him to be.
  11. Prefix Magazine
    Nov 14, 2011
    55
    The Vision shows that thus far Joker works better pushing out erratic singles than within the format of a full-length.
  12. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Nov 8, 2011
    50
    There isn't enough unforced spontaneity or meaningful pop-craft on The Vision to sustain a full-length album, and a smorgasbord of tasty synths isn't enough to inspire vision.
  13. Dusted Magazine
    Nov 2, 2011
    50
    It's a conservative, often misguided assault on mainstream dance music.
  14. Pitchfork
    Nov 4, 2011
    42
    The Vision seems to be exactly what Joker wants: UK pop R&B of the vainest and most vacuous possible variety.
  15. The Wire
    Dec 6, 2011
    40
    Sadly it feels like the gestation period has robbed Joker's music of some of its immediacy. [Nov 2011, p.72]
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  16. Magnet
    Nov 21, 2011
    40
    Joker unwittingly set the bar high for his debut full-length. Unsurprisingly, it falls short. [#82, p.56]
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