• Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Feb 21, 2012
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 394 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 21 out of 394
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  1. Sep 18, 2015
    10
    Claire acertou muito nesse álbum.
    Cada faixa é um sentimento, uma vibe diferente.
    Você, quando entra no álbum, fica realmente 'High By the Beach'.
    Obra-prima.
  2. Sep 13, 2015
    9
    When I listened to 'Genesis' last year I was like, 'what is this? this is weird' but after I listened to it more times, I started to love it! Then I listened to the full Visions and it happened the same, haha. I love Vowels = space and time, Visiting Statue, Be a Body..
  3. May 5, 2012
    10
    Claire's ethereal dream pop music style is setted up in this record, and maximized. Not much alike her last two, this is a pavement to a success, and the songs seems to be attached. 'Genesis' and 'Oblivion' sounds like featured stories. 'Circumambient', 'Symphonia IX (My Wait Is U)' and 'Visiting Statue' are the best recordings in this album. It is the year's best until now.
  4. Jun 11, 2015
    10
    Amazing. I liked every song; however, the 1 minute tracks (besides Know The Way) are all skippable.

    Best Tracks: "Genesis" "Oblivion" "Vowels = Space and Time" "Skin" "Know The Way"
    Worst Tracks: "Eight" "Visiting Statue"
  5. Oct 15, 2015
    10
    Claire's revelation. This album is a completely masterpiece, a revelation, it's an incredible work of art, that fits perfectly with her voice, it's so amazing.
  6. Apr 26, 2012
    6
    Despite the fact that the style which Grimes operates on the album "Vision" is not everyone-fall-in-love, I must admit that this is a pretty good record. Songs teeter on the borderline of for ex.dream pop - "Infinite Love Without Fulfillment" or "Nightmusic" - although most of the songs on record are very experimental creations such as "Circumambient", and the best "Symphonia IX."
  7. Sep 24, 2014
    9
    Recent came-and-went Welsh singer-songstress Marina & the Diamonds once described herself and her music by saying, "I probably have a bit of a different sound because I don't really know what I'm doing!" That's not negative in her defense and it's actually a refreshing introduction to one of the fresher artists in the mainstream music industry. However, it's not the perfect fit for aRecent came-and-went Welsh singer-songstress Marina & the Diamonds once described herself and her music by saying, "I probably have a bit of a different sound because I don't really know what I'm doing!" That's not negative in her defense and it's actually a refreshing introduction to one of the fresher artists in the mainstream music industry. However, it's not the perfect fit for a musician who's well-known for her collaboration with famed pop producer Dr. Luke, it's not suiting at all. But if it came from Claire Elise Boucher—AKA Grimes—it couldn't be any truer. Ever since she received recognition from her single "Vanessa", critics and music listeners alike have failed to define her artistry and it's unknown to date. For example, it's not 'weird' enough to compare to Bjork and it's not artsy-poppy enough to compare to Ellie Goulding or Florence + the Machine. It's all courtesy of Grimes. And with Visions—which is virtually produced by Grimes and Grimes only using GarageBand—it's not any less true.

    Though it's no concept album, Visions has a caution in its production that's lacking in a lot of 'indietronica' (let's be honest, everyone's gonna call it indie because it's a critically acclaimed yet commercially unheard of artist). Despite retaining that dream pop and electronica influenced sound throughout its duration, each song has its own structure and more importantly, its own individual personality. If lead single "Genesis" didn't catch your attention with its ambient vibe and Brooke Candy-starring music video that has gathered more than 20 million views on Youtube, "Oblivion" had to have caught your ears from the beginning: bubbly electronica and Grimes' cutesy, lisp-y vocals accompanied by lyrics that are the exact opposite ("And now the walk about after dark/It's my point of view/If someone could break your neck/Coming up behind you always coming and you'd never have a clue"). Turning a personal experience—previously dealing with assault—into one of the year's catchiest melodies isn't easy.

    Visions requires patience in a sense that it takes multiple listens—about as many as Grimes use of layering her vocals, which have been documented to reach up to 50—and once the less climactic ones are skipped, it's a surprisingly pleasant experience the more it grows on you. A few of my favorite highlights that didn't catch me upon the first or second listen are "Skin", a seductive-in-a-Grimes-way ballad that transitions from soulful R&B to dark, calming synths you swore you remembered from a Blaqk Audio song, and "Nightmusic", which definitely takes the witchy concepts of its music video to heart and induces a nightly euphoria until the very end. Grimes has certainly caught the eye of many and to many, her recent collaboration on the far too trendy trap-tastic "Go" completely contrasts her work on Visions. But that's just Grimes, her ability to create accessible yet jarring electropop makes her one of the most coveted artists in the underground music world right now.
    Collapse
  8. Mar 10, 2012
    10
    Wasnt sure of the album until i listened to it for about the 5th time....then it really hits you. Its soft listening but with addictive beats which drag you in. Second best to John Talabots Fin so far this 2012.
  9. Feb 21, 2012
    10
    PURE synthetic bliss... Grimes has delivered what could be one of the best albums of 2012, why? It is beautifully mixed and you feel like you are in the sky while you are listening to her music. It is an easy listen making you want to listen it more and more, compulsively. I do not have any words to describe this album, just listen to it and you will know what I mean.
  10. May 10, 2013
    10
    With a sweet and strong voice, Grimes explores things I never saw in another album. Her subtlety with the beats is hard to explain, but is wonderful to hear.
  11. Dec 17, 2012
    10
    wow, only 2 weeks ago i discover her,,, and Visions becomes one of my favorites, Amazing album - dreamy electro pop sounds, a little bit of rock.. but l love the most her voice...
  12. Feb 21, 2012
    10
    Grimes knows what she's doing. She releases albums relatively quickly and close to one another but she never sounds like she's just phoning it in. Her music always sounds incredibly inspired and exciting. She makes all of the music herself and she always incorporates a diverse array of sounds and themes. I eagerly await her future work and can't wait to see where she goes. She has a longGrimes knows what she's doing. She releases albums relatively quickly and close to one another but she never sounds like she's just phoning it in. Her music always sounds incredibly inspired and exciting. She makes all of the music herself and she always incorporates a diverse array of sounds and themes. I eagerly await her future work and can't wait to see where she goes. She has a long career ahead of her. Expand
  13. Apr 30, 2013
    9
    "Visions" is an album that will want to make you fall in love. Visions pulls of 47 minutes of electronic music that draws in influences from Dream Pop, synthpop and experimental, and blended together makes out a sonic landscape of electronic bliss. Visions will make you cry as much as it will make you want to dance. It's an artful piece of work, and is worth a listen from anyone who enjoys"Visions" is an album that will want to make you fall in love. Visions pulls of 47 minutes of electronic music that draws in influences from Dream Pop, synthpop and experimental, and blended together makes out a sonic landscape of electronic bliss. Visions will make you cry as much as it will make you want to dance. It's an artful piece of work, and is worth a listen from anyone who enjoys great music.

    9/10
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  14. Mar 11, 2012
    10
    What I love about this album (for me, the first great one of 2012) is that even after 25 listens I still feel I don't know it. Visions is easy to admire, but difficult to engage with - resulting in each listen sounding a little like a new experience. Well it would, except the beats, melodies and somewhat indecipherable vocals insinuate themselves insidiously into your consciousness -What I love about this album (for me, the first great one of 2012) is that even after 25 listens I still feel I don't know it. Visions is easy to admire, but difficult to engage with - resulting in each listen sounding a little like a new experience. Well it would, except the beats, melodies and somewhat indecipherable vocals insinuate themselves insidiously into your consciousness - making you fall in love. It's gorgeous, weird, futuristic and utterly unclassifiable. Expand
  15. Feb 21, 2012
    10
    I haven't been this obsessed with an album for a while, at least since Panda Bear's "Person Pitch." While a few songs are obviously, immediately, and undeniably awesome ("Genesis," "Oblivion," "Nightmusic," and "Be a Body"), many others show themselves to be strangely and unexpectedly gorgeous upon repeat listens. "Colour of Moonlight" for instance, takes a while to let its creepy (in aI haven't been this obsessed with an album for a while, at least since Panda Bear's "Person Pitch." While a few songs are obviously, immediately, and undeniably awesome ("Genesis," "Oblivion," "Nightmusic," and "Be a Body"), many others show themselves to be strangely and unexpectedly gorgeous upon repeat listens. "Colour of Moonlight" for instance, takes a while to let its creepy (in a good way) background arias worm their way into your brain. "Skin" seems almost minimalist at first, but actually packs the most real life emotional punch of any song on the album. Cannot recommend enough. Expand
  16. Sep 8, 2012
    8
    Quirky and zany, this album is filled with catchy synthesizers and vocals reminiscent of an airy blend of k-pop. An ambitious project similar to the sounds of Beach House, Visions is a must-listen for 2012.
  17. Feb 8, 2014
    10
    Solid pop album. It has a very "love it or hate it" sound, though. My favorite songs are Genesis, Oblivion, Eight and Vowels = Space and Time. Comfortable and relaxing to hear.
  18. Apr 20, 2014
    10
    'Visions' goes beyond electropop.
    'Visions' is art in its most ethereal, mosaic form.
    This album is compacted with many feels, and it leaves the listener dazed. It has a sense of hyperreality and it feels like an amazing glimpse of the future, something that we've been deprived of in music for a great while. Even after listening to the entire album for more than 15 times, I don't fully
    'Visions' goes beyond electropop.
    'Visions' is art in its most ethereal, mosaic form.
    This album is compacted with many feels, and it leaves the listener dazed. It has a sense of hyperreality and it feels like an amazing glimpse of the future, something that we've been deprived of in music for a great while.
    Even after listening to the entire album for more than 15 times, I don't fully comprehend this album.
    'Be A Body', 'Circumambient', and 'Symphonia IX (My Wait Is U)' are the (in my humble opinion) the best recordings on the album.
    Waiting for her follow up album this year...
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  19. Nov 23, 2014
    10
    Visions is, like the name says: A VISION, a particularly vision... and like all Grimes productions, it's a trip to a new reality with unknown things. And all I have to say is: She got it once again! She made a contemporary masterpiece.
  20. Dec 9, 2013
    10
    Beautiful album, she put a lot of thought into the album. It's very addictive and you can listen to it 30 times without getting bored. Looking forward to her next album.

    Notable Tracks:
    Genesis
    Eight
    Visiting Statue
    Colour of Moonlight
  21. Sep 17, 2014
    9
    Ok. I am officially in love with Grimes. I just think that sometimes her voice is kind of annoying, but nothing that spoils the beauty of this wonderful album.
  22. Feb 22, 2012
    9
    A Sega Genesis soundtrack like arrangement of noises, heavy loads synthesizers, and soaring, banshee like vocals make this album a fun, and worthy ride for one of the best releases so far this 2012. Grimes is on her game here.
  23. Mar 22, 2012
    9
    One of those great records where you can put it on and every song is good enough so that you don't have to skip ahead. Ironically, the first song is the one I like the least so I usually start on the second track. The album melds together so effortlessly that it's almost like one big song. Her voice is so interesting and at first it feels like it doesn't have enough power but it emergesOne of those great records where you can put it on and every song is good enough so that you don't have to skip ahead. Ironically, the first song is the one I like the least so I usually start on the second track. The album melds together so effortlessly that it's almost like one big song. Her voice is so interesting and at first it feels like it doesn't have enough power but it emerges after multiple listens. Also this is an album best enjoyed listening on headphones. Is this album a perfect 10? No, but so few are and it's pretty damn close. Expand
  24. Sep 6, 2015
    8
    Visions is an album lyrically dedicated to love, but these very simple concepts are complicated and overlapped by Grimes' dreamy vocals and somewhat simplistic and stripped electronics, it's in many ways a very visionary album from an artist with a unique stance in music.
  25. Jan 31, 2016
    10
    Grimes is a genius. A DIY mastermind who is simply like no other. Listen to Visions to experience her sheer brilliance and give your auditory system an epic treat.
  26. Nov 17, 2015
    10
    Skanējuma ziņā 13 albuma dziesmas varētu raksturot kā dabas skaņu elektronisku atspoguļojumu, kurš piedāvā pilnīgu izjūtu gammu no prieka līdz diskomfortam, bieži vien pat vienas dziesmas ietvaros. Tam pāri ir mīlīgā un nedaudz spocīgā, Āzijas popmūzikas subkultūru ietekmētā Grimes balstiņa, kas izdzied ABBA’s līmeņa lipīgas melodijas turklāt, lai izprastu viņas izdziedātās lirikas, irSkanējuma ziņā 13 albuma dziesmas varētu raksturot kā dabas skaņu elektronisku atspoguļojumu, kurš piedāvā pilnīgu izjūtu gammu no prieka līdz diskomfortam, bieži vien pat vienas dziesmas ietvaros. Tam pāri ir mīlīgā un nedaudz spocīgā, Āzijas popmūzikas subkultūru ietekmētā Grimes balstiņa, kas izdzied ABBA’s līmeņa lipīgas melodijas turklāt, lai izprastu viņas izdziedātās lirikas, ir nepieciešams ārkārtīgi sasprindzināt ausis. Tas arī ir iemesls kādēļ, lai gan Graimuška ieguva daudzu starptautisku mūzikas laikrakstu 2012. gada labākā albuma un dziesmas titulu ar šo darbu, kā arī pati Bijonc’ Noulz ir atzinusi, ka ir ietekmējusies no viņas, Klēras Bušeres augļi nekad neierindojās pārdotāko listēs. Taču pieļauju, ka pēc savādajām izjūtām, kas pārņem albumu noklausoties pirmoreiz, daudz jo daudzi ir ‘iekrituši’ šajā mūzikā. Nedaudz par dziesmām…

    Oblivion – albuma populārākais gabals, kurš diezgan intensīvi tika atskaņots dažās no Latvijas radiostacijām. Vienīgā dziesma, ar kuru man tā asociējās ir Ingusa Baukšķenieka “Čības” – noklausieties un salīdziniet ;D Zem dažiem, iespējams, šķietami tracinoši uzbāzīgā elektroniskā parauga dziesmā Grimes vītero par viņas baiļu konfrontēšanu no attiecībām ar vīriešiem: “… ’cause when you try to fight yourself, it’s really hard to fight someone who’s on your head”. Lai gan tēma varētu šķist lēta, tā ir izcili attīstīta lirikās un tas viss sasaucas ar ļoti jautro mūziku, pie kuras nākas kratīties un visu paspilgtina tizlās (vārda labajā nozīmē, ja tāda ir) izdziedātās, pusmeditatīvās “lā-lā-lā”, kas dziesmu padara infekciozu un nedaudz līdzīgu multfilmas “Nu Pogodi” ievadam. Ja šo dziesmu izpildītu Rihanna, tā kļūtu par viņas karjeras lielāko hitu, simt’ proč’.

    Genesis – Tā ir nedaudz līdzīga “Oblivion”, ārkārtīgi nomierinoša, mīļa un skanīga dziesma par mūžseno tēmu – patiesība ir mīlestībā, arī sevis mīlestībā. Atkal, lai gan šķiet, tas var būt banāli, lirikas šo domu attīsta izcili un gudri : “Home and I know; Playing the deck above; It’s always different; I’m the one in love”. Melodijā izmantoti Āzijas tautu mūzikas instrumentu elementi, kam apakšā ātrs, bet harmonisks elektronisks bīts.

    Eight – haotisks un robotisks [Čau, Linda! ;)], taču ārkārtīgi melodisks un lipīgs skaņdarbs. Māksla ne mūzika. Teksta ziņā dziesma par cipara ‘8’ maģisko nozīmi, taču, ja neatradīsiet to rakstveidā internetā, neko nesapratīsiet, jo Graimuškas balss šeit ir robotizēti autotjūnēta un spiedzīga.

    Citas ārkārtīgi krāsainas dziesmas – Be a Body; Night Music un Skin (Oj, jakbi Bejonce spjivala ce! Khit bulo/Ak, ja to dziedātu Bijonce, būtu hits/). Taču albums viss ikvienā tā izpausmes šķautnē ir ģeniāls un, ja mūzikā šķiet, ka trūkst kā svaiga un citāda ausij, to noteikti vērts noklausīties!
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  27. Aug 9, 2016
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 9.0
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  28. Sep 11, 2016
    9
    A perfectionist work of dream pop, Claire Boucher may not be the greatest singer, but she's clearly a phenomenal producer, despite the songs not being very eloquently, it is an amazing atmosphere created for the oneiric Visions.
  29. Jul 5, 2017
    6
    Vision is not a bad album, but feels rushed and unfinished compared to her other works.
    However, the ideas are there, and they are good, it just that they aren’t as refined as they should and don’t really make me eager to listen to the full album in one take.
    Being what it is I find this album to be the one which confirms Grimes talent that will be recognized by everyone in Art Angels.
  30. Nov 21, 2016
    8
    Visions requires patience in a sense that it takes multiple listens—about as many as Grimes' layered vocals, which have been documented to reach up to 50—and once the less climactic ones are skipped, it's a surprisingly pleasant experience the more it grows on you. A few of my favorite highlights that didn't catch me upon the first or second listen are "Skin", a seductive-in-a-Grimes-wayVisions requires patience in a sense that it takes multiple listens—about as many as Grimes' layered vocals, which have been documented to reach up to 50—and once the less climactic ones are skipped, it's a surprisingly pleasant experience the more it grows on you. A few of my favorite highlights that didn't catch me upon the first or second listen are "Skin", a seductive-in-a-Grimes-way ballad that transitions from soulful R&B to dark, calming synths you swore you remembered from a Blaqk Audio song, and "Nightmusic", which definitely takes the witchy concepts of its music video to heart and induces a nightly euphoria until the very end. Her ability to create accessible yet jarring electropop makes her one of the most coveted artists in the underground music world right now. Expand
  31. Jun 20, 2017
    8
    I adore this, I mean, for me is the best album of 2012. Electronic and Dark wave are one of my favorite genres also Claire is my favorite artist, she never lets me down, so beautiful, she always does a good work, love her
  32. Feb 29, 2020
    10
    This album ages really well, it is maybe even better now than it was in the past, it shows versatility but still keeps focus, it is a Spacey dreamy mess of an album in the best way ever.
  33. Apr 24, 2018
    10
    There is nothing on planet earth that sounds like this, not even other Grimes albums. I mean that in the best way possible, by the way
  34. Jan 29, 2018
    10
    É um álbum incrível, cada faixa te traz um sentimento, uma lembrança, vale muito a pena ser escutado, seu melhor trabalho. Menção honrosa pra "Genesis", "Oblivion", "Circumambient" e "Be A Body"
  35. Sep 8, 2022
    8
    Such a grand fully realized label debut. The production, handled by the singular Claire knocks it out the park. Even with all this refinement there's a quality of DIY/bedroom pop vibe. The progressions and high pitched sweet vocals feel improvisational. It's honestly an important release for electronic music as a genre as it shows us the boundaries it can shatter. The hit song exploresSuch a grand fully realized label debut. The production, handled by the singular Claire knocks it out the park. Even with all this refinement there's a quality of DIY/bedroom pop vibe. The progressions and high pitched sweet vocals feel improvisational. It's honestly an important release for electronic music as a genre as it shows us the boundaries it can shatter. The hit song explores being stalked and murdered at night whilst the hypnotic "skin" remunerated on self without resulting to trite comparisons. This is a warning to the brilliance to come from this artist. Favourites:oblivion, know the way,syxphonic xi(night music),infinite ♡,be a body. Expand
  36. Aug 12, 2019
    6
    I wanted to like this project, but it didn't quite stick the landing. I like the artwork and the artist, but the tracklist bored me.
  37. Feb 13, 2022
    10
    Everything sounds fresh here! The album flows mesmerizing while we listen to etherical dancing sounds. In my opinion, this is the best work released by Grimes so far.
  38. Jan 7, 2022
    7
    If you haven't read already about the context of producing this album, Grimes locked herself in her blacked-out Montreal bedroom following inspiration from German Benedictine abbess and composer Hildegard of Bingen. The end result is an important chapter in the dream-pop genre. Filled with haunting tracks and chilling production, Visions found a naive and pretty inexperienced Grimes in theIf you haven't read already about the context of producing this album, Grimes locked herself in her blacked-out Montreal bedroom following inspiration from German Benedictine abbess and composer Hildegard of Bingen. The end result is an important chapter in the dream-pop genre. Filled with haunting tracks and chilling production, Visions found a naive and pretty inexperienced Grimes in the middle of uncovering her true identity and despite a few skips, it's still a pleasurable moment to experience. Expand
  39. Oct 5, 2022
    10
    a masterpiece, the only decent thing grimes could does for us to remember these days that she's a pretty good artist beyond all **** that comes over her mouth now. the same mouth lay's here. this album is her safe-conduct. huh
  40. Jun 1, 2023
    9
    Good album.‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 42
  2. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. 80
    Thirteen tracks of exceptional music and a clear-cut success for Boucher.
  2. Mar 26, 2012
    80
    Visions is beautifully conceived and executed, musically, lyrically and thematically.
  3. Mojo
    Mar 23, 2012
    80
    It take a rare confidence and skill to throw a million (roughly) ideas into an album and make it sound not just coherent but as good as this one. [Apr 2012, p.91]