Who Killed Amanda Palmer
by Amanda Palmer
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Alternative Press
    80
    This disc is more fun than leafing through a schizophrenic's case history and twice as loud--and this reviwer can't wait for the sequel. [Oct 2008, p.158]
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  2. Boston Globe
    80
    What is both surprising and remarkable, then, is how unflinchingly direct, bracingly unfiltered, and wholly intimate the new album, which is out today, sounds and feels.
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    This is a wonderful piece of work from a talented, intelligent artist, put across with all the passion of someone who's spent a long time thinking about and living with the project.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    70
    Palmer has made a record that sounds not like the latest from Brechtian punk cabaret's leading light, but the thoughtful debut from an invigorated artist, striking out from the valley of the Dolls.
  6. musicOMH.com
    90
    The album's not for everyone, but if her sound is to your taste, then it will prove a rewarding, delectable, necessary thing: one of this year's most consistently interesting albums.
  7. Paste Magazine
    78
    Overall, the album is an honest, and at times heartbreaking, exploration of life’s struggles and losses.
  8. Pitchfork
    74
    In truth Who Killed Amanda Palmer spans a decade of songwriting, and by 'Leeds United' the disc has revealed itself as a broad collection of rich character studies born of Palmer's lyrical acuity, likely laced with personal touches that nudge some of the material toward the at least loosely autobiographical.
  9. PopMatters
    70
    So typical of Palmer’s eclectic nature, this album is a sloppy but very endearing hodgepodge of styles, the mark of an artist so bursting at the seams with creativity, that we can’t help but admire even its imperfections.
  10. Spin
    70
    The album is a dark gem, a high-IQ song cycle that combines guilt, neurotic lust, and low self-esteem into piano-based tunes that come studded with lyrical daggers.
  11. The A.V. Club
    75
    Aside from a few tedious moments, that's no reason to complain.
  12. The Guardian
    80
    Like strong coffee, it's not for everyone - this is an album that follows Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'What's the Use of Wond'rin' with a distressingly jaunty teen's-eye tale of abortion and Britpop--but it packs a mighty punch.
  13. Under The Radar
    60
    Without Viglione as a foil, the songs on Palmer's solo debut seem to have lost some delicacy and character. [Fall 2008, p.78]
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  14. Urb
    70
    There may be no safer bet than an Amanda Palmer’s bleeding-heart album--her built-in fan base will eat it up the same way they voraciously devoured Tori Amos’ open wound a decade ago--but the Palmer Show is strong enough to sustain much more daring theatrics than what’s given here.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. RylandDinneen
    Jan 24, 2013
    9
    It is clearly not for everybody and isn't always easy on the ears, as Amanda doesn't go at all for angelic vocals or even decent vocals.It is clearly not for everybody and isn't always easy on the ears, as Amanda doesn't go at all for angelic vocals or even decent vocals. However, in that she proves that with just the right amount of grit and roughness she can display any emotion she wants, and she does so with incredibly powerful piano solos and sweeping strings.… Full Review »
  2. stardust
    Nov 1, 2010
    10
    This is an incredible album. Amanda Palmer delivers again, and her songs pack as much punch as they do on the Dresden Dolls albums. TheThis is an incredible album. Amanda Palmer delivers again, and her songs pack as much punch as they do on the Dresden Dolls albums. The songwriting is pure genius...you get unexpected, hook laden melodies, crashing piano, subtle emotional ballads and black humor. Lyrically, Palmer presents us with an honesty that is almost heartbreaking and sometimes cruelly sarcastic. All in all, you will not walk away from this album disappointed or unmoved.… Full Review »
  3. GaryS
    May 25, 2009
    9
    I can't get enough of this album. It does take a few listens to reaveal itself but when it does, it's amazing. This is my album of I can't get enough of this album. It does take a few listens to reaveal itself but when it does, it's amazing. This is my album of the year so far. Although, I haven't thought that through yet but right now this is.… Full Review »
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