Xen
by Arca
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Nov 4, 2014
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Mojo
    Dec 17, 2014
    60
    This is uneasy listening with little in the way of recognisable groove or plotting. [Jan 2015, p.94]
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  2. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Nov 10, 2014
    60
    Even if his chops as a producer aren’t in question, the writing on Xen is too patchy to fully realise Ghersi’s ambitions. Still, it’s hardly lacking in ideas.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Nov 5, 2014
    60
    Arca has built a robotic, alien world strengthened by its beating heart.
  5. The Wire
    Dec 15, 2014
    50
    Shorn of vocals, Xen suffer the same fate as much beloved contemporary beat music, which is a kind of dazzling monotony. [Nov 2014, p.63]
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Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 69
  3. Negative: 4 out of 69
  1. thaleslucas
    Nov 4, 2014
    10
    One of the best albums of the year. Arca is of the best productor, of course. Working with Kanye West, FKA twigs and now Björk, makes of himOne of the best albums of the year. Arca is of the best productor, of course. Working with Kanye West, FKA twigs and now Björk, makes of him the bestest. That's all.… Full Review »
  2. danceordie
    Nov 4, 2014
    10
    This is the best electronic album of 2014. It's cohesive and sounds fresh and futuristic, seriously, i can't see anything topping thisThis is the best electronic album of 2014. It's cohesive and sounds fresh and futuristic, seriously, i can't see anything topping this masterpiece. Now, can't wait to hear what he is gonna do with Björk. i'm superhyped by the incredibly talented Arca. God bless South american artists!… Full Review »
  3. Lenis
    Jan 28, 2015
    10
    Best known for his critically acclaimed production on Kanye West’s Yeezus (2013) and FKA twigs’ EP2 (2013) and LP1 (2014)—as well asBest known for his critically acclaimed production on Kanye West’s Yeezus (2013) and FKA twigs’ EP2 (2013) and LP1 (2014)—as well as co-producing Björk’s ninth studio album Vulnicura (2015) Venezuelan producer Arca definitely knows how to contact electronic and robotic with organic and trap music that's definitely amazing… Full Review »
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