You Are Free
by Cat Power
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Feb 18, 2003
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32

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  1. louiss
    Feb 23, 2003
    8
    haunting innocense are the words that come to mind firstly, been a first timer with her music (im from the caribbean so we are a bit sheltered musically) but the cd her songs are sung with a pure passion
  2. GeneM
    Jul 23, 2003
    9
    Chan Marshall has produced one of the most beautiful albums I have ever heard.
  3. BenjaminBunny
    Apr 17, 2004
    6
    Maybe I've seen her smashed onstage too many times, maybe I miss the genuinely spooky catharsis of older LPs like "What Would The Community Think" (still her best) but on this album Chan Marshall comes off as disingenous and (at worst) cloying. Most of it is pretty listenable but instead of letting real demons loose, she just seems to be half-heartedly putting on poses here. Makes me Maybe I've seen her smashed onstage too many times, maybe I miss the genuinely spooky catharsis of older LPs like "What Would The Community Think" (still her best) but on this album Chan Marshall comes off as disingenous and (at worst) cloying. Most of it is pretty listenable but instead of letting real demons loose, she just seems to be half-heartedly putting on poses here. Makes me sad for all the wrong reasons.… Expand
  4. timd
    Dec 8, 2003
    10
    This seems to be shapping up to be the most underrated album of the year (maybe even the decade). It shows variety in nuance not seen anywhere else in music. Her voice is the most impressive floating around these days.
  5. SolveigGudmundsdottir
    May 30, 2003
    9
    The most beautiful album I've heard. "You are free" has become my drug, my body won't work without it!
  6. AaronF
    Jun 5, 2004
    8
    Very good. I agree with most of the things people are saying about this album below...but, and there's always a but, the last three or four tracks could've been cut. Everything is really great on this album, there's just a bit too much of it (Another upbeat cut could've also broken the doldrums). Otherwise fantastic job, Chan!
  7. JorgeR
    Apr 11, 2007
    10
    I dont have the album, but I have heard all the songs and thay are great. Im in love with that girl. Chan I love you!!!!!
  8. ChrisK
    Feb 19, 2003
    9
    Beautifully crafted return to form from Chan. Simple, poignant songs featuring her absolutely stunning voice. "You are Free" is a stupendous achievement from a underappreciated and sometimes misunderstood genius. Highly recommended, especially to those already familiar with her previous work.
  9. PaulD.
    Mar 3, 2004
    10
    simply put - fu*cking amazing. one of the greatest albums of 2003 without a doubt. on the surface it may seem simplistic, but you'll soon come to appreciate its true depth.
  10. samr
    Nov 25, 2006
    9
    flawed but oddly perfect.
  11. JC
    Dec 24, 2005
    10
    This is an amazing album, with the exception of one song
  12. raviopatra
    Nov 20, 2013
    10
    Since I'm writing this in 2013, I can understand how people are very positive toward this album. While this is a very incredible set, I personally find 2006's "The Greatest" or 2008's "Jukebox" better. Though this album still rocks my world until today. If someone was asking the question "which one album would you take with you if you can only have one for the rest of your life?", thisSince I'm writing this in 2013, I can understand how people are very positive toward this album. While this is a very incredible set, I personally find 2006's "The Greatest" or 2008's "Jukebox" better. Though this album still rocks my world until today. If someone was asking the question "which one album would you take with you if you can only have one for the rest of your life?", this would make choosing very hard for me. Of course, the competition is mostly Marshall's other albums. I'm a huge fan!… Expand
  13. longjetty7
    Mar 29, 2016
    8
    Cat Power's music isn't big and bold and in-your-face. It's unassuming, slow, and restrained. There aren't that many hooks or memorable choruses, but somehow I find myself coming back to her music every once in a while, especially You Are Free. It's calming and introspective, the perfect album to play while studying or just relaxing. What I like most about this album is how consistent itCat Power's music isn't big and bold and in-your-face. It's unassuming, slow, and restrained. There aren't that many hooks or memorable choruses, but somehow I find myself coming back to her music every once in a while, especially You Are Free. It's calming and introspective, the perfect album to play while studying or just relaxing. What I like most about this album is how consistent it is. There really aren't any straight up bad songs on here, although there are a few standouts. It would be nice if Cat Power did more upbeat songs like He War, but nevertheless, this is still a very solid, quality album. I'll definitely be returning to it a lot more in the future.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best Album of 2003
76
#76 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Village Voice
    80
    You Are Free demonstrates a subtle, hopeful change in sentiment--a relief from Cat Power's melancholy.
    Read full review
  2. Alternative Press
    60
    Musically, it doesn't seem like Chan has gone anywhere. [March 2003, p.88]
  3. Blender
    60
    Sadly, distracting overembellishments dog her sixth album. [#14, p.133]
See all critic reviews »