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You Are Free
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You Are Free Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

  • Summary: Chan Marshall's first album of new material since 1998 was recorded in Los Angeles with Adam Kasper (Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam), who in turn brought in friends such as Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder.

Top Track

The Werewolf Song
( michael hurley / live ) Oh the werewolf, oh the werewolf Comes a steppin' along He don't even break the branches Where he's been gone You can... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. E! Online
    100
    Melodically exquisite, this is a triumph of minimalism.
  2. AllMusic
    90
    You Are Free may take awhile longer than expected to unfold, but once it does, its excellence is undeniable.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    When Dave Grohl's scruffy drumming enters, themusic finally lives up to the second half of her stage name. [21 Feb 2003, p.150]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Salon
    80
    An evocative composite of soulful melodies, with stripped-down piano and hushed guitar-and-vocal ballads.
  5. The A.V. Club
    80
    Rarely breaking from a single, unrelenting mood, Free has a tendency to repeat itself: It could stand to be broken up by more uptempo tracks like "He War," particularly since Marshall does well with them.
  6. Stylus Magazine
    78
    A polished, carefully crafted set of beautiful, intense songs that lay bare the singer’s heart as honestly and effectively as anything she’s attempted before.
  7. Blender
    60
    Sadly, distracting overembellishments dog her sixth album. [#14, p.133]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. 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, ISince 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
  2. JC
    Dec 24, 2005
    10
    This is an amazing album, with the exception of one song
  4. 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!!!!!
  5. 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 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. … Expand
  6. GeneM
    Jul 23, 2003
    9
    Chan Marshall has produced one of the most beautiful albums I have ever heard.
  7. 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!
  8. 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 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

See all 13 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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