User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 373 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 309 out of 373
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Mixed: 16 out of 373
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Negative: 48 out of 373
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gNov 17, 2006album of the year... if Darwin is to be believed, newsom's record will survive as a classic for hundreds of years. seriously its THAT good
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kishaandraApr 13, 2010
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Dec 11, 2010Magical. Flawless. One of the best albums I've ever heard, it's like a very well told tale, and Joanna is very creative, and not boring at all. Even though no one mentions it, "Cosmia" is beautiful, and, for me, the best track. "Sawdust & Diamonds" is also just as pretty. No single back track in this album.
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JamesSMar 10, 2010Simply the most astonishing record. Having recently picked up
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madslDec 4, 2006this is a serious contender for Album of the Year! Newsom reveals herself as a singular talent on this marvellous recording. A minor quibble is the fact that occasionally Van Dyke Parks´ arrangements seem removed from the vision of Joanna!
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jamesmDec 6, 2006I like it both musically and lyrically. But what I like best is the way it polarises your reviewers. It just show that our opinions are only useful to us....don' t listen to me, listen to you!
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KurtCobainNov 14, 2006b0ing!
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JustinMNov 16, 2006Fantastic album, start to finish.
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exodus.Nov 18, 2006After Claire T: "Simply beautiful."
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JoeGDec 1, 2006Hmmm, I'll be joining the ranks of pretentious I guess. Or maybe it just that I love listening to it? A worthy successor to Astral Weeks.
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KamilDec 3, 2006First, hard to listen, but then it gets better and better. Imagination and ambition of joanna is impressive. Definitive album from freak-folk scene.
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SeanDec 4, 2006
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KelseaLDec 6, 2006
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samfDec 6, 2006stunning
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DannyCJan 18, 2007
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ThomasG.Oct 26, 2007It's absolutely beautiful. Her lyrics are spot on, and the music is wonderful. Just because it's different doesn't make it pretentious. She's got her own unique style that shows alot of passion.
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BrandonHJan 20, 2007This is, by far, the best album of 2006.
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KennyMJan 8, 2007beautiful.
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BryanE.Jan 8, 2007
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StephFeb 7, 2007Heaven..this music is so beautiful, it conjures up the fantastical and archaic. Newsom's music transcends the ordinary.
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johndMar 9, 2007If you don't like this album, you don't like music: it's that simple. There have been many albums released in the last deacade but none of them leave you as stunned as this. Perfect!
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JAMay 22, 2007Definitely one you have to be in the mood for. But wow, when the time is right, this album is pure magic. Phenomenally gorgeous and totally original.
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jaJul 3, 2007Gorgeous. Her occasionally screechy vocals will deter many potential listeners, but if you can get around those sparodic moments in the songs, you'll find an absolutely brilliant album filled with stirring music and beautiful imagery. It is fantastical, yet her humanity still comes across clearly.
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DelP.Aug 16, 2007
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cmiiiiicmiSep 9, 2007It makes me smile.
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BrandonV.Oct 30, 2008Tim Kasher and I once had a conversation about Joanna Newsom. we concluded that she is an olive artist. you either love her or hate her. We love her. "If Joanna Newsom is doing well, music is doing well." YS, this is an amazing album. a sound that actually is new. her songwriting and lyrics are genius. but again, thats just my opinion. i really like olives.
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JaaaaamedJun 18, 2008
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PerspicaciousCriticNov 13, 2006Y[e]s!
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KurtDNov 13, 2006Perfect.
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RyanLNov 14, 2006It took 11 months but we finally have a genuine album of the year.
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MikeMNov 15, 2006Gorgeous, inspiring.
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MagillaGorillaNov 15, 2006Like Bjork's little sister weened on broken American dreams and visions of Angels. Thoughtful, mysterious, and curious. Most enjoyable in every way. What is up with Rolling Stone? 2 stars/"hard to stomach" typical Boomer mentality. hey, d'ja hear the new Bob Seger?
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GeraMNov 15, 2006"Hard to swallow." Wow RS, I think you should just go sit down and listen to Fergie's album cos ur out of ur leage. Just in! RS has lost all credibility! Oh no, wait that was about 15 years ago..
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GmanNov 16, 2006
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BillYNov 17, 2006An album like this only comes along once in a pink moon. It will take a little while to appreciate, which only adds to its longevity. Masterful.
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ToddWNov 20, 2006
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PhillipLNov 23, 2006An entrancing album, it's taken hold of me and won't let go. I can understand that some might not like it, but to me it is one of the best things I've ever heard.
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RosieRNov 25, 2006Original in the best sense of the term. Newsom is one of the finest lyricists around, and this is an album I will be playing for a long time to come.
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JManNov 28, 2006'Y's' is without a doubt the album of the year. It may not be for everybody, but there is not one other artist who has made this strong and original sounding record this year.
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JaredB.Nov 29, 2006i've never seen so many people angry because someone *likes* something before. this record isn't for everyone, but a surprising number of people find a lot to love about this difficult, but ultimately rewarding album. even if you never warm to it, please try not to be as closed-minded as the poster below me. sheesh.
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ChrisCNov 29, 2006Great album. One of the best of the year. The only people who don't like it seem to be the ones who hate anything the critics like because they like calling people they disagree with 'pretentious'.
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BOBLNov 30, 2006I think it's gorgeous. It's even better performed live.
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LizTDec 11, 2006It takes some acclimatising to, but I tend to find that the best albums do... fab, involving and I have a feeling there's more to come the more I listen to it...
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TeresaKDec 21, 2006This album is extremely addicting. Normally I would not be able to sit through a 17 minute song, but the way the instruments build and the lyrics tell a tale is just amazing. Yes, she has an unconventional singing voice, but I think it makes the album more interesting and gives it personality. Give this album a chance, and you will fall in love with it.
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GImpDec 2, 2006If you want pop songs go and buy a Britney Spears record. This is a masterpiece. Claiming that this is pretentious is, frankly, ridiculous. Oh, and Tolstoy sucks.
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icicleDec 20, 2006Either you love her or you don't, though I think those who don't are utterly missing the point and refusing to open their minds. This album is nothing short of total genius. Joanna Newsom is one of the most talented people living.
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SDDec 26, 2006We have seen the birth of a modern-day classic. It was a weak year for us music lovers, but Ys redeems it with much beauty and grace.
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ChrisLDec 3, 2006
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RJDec 4, 2006
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UnjadedDec 5, 2006
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MihaiVDec 6, 2006I don't get people that insult others just becouse they have different tastes. It's all subjective anyway. What's wrong with beeing different? What's wrong wanting something more then pop? I like this album a lot. I also like Radiohead. Must be a real pretencios snob.
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IvyBDec 6, 2006
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PmDDec 7, 2006This album isn't for everyone. It's not pop- it's not easy to classify at all! It's the best music I've heard in years- the composition, lyricism, passion, and texture leave me in a state of wonder. I wish I could be more articulate about what makes this so awe-inspiring. Wow, wow, wow.
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JoshDec 7, 2006
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ChristinaTDec 9, 2006
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MicheleF.Nov 12, 2007Incredibly original, wonderful poetry in song.
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SteveBJan 16, 2007Absolutely stunning accomplishment. Living in an age where we have paired music down from the brilliant to just the simple moronic, this is gold. If a two-step rhythm is your standard, you will hate this. Otherwise, it is timeless. (Ys = wise) = Essential
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AndrewHJan 19, 2007
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BillGJan 22, 2007
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MisaelMJan 22, 2007
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ninaJan 23, 2007absolutely amazing. the stories are hidden in the lyrics and sure it takes to find them, but oh my lord.. i'm lost & i think i don't want to be found
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andrewcJan 24, 2007it was a great album, beautifully built i thought. Bit too fanicical for me to take it seriously though
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GraceCJan 5, 2007
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davegFeb 1, 2007
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JoeMFeb 6, 2007
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brittacApr 15, 2007
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DarneeQAug 24, 2007
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SteveP.Mar 24, 2009Even now, 2½ years on from its release, this album stands head and shoulders above anything else of the last 40 years: it has such complexity and is so finely crafted, but it is presented in an accessible, alluring manner. No other album offers so many different nuances that no matter how many times I hear it, there's always a new facet to enjoy.
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AnalogueSoundJul 1, 2009An absolute masterpiece in the history of Music. Obviously, if people find it difficult to understand, it's not a blame of these works.
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ElliottMNov 12, 2006Best album of 2006, hands down.
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leirisNov 13, 2006A truly wonderful and unique album. Van Dyke Parks influence is apparent and works extremely well with Newsom
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johnwNov 13, 2006And once again this collection of reviews shows us what total retards the people at Rolling Stone magazine are. They have lost their connection with challenging music a long time ago. As for joanna newsom : record of the year.
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MattNov 13, 2006
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MichaelENov 13, 2006This is one of the albums that will be good company for a lifetime! I wouldn´t call it a voice I ´m falling in love with too easily, but her singing and storytelling is simply fantastic!
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AndrewCNov 13, 2006It's absolutely astonishing. Even after forty plays, it knocks me out every time.
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JoshSNov 13, 2006Incredible, best album of 2006.
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umbertopNov 13, 2006beautiful but not so beautiful
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JeremyPNov 14, 2006Personally, my favourite album ever. I'm so happy I heard it months before it was released so that I was free of any influence
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KevinCNov 14, 2006This album is without question the best thing I've heard in at least a few years. It's mind-blowingly ambitious and ornately beautiful. I wouldn't expect anything less from Joanna Newsom, this is a perfect album and a stunning masterpiece.
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billNov 14, 2006Astounding! Between Joanna and Van Dyke, this si nothing short of a masterpiece! The more you play it, thyee more it grows on you. Congrats Joanna!!
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PaulFNov 14, 2006Spell binding! Album of the year.
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JonLNov 15, 2006
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AntonioBNov 15, 2006Rolling stone dropped the ball. Solid arrangements as the songs meander with a purpose and let her voice shine.
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HelenNov 15, 2006We have seen the birth of a true modern day masterpiece.
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SanNNov 17, 2006On first listen, I'm thinking it might be the best of the year. That spot is currently held by TV On The Radio for me, but it's close.
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PlatePlateNov 17, 2006On the verge of replacing In The Aeroplane Over The Sea for me, album of the year, Joanna Newsom is a demigod, wow, i have listened to this album more in the last few weeks than any album this year in total
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ZachJNov 17, 2006One of the more groundbreaking albums to be released this year, I think. Takes a while to settle in (possibly moreso than usual; I say this because most times people follow such a comment with, "Just like any great album.") Once it clicks though...incredible.
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DanielONov 18, 2006J Publius said: "This will be on every critics top 10 list, and nobody will listen to it for more than five minutes." Actually I haven't been able to put it down for over a week. Grows with every listen. It's the same for most people I've talked to who liked it.
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samfNov 21, 2006stunning
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DanielWNov 21, 2006One of the finest albums ever written. Opening track "Emily" is one of the best songs ever written. One must be generous and open-minded when approaching Y's, but the rewards are excellent. At times, her lyrics can even be life-changing. Definitely pick this one up.
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skyweaponskyNov 21, 2006This is a real dream
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GuyHNov 23, 2006Anyone commenting on this album should have the patience to listen from start to finish at least 10 or so times... Well it isn't conventional pop song writing, it is hard to get a hold of at first but your patience will be rewarded. Ys is stunning - Only Skin and Sawdust together make up the most compelling 30 minutes of music released this year. Yes, this album is that good.
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KacyKNov 23, 2006I previewed this on iTunes and didn't like it. In particular, Joanna's vocals. A couple of days later, I purchased it and after 2 or 3 listens, I'm fairly smitten with it. I now find her vocals charming and sincere. Beautiful harp and arrangements. Wonderfully escapist.
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markpNov 26, 2006Astonishinly beautiful, albeit a tad bjorkish and kate bushish, but once you over that, lyrics in hand, it is a bold, fresh, gigantic musical piece. Well done to that young californian girl!!
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WesleyWillisNov 27, 2006I like the way she rock! I like the way she roll! Jovanna Newston is my honey-lover to the Max!
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DavidNNov 28, 2006deeply musical, lyrically astonishing, and profoundly moving.
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ECantonNov 30, 2006Brilliant, Beautiful, one of the best of 2006
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JoeE.Dec 11, 2006Just breathtaking. I hate to sound like a music snob and say something like "People who don't like it just don't understand it," but I feel like a lot of the negative feedback is from people who haven't given it a chance. Give it a try for yourself. More than once. This is definitely an album in which something more can always be found.
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ericlDec 14, 2006an impressive album of rich, layered music. the lyrics aren't as great as they were on milk-eyed mender but the production is better and newsom's voice has improved. that said, many will be turned off by her voice without ever knowing the beauty of this album.
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RichardKDec 15, 2006Not my cup of tea but I can see there's something original going on. Some parts sounded like an old Walt Disney cartoon.
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Awards & Rankings
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It’s to her great credit that Newsom (literally) plucks artistic triumph from the jaws of cloying whimsy.
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It may well be the most off-putting album released this year. After playing it, there seems every chance it is the also the most astonishing.
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Newsom has managed to lessen the twee factor of her last record... in the process crafting an album as bewitching as it is odd.