Ys
by Joanna Newsom
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 373 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 309 out of 373
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 373
  3. Negative: 48 out of 373

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. musicenjoyerrr
    Oct 9, 2021
    10
    I didn't realise this was a love or hate record till I saw these reviews. If you don't get it that's fine just you know.... shut up.
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 9, 2021
    10
    This is one beautiful tapestry . It feels whole and like an enveloping experience. I enjoyed every minute.
    Favourites:emily,sawdust &diamonds,cosima,monkey&bear
  3. longjetty7
    Jan 8, 2019
    8
    Ys is a challenging album to get into, but after several listens I'm totally on board. It's less of an album and more of a suite, and I love how cohesive it is with all the recurring melodies throughout. It's experimental and strange, yet at the same time it's very catchy and pretty. I especially like Newsom's vocals on this album. In my opinion it's what really sells Ys for me. I'm sureYs is a challenging album to get into, but after several listens I'm totally on board. It's less of an album and more of a suite, and I love how cohesive it is with all the recurring melodies throughout. It's experimental and strange, yet at the same time it's very catchy and pretty. I especially like Newsom's vocals on this album. In my opinion it's what really sells Ys for me. I'm sure I'll be listening to this album many more times, and uncovering more details with every listen.… Expand
  4. ravagedcabbage
    Sep 7, 2018
    10
    A landmark, a monument; but most of all beacon of hope that real music can still prevail. Newsom's Ys is undoubtedly one of the greatest albums of 2006, and the decade. Her poetical prowess is only matched by her stunning ability to weave syllables and rhymes through melodies so entrenching and harmonies so rich you find yourself blindly swept into her whimsical stories of triumph andA landmark, a monument; but most of all beacon of hope that real music can still prevail. Newsom's Ys is undoubtedly one of the greatest albums of 2006, and the decade. Her poetical prowess is only matched by her stunning ability to weave syllables and rhymes through melodies so entrenching and harmonies so rich you find yourself blindly swept into her whimsical stories of triumph and tragedy. I am yet to hear another contemporary artist who matches Newsom's structural aptitude. From the beginning of Emily to the final notes sustained in Cosmia, Newsom controls the pacing and energy in every section of each song. The climax in Only Skin reigns as the best I have ever heard, not just because of the motion and harmony, but because it has been perfectly set up from the first 15 minutes of the song and the three songs before. Newsom's four albums as of 2018 have not only proven her understanding of all the wonderful inner workings of music but also solidified her place as one of the greatest artists of the 21st century thus far.… Expand
  5. CamdenRendell
    Jan 29, 2018
    10
    My all time favourite. Five enchanting stories each each accompanied by beautiful instrumentation. Could not recommend enough!
  6. CharlieGray
    Nov 17, 2016
    10
    This album is a truly masterpiece, it may seem like the songs are long (because they are), but with the lyrics sheet on your hand, you won't get bored.
  7. maxjtotsky
    Jan 18, 2012
    10
    Newsom screeching voice, her masterful harp playing and the graceful orchestration all come together in a whirlwind of beauty that at the end of the album you are completely overwhelmed. It is very unlikely that youâ
  8. LuizCC
    Nov 27, 2011
    9
    Showing her power as an singer and harpist, Joanna Newsom deliver us the best folk album ever. With strange lyrics, that sounds like talks, we catch ourselves flying around listening to beatiful songs like 'Emily' and 'Sawdust & Diamonds' - the best of this album. Super!
  9. Robotique
    Jul 27, 2011
    10
    Joanna Newsom is more than a musician, she is an artist. Perfectly blending her musical talent into the realm of her imagination. Each song is a journey unto itself.
  10. PowellPressburg
    Dec 24, 2010
    10
    Magnificent album. Those who have a problem with her voice: you have the problem, which is a pity for you to then not appreciate this, the greatest writer of lyrics of the last 5 years (alongside Craig Finn of The Hold Steady). This music is only mad **** to those with no imagination to take wing. The instrumentation by the genius of 'Song Cycle', Van Dyke Parks, is superb complementingMagnificent album. Those who have a problem with her voice: you have the problem, which is a pity for you to then not appreciate this, the greatest writer of lyrics of the last 5 years (alongside Craig Finn of The Hold Steady). This music is only mad **** to those with no imagination to take wing. The instrumentation by the genius of 'Song Cycle', Van Dyke Parks, is superb complementing her harp and voice. This is no folkie either, as her songs have the expanse far outreaching anyone of that restrictive genre.… Expand
  11. PCamelo
    Dec 11, 2010
    10
    Magical. 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.
  12. kishaandra
    Apr 13, 2010
    10
    Ys is, at the very least, a heartfelt and poetic work of art set to music. Structurally, it only meanders as far as to elaborately support its overarching themes of searching and loss. It's a wonder Trouser Press has managed to be included in the selection of reviews for this album, as the meat of the review places Ys in a context in which Newsom has never claimed to be: both the Ys is, at the very least, a heartfelt and poetic work of art set to music. Structurally, it only meanders as far as to elaborately support its overarching themes of searching and loss. It's a wonder Trouser Press has managed to be included in the selection of reviews for this album, as the meat of the review places Ys in a context in which Newsom has never claimed to be: both the aftermath and revival of some long-gone, overthrown 70s movement. It should be noted that, quite ironically, Trouser Press's review of the album itself meanders into an almost entirely irrelevant music history before finally throwing down a biting adjective or two toward the actual album itself. But to those who are interested in seeing both the appealing and potentially repelling qualities of Ys, figure this: her voice is unusual and hard to down at first, but is nevertheless an endearingly contribution all its own to the emotions expressed in Ys. The lyrics are elaborate, but indirect, having - at times - an almost riddle-like quality to them. The orchestration ranges from quiet to largely theatrical. The album, to me, is ambitious and unpretentious, and demands its listener take an active role in unearthing its secrets, rather than passively watching it unravel all on its own.… Expand
  13. JacobB.
    Mar 10, 2010
    0
    I'm speechless. Just terrible. I heard someone compare her to Dylan and laughed in their face.
  14. JamesS
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    Simply the most astonishing record. Having recently picked up
  15. JoanS
    Nov 29, 2009
    10
    Magical!! 2006's Masterpiece! Too bad some people just can see it, thank god critics and the big majority saw what i saw and what i felt! Ys is pure magic! Just give it a try! If you can't see how unique her voice, her harp, her lyrics, her music it's your problem. This days people just want easy music, the hooks! She's so much more than that. It's not because you Magical!! 2006's Masterpiece! Too bad some people just can see it, thank god critics and the big majority saw what i saw and what i felt! Ys is pure magic! Just give it a try! If you can't see how unique her voice, her harp, her lyrics, her music it's your problem. This days people just want easy music, the hooks! She's so much more than that. It's not because you like tori amos or kate bush that means you will like it. Joanna Newsom is unique and she's an acquired taste, you love or hate it. I ADORE!… Expand
  16. EusebioP.
    Sep 7, 2009
    3
    A girl playing harp short of OK and singing (out of tune half of the time) painfully long diatribes... Is this an 85 score? By Tutatis that you people across the ocean sometimes amaze me... I can imagine that most of the people giving a high score to this have never ever listen to any decent folk, Celtic or world music, so coming from Alternative Pop-Rock this can be short of a revelation A girl playing harp short of OK and singing (out of tune half of the time) painfully long diatribes... Is this an 85 score? By Tutatis that you people across the ocean sometimes amaze me... I can imagine that most of the people giving a high score to this have never ever listen to any decent folk, Celtic or world music, so coming from Alternative Pop-Rock this can be short of a revelation of difference, but believe me, it is not. If you want to hear something decent on "women playing harp", please make yourself a favor and buy something of Loreena McKennitt.… Expand
  17. AnalogueSound
    Jul 1, 2009
    10
    An absolute masterpiece in the history of Music. Obviously, if people find it difficult to understand, it's not a blame of these works.
  18. SteveP.
    Mar 24, 2009
    10
    Even 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.
  19. Ian
    Mar 22, 2009
    4
    Joanna Newsom, as well as other artists from the recent 'New Weird America' movement, are not so unique as they are a reemergence of pretentious white person 70's folk. Boo.
  20. AlexP.
    Feb 18, 2009
    10
    When I first listened to this album, I was confused. I liked the harp and doubly so the orchestral overtones, but found the songs rambly and actively disliked her voice. I was somewhat intrigued, but also rather offput. After giving it a long rest, I came back and listened to the song Emily, which for some reason decided to grab me and cling on for dear life. I found myself humming When I first listened to this album, I was confused. I liked the harp and doubly so the orchestral overtones, but found the songs rambly and actively disliked her voice. I was somewhat intrigued, but also rather offput. After giving it a long rest, I came back and listened to the song Emily, which for some reason decided to grab me and cling on for dear life. I found myself humming snippets of tune in the shower. The more I listened to it, the more I realized how much nuance there is in this music, and what seemed rambly before was actually a fully populated world of sound filled with interesting audio minutia. Eventually, I got used to the voice, and the other songs on this album grew on me, with the exception of Cosmia, which is the only misstep on the entire album. Now, after many listens, I believe that this album is simply brilliant and I can't remember the last time something held my attention for so many listens (maybe System of a Down's Mesmerize/Hypnotize). You will either love it, or you will hate it, and there's really no in between. And for those of you who can't get past the voice, you are missing something truly wonderful here.… Expand
  21. KateM
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    I got this on the basis of the fantastic reviews. When I first put it on, I went 'what the hell', and hated it. I came back and listened to it later, and little bits and pieces struck out- mostly the music, but some of the lyrics too. Now I love it. This is a record that rewards repeated listening. I'm still not crazy about some of the lyrics, but her love of language is I got this on the basis of the fantastic reviews. When I first put it on, I went 'what the hell', and hated it. I came back and listened to it later, and little bits and pieces struck out- mostly the music, but some of the lyrics too. Now I love it. This is a record that rewards repeated listening. I'm still not crazy about some of the lyrics, but her love of language is obvious and some of the lines are beautiful.… Expand
  22. BrandonV.
    Oct 30, 2008
    10
    Tim 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.
  23. Paul
    Oct 13, 2008
    10
    Beautiful Album. Just evokes the full range of emotions.
  24. BillyB.
    Sep 21, 2008
    0
    Her voice is total garbage. I don't understand what's likeable about her baby-like voice and barely competent harp playing.
  25. Jaaaaamed
    Jun 18, 2008
    10
    Remember the first time you discovered music-- I think for most of the people I know, and certainly for myself, it happened in my early teens. Indeed, throughout my teenage years(the time I was most passionate about music.) I fell in love with many different kinds of music. Now that I am older, even if I can recognize the brilliance or majesty of a new artist, song, record, or whatever--I Remember the first time you discovered music-- I think for most of the people I know, and certainly for myself, it happened in my early teens. Indeed, throughout my teenage years(the time I was most passionate about music.) I fell in love with many different kinds of music. Now that I am older, even if I can recognize the brilliance or majesty of a new artist, song, record, or whatever--I rarely fall in love with it. Ys is a compleatly different story. The songs long winding arts, the flashes of brilliant lyrics interspersed with pretensious lyric word play--it all captured me in a way hat make me feel young again. This cd has moved more than anything I have heard in the last 5 years with the exception of rasputina and kristen hersh----buy this record---ms. newsome youthful aspirations, musical ambitions, and literary intricacy are unlike anything else around.… Expand
  26. ZacC.
    May 17, 2008
    10
    Quite simply one of the most beautiful records I can think of. Everything is lush and flowing. The lyrics and orchestration are nothing short of amazing.
  27. ChristianD.
    Mar 18, 2008
    10
    I have currently been examining monkey and bear, I get chills just reading a few lines. this is classical masterpieces with brilliant poetry that seeps into your head and cuddles you in a blanket of ease. if green day is more of your music I would not suggest listening to this as it might put you in a comma.
  28. DavidM.
    Feb 25, 2008
    3
    I'll never understand why these sprawling idiosyncratic croonings constitute a great work--and that's coming from a fan of Tori Amos and Kate Bush!!
  29. MicheleF.
    Nov 12, 2007
    10
    Incredibly original, wonderful poetry in song.
  30. ThomasG.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    It'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.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Best Album of 2006
9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2006
17
#17 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. BBC collective
    80
    It’s to her great credit that Newsom (literally) plucks artistic triumph from the jaws of cloying whimsy.
    Read full review
  2. The Guardian
    100
    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.
    Read full review
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Newsom has managed to lessen the twee factor of her last record... in the process crafting an album as bewitching as it is odd.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »