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

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  1. anna
    Nov 29, 2006
    10
    there is something completely inspiring about this album, from the lyrics to the classical musical arrangements newsom proves she is a novel force to be reckoned with in the music world. if you are a fan of music you have a moral obligation to listen to this entire album.
  2. AaronA
    Dec 15, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums I've ever heard.
  3. DylanM
    Dec 22, 2006
    10
    My favorite album of all time. This is simply the most beautiful and emotional music I have ever heard. The epic scope, the haunting melodies, the expressive lyrics, the way she seems to pour her heart and soul into every song, it just all washes over me and sometimes overwhelms me. It's so good that I have a hard time going a day without listening to it, which worries me because I My favorite album of all time. This is simply the most beautiful and emotional music I have ever heard. The epic scope, the haunting melodies, the expressive lyrics, the way she seems to pour her heart and soul into every song, it just all washes over me and sometimes overwhelms me. It's so good that I have a hard time going a day without listening to it, which worries me because I don't want to ever get tired of this. A true masterpiece.… Expand
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. CamdenRendell
    Jan 29, 2018
    10
    My all time favourite. Five enchanting stories each each accompanied by beautiful instrumentation. Could not recommend enough!
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. madsl
    Dec 4, 2006
    9
    this 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!
  15. exodus.
    Nov 18, 2006
    9
    After Claire T: "Simply beautiful."
  16. Steph
    Feb 7, 2007
    9
    Heaven..this music is so beautiful, it conjures up the fantastical and archaic. Newsom's music transcends the ordinary.
  17. MagillaGorilla
    Nov 15, 2006
    9
    Like 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?
  18. ToddW
    Nov 20, 2006
    9
    In Joanna Newsom we have someone whose lyrics are deep and literate, whose music is stylistically different in that it primarily features her on the harp, and who is attractive to boot. That must mean her album deserves a 4, right Rolling Stone? Take a look below: 100, 100, 100...94...et al, and then, lo and behold, we have Rolling Stone with a 40. Talk about blowing an opportunity to In Joanna Newsom we have someone whose lyrics are deep and literate, whose music is stylistically different in that it primarily features her on the harp, and who is attractive to boot. That must mean her album deserves a 4, right Rolling Stone? Take a look below: 100, 100, 100...94...et al, and then, lo and behold, we have Rolling Stone with a 40. Talk about blowing an opportunity to make amends for the miles of wasted newsprint spent extolling the no-talents and or has-beens currently filling our nation's airwaves. The truly sad thing is the sheep still think Rolling Stone is the outlet of choice for highlighting quality music in our sick culture. No wonder one needs a biohazard suit to listen to today's popular music when you've got scenester wanna-bes like Jann Wenner leading the band. I apologize for them all, Joanna. Everything about you is simply too far ahead of the curve for those simpletons to even begin to comprehend. You have graced the 'aughts with a strikingly close approximation to both Astral Weeks and "Desolation Row" ("Sawdust and Diamonds"), and predictably Rolling Stone slaps you with two stars. Its writers refuse to accept that mindblowing, groundbreaking music is still being produced today, even if you have to really pay attention to it, as they wistfully clutch their tattered copies of Revolver tight to their chests. And, ironically, any time an old timer releases a new album, you can guarantee it'll get anywhere from four to five stars from these ink-stained sycophants. Very unYs.… Expand
  19. JaredB.
    Nov 29, 2006
    9
    i'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.
  20. LizT
    Dec 11, 2006
    9
    It 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...
  21. Unjaded
    Dec 5, 2006
    9
    There's room for pulpy romance novels in the world, just as there's room for Tolstoy. So there should be room for far-reaching musical inventiveness alongside The Killers, The Ramones, or Britney. Why be so hostile when something like Ys comes along and grabs peoples' imaginations? Isn't it easier not to care if people are moved by something you find pretentious? There's room for pulpy romance novels in the world, just as there's room for Tolstoy. So there should be room for far-reaching musical inventiveness alongside The Killers, The Ramones, or Britney. Why be so hostile when something like Ys comes along and grabs peoples' imaginations? Isn't it easier not to care if people are moved by something you find pretentious? Isn't it just as valid to say "I don't get it" instead of "you're all pretentiously self-fellating"? Doesn't it show you to be no less cynical and elitist than how you perceive the critics and fans who take to this music to be?… Expand
  22. MihaiV
    Dec 6, 2006
    9
    I 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.
  23. IvyB
    Dec 6, 2006
    9
    this is a comment i have wanted to write for a long time and it doesn't only count for joana newsom's new album. it's a general remark. my point is, that if you don't like (or know) a genre or style in music, then you shouldn't write about it. if you love pop or rock or rap but not folk, then don't come and tell the people who dó like this kind of folk this is a comment i have wanted to write for a long time and it doesn't only count for joana newsom's new album. it's a general remark. my point is, that if you don't like (or know) a genre or style in music, then you shouldn't write about it. if you love pop or rock or rap but not folk, then don't come and tell the people who dó like this kind of folk (or whatever you want to call joana's music... in fact i hate putting labels on artists) that this album sucks. e.g. i have no connection whatsoever with r&b and rap, so i don't give comments on r&b and rap albums. there are certain styles in music that move people, that touch people. if you were touched by joana's first album, but are disappointed in the second one, this is the place to express that feeling of disappointment. for a real music fan, it's all about emotion. if you feel blue, you'll listen to melancholic music. if you're angry, you'll listen to agressive music. if you're happy, you'll listen to the red album by the beatles... joana's music goes with a lot of different emotions, but if you feel none of them, then don't post comments on her albums, please. it's pointless... as far as my opinion goes; i find "ys" an inspiring and refreshing soundscape. it's full of paradoxes. it's old and it's new. it's happy and it's sad. it's crazy and it's elaborated... this album deserves the attention that it gets. but it's a shame it should evoke such disrespectful comments.… Expand
  24. Josh
    Dec 7, 2006
    9
    I can't believe some of these comments. Pretentious!? Difficult!? Christ, THIS SHIT IS EASY LISTENING. WTF are you people hearing. I mean God, maybe I'm just dense, but I fournd this album to be entirely melodic, very lyrical, and completely engaging; even upon first listen. The production is stellar, the string arrangements are spectacular, the prouct is top notch. If you I can't believe some of these comments. Pretentious!? Difficult!? Christ, THIS SHIT IS EASY LISTENING. WTF are you people hearing. I mean God, maybe I'm just dense, but I fournd this album to be entirely melodic, very lyrical, and completely engaging; even upon first listen. The production is stellar, the string arrangements are spectacular, the prouct is top notch. If you can't get past a slightly unconventional vocalist in this day and age you've got issues.… Expand
  25. andrewc
    Jan 24, 2007
    9
    it was a great album, beautifully built i thought. Bit too fanicical for me to take it seriously though
  26. GraceC
    Jan 5, 2007
    9
    Man. Some of the people giving 'Ys' low scores need to be more tolerant of others with different opinions. That sort of attitude is what leads to wars and terrorism. IMHO, 'Ys' is a beautiful album which rewards repeated listenings. The first two songs aren't as good as the other three (which is why I knocked my rating down a point), but even those songs are good Man. Some of the people giving 'Ys' low scores need to be more tolerant of others with different opinions. That sort of attitude is what leads to wars and terrorism. IMHO, 'Ys' is a beautiful album which rewards repeated listenings. The first two songs aren't as good as the other three (which is why I knocked my rating down a point), but even those songs are good as well. PS: Ys is named after a mythical city in Brittany. Also, Rolling Stone suck. Kthxbai.… Expand
  27. brittac
    Apr 15, 2007
    9
    listen to this album while reading neil gaiman's stardust.. haha.. i did just by chance and it was quite the experience.. there is absolutely NO way to describe this woman's creation, it's just beyond words what she does with her music.. she basically pulls you directly into an unimaginably whimsical [i keep using that word in my reviews but i can't think of a better listen to this album while reading neil gaiman's stardust.. haha.. i did just by chance and it was quite the experience.. there is absolutely NO way to describe this woman's creation, it's just beyond words what she does with her music.. she basically pulls you directly into an unimaginably whimsical [i keep using that word in my reviews but i can't think of a better one] world and leaves you feeling fulfilled-like you just finished an awesome fantasy novel.. it sticks with you like a good story too.. some people can't stand the squeaks in her voice, but you really just need to get past that and appreciate the album for what it is as a whole.. it's a masterpiece with no equal.… Expand
  28. leiris
    Nov 13, 2006
    9
    A truly wonderful and unique album. Van Dyke Parks influence is apparent and works extremely well with Newsom
  29. AntonioB
    Nov 15, 2006
    9
    Rolling stone dropped the ball. Solid arrangements as the songs meander with a purpose and let her voice shine.
  30. KacyK
    Nov 23, 2006
    9
    I 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.
  31. TopCat
    Dec 31, 2006
    9
    Haunting - keeps me coming back
  32. ajayp
    Mar 29, 2007
    9
    out of this world, new, refreshing, magical, beautiful and truly lovely to hear.
  33. Audrey
    Nov 15, 2006
    9
    This is an amazing piece of art, something that I have come to enjoy more with every listen.
  34. EvanS
    Nov 17, 2006
    9
    Rolling Stone can kiss my puckered pool hole for all I care. I don't want nuts...oh, wait. Um, this is the album of the year.
  35. 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!
  36. Kamil
    Dec 3, 2006
    8
    First, hard to listen, but then it gets better and better. Imagination and ambition of joanna is impressive. Definitive album from freak-folk scene.
  37. PerspicaciousCritic
    Nov 13, 2006
    8
    Y[e]s!
  38. BillG
    Jan 22, 2007
    8
    Joanna is brilliant, but I would definitely put her in a different category from other artists out there. You can't compare cutting-edge hip hop artists to long-dead classical composers: they're apples and oranges. In her arena, Newsom is undeniable. I personally thought Milk Eyed Mender deserved a 10; Ys works a little longer and harder to 'get to the point' so to Joanna is brilliant, but I would definitely put her in a different category from other artists out there. You can't compare cutting-edge hip hop artists to long-dead classical composers: they're apples and oranges. In her arena, Newsom is undeniable. I personally thought Milk Eyed Mender deserved a 10; Ys works a little longer and harder to 'get to the point' so to speak. Impressive, compelling, new--but not her best to date.… Expand
  39. MisaelM
    Jan 22, 2007
    8
    First, The Album It's Like Taking a Breath Of Fresh Air, It's Something New, A New Voice a Not-So-New Instrument but it was rarely used, I'm Not Saying That It's Complete Musical Awsomness or a Random Record, I Like It, I Really Do Her Stories are Beautiful as Well as The Sound Of The Harp, her voice can be a little piercing at the beggining but you get used to it and First, The Album It's Like Taking a Breath Of Fresh Air, It's Something New, A New Voice a Not-So-New Instrument but it was rarely used, I'm Not Saying That It's Complete Musical Awsomness or a Random Record, I Like It, I Really Do Her Stories are Beautiful as Well as The Sound Of The Harp, her voice can be a little piercing at the beggining but you get used to it and you learn how to love that voice as the record plays. Second, get over yourselves! you can't listen to a whole record without thinking about the tags? If it's for "cool pretencious kids" doesn't mean it's not a good record, I'm Sure That Joanna Didn't Mean to aim that kind of audience. Third, She Kicks Ass Live.… Expand
  40. JonL
    Nov 15, 2006
    8
    It's definitely an achievement of some kind, and blistering with passion, pastoral and opaque, yet its emotion is unmistakable. Yet, it doesn't hit me like certain albums of similar feel and goal (say Astral Weeks). It seemed like Newsom was getting more from this (admittedly grand) outpouring of ideas than I was, and yes, her voice detracts from the album. But with its It's definitely an achievement of some kind, and blistering with passion, pastoral and opaque, yet its emotion is unmistakable. Yet, it doesn't hit me like certain albums of similar feel and goal (say Astral Weeks). It seemed like Newsom was getting more from this (admittedly grand) outpouring of ideas than I was, and yes, her voice detracts from the album. But with its ambition, insanely beautiful arrangements and dense more-from-feeling-than-logic poetry, it sure does come tantalizingly close to a masterwork, and it has the feeling of a ghostly catharsis that is extremely rare in any phylum of music these days. For that, it's an album to be admired, if not to be quite as loved.… Expand
  41. JyotirmayaD
    Dec 2, 2006
    8
    I loved what parts of this CD I was allowed to hear at the store; it jumped out at me as something which was definitely worth my money. Now, having said that, I just wish I could hear more of Joanna's beautiful soprano which comes and goes all too quickly for I am not very fond of her medeavel wench voice (or whatever you want to call it -- it's just weird to me and hard for me I loved what parts of this CD I was allowed to hear at the store; it jumped out at me as something which was definitely worth my money. Now, having said that, I just wish I could hear more of Joanna's beautiful soprano which comes and goes all too quickly for I am not very fond of her medeavel wench voice (or whatever you want to call it -- it's just weird to me and hard for me to stomach). But there is no denying that it is an album of considerable artistic achievement. Comparisons to Bjork are not unfounded and I like Bjork also, but these kinds of albums are not my favorites. I will take the reviewers' advice and let it grow on me (see if it grows on me more anyway) and listen to it when i hear it calling for me to hear something totally different. But, yes, very well done, Joanna.… Expand
  42. AdamH
    Dec 6, 2006
    8
    Very good cd. reminds me of an epic poem with wonderful lyrics. she assumes an air of confidence that makes her great.
  43. TomB
    Nov 13, 2006
    8
    It's like the best thing that I'll only ever listen to once.
  44. RickH
    Nov 15, 2006
    8
    Though only five songs, they will continue to reveal themselves to me for years. Every pass over this album has been so different.
  45. johnc
    Nov 21, 2006
    8
    This is not my normal indulgence, but a couple of these songs are perfect. Give the girl a chance. Does it get a tad pretentious, sure. But ambition is important and she has a singular approach that can only humble you.
  46. felipe.
    Dec 21, 2006
    8
    some time ago i thought that her voice was REALLY terrible. but then,i think she won me up with these 10-minute songs,great job. :}
  47. 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
  48. umbertop
    Nov 13, 2006
    7
    beautiful but not so beautiful
  49. RichardK
    Dec 15, 2006
    7
    Not my cup of tea but I can see there's something original going on. Some parts sounded like an old Walt Disney cartoon.
  50. JacksonG
    Dec 2, 2006
    7
    Dear Brian D: You are a jackass. Giving this album a 1 totally over looks this album's accomplishments. Yes, it's hard to stomach, yes, it can seem precocious. But, if you can manage to open up a bit, you'll notice that the music is gorgeous. To get off the subject of the album for a second, Brian D, how can you tell people to "Get over yourselves" when you're the one Dear Brian D: You are a jackass. Giving this album a 1 totally over looks this album's accomplishments. Yes, it's hard to stomach, yes, it can seem precocious. But, if you can manage to open up a bit, you'll notice that the music is gorgeous. To get off the subject of the album for a second, Brian D, how can you tell people to "Get over yourselves" when you're the one who feels that you're taste in music is so superior. P.S. Rolling Stone hasn't covered good music in years. When was the last time they put someone on the cover who deserved it?… Expand
  51. ReubenF
    Dec 18, 2006
    7
    Joanna Newsom is one of the most interesting artists around - there isn't many other harpist singer-songwriters out there. While her distinctive voice adds to her cult appeal, it also makes it unlikely she will ever 'break-out' and do well on the charts. I sometimes wonder whether she would be better served as part of a duo, with someone else singing - though no doubt that Joanna Newsom is one of the most interesting artists around - there isn't many other harpist singer-songwriters out there. While her distinctive voice adds to her cult appeal, it also makes it unlikely she will ever 'break-out' and do well on the charts. I sometimes wonder whether she would be better served as part of a duo, with someone else singing - though no doubt that would be sacrilege to her fans.… Expand
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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
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