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. RJ
    Dec 4, 2006
    10
    I could respond to Brian D's whole pretentious nonsense, but what is the point. This album should be averaging higher in my opinion. I love the voice, I am not sure why some people won't give it a chance. I think it is a much more rewarding and satisyfing album than anything else this year (I haven't made it through all of Orphans yet). I also think this album will be I could respond to Brian D's whole pretentious nonsense, but what is the point. This album should be averaging higher in my opinion. I love the voice, I am not sure why some people won't give it a chance. I think it is a much more rewarding and satisyfing album than anything else this year (I haven't made it through all of Orphans yet). I also think this album will be talked about for years to come, as albums this unique and compellling are rare. My highest recommendation! And, I would never trust a Rolling Stone review to begin with, but that review is the most ill informed and written review of a record I have seen in some time.… Expand
  2. Sean
    Dec 4, 2006
    10
    Brian. the different sounding and "ugly" (as you say) music is usually the kind that lasts and becomes classic later on. You're like the same people who bashed Rite Of Spring and the Grosse Fugue because they thought those were too different sounding and ugly, when those first appeared. Now look at their stature. In the same vein, this album may be different and unusual, but Brian. the different sounding and "ugly" (as you say) music is usually the kind that lasts and becomes classic later on. You're like the same people who bashed Rite Of Spring and the Grosse Fugue because they thought those were too different sounding and ugly, when those first appeared. Now look at their stature. In the same vein, this album may be different and unusual, but that's why it stands out so well and becomes so original, and when all is said and done, more people will be talking about this album in the future than the more straightforward, same-sounding music.… Expand
  3. 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!
  4. jayb
    Dec 3, 2006
    1
    Snooze fest. Too much hype on nothing. You can guarantee it'll get four to five stars from most meatheads...
  5. ChrisL
    Dec 3, 2006
    10
    Joanna Newsom is one of the most original and vital musical artists performing today. What she's created isn't a critic pleaser; it's just a really refreshing, heartfelt, ambitious set of songs that resonates with people on an emotional level. To be completely honest, I'm a little surprised that so many people like Ys given its rather challenging nature, but it's Joanna Newsom is one of the most original and vital musical artists performing today. What she's created isn't a critic pleaser; it's just a really refreshing, heartfelt, ambitious set of songs that resonates with people on an emotional level. To be completely honest, I'm a little surprised that so many people like Ys given its rather challenging nature, but it's nice to know that other people "get" it because that means she'll get the attention she deserves. A brief note to the those who seem bent on endlessly maligning something that they don't understand: before you go and label people or works of art "pretentious," make sure you look the word up in the dictionary and fully grasp its meaning. Ignorantly tossing around words you don't comprehend is by a much greater degree more pretentious than anything present on this album.… Expand
  6. 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.
  7. GImp
    Dec 2, 2006
    10
    If 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.
  8. othos
    Dec 2, 2006
    6
    Not my cup of tea, but kudos to Ms. Newsom for trying something different. She sounds like the love child of Scott Walker and Kate Bush. While I would not purchase this CD, I can't summarily dismiss it, a la Ken H, Sturn B and especially Brian D, about whom the phrase "Rolling Stone is a good publication and I trust...their critics" tells you all you need to know about his taste.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. JoeG
    Dec 1, 2006
    10
    Hmmm, 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.
  12. JennaJameson
    Dec 1, 2006
    0
    This record blows more than me. i kind of agree what Brian has to say. Rolling Stone sold their soul over ten years ago with their stupid 31/2 star ratings but I think the only reasons Sulfan Stevens and Antony and the Johnsons are famous is becasue they have Fancy Arty names that would go well when discussing the new season of Battlestar Galactica at some upscale party that you go to get This record blows more than me. i kind of agree what Brian has to say. Rolling Stone sold their soul over ten years ago with their stupid 31/2 star ratings but I think the only reasons Sulfan Stevens and Antony and the Johnsons are famous is becasue they have Fancy Arty names that would go well when discussing the new season of Battlestar Galactica at some upscale party that you go to get away from "common people." The Decemberists are acclaimed because they go well with those Lord of the Rings parties all the nerdy virgins through.… Expand
  13. ECanton
    Nov 30, 2006
    10
    Brilliant, Beautiful, one of the best of 2006
  14. NeilS
    Nov 30, 2006
    6
    ive found alot of great albums from critics this year... this unfortanetly is not one of them. Im a big fan of everytype of music but there are so many aspects of this album that are hard to stomach..her voice sometimes can be beautiful but more often than not become grading. one of the most overrated albums of the year. Saying that some of the arrangements especially on Cosmia are ive found alot of great albums from critics this year... this unfortanetly is not one of them. Im a big fan of everytype of music but there are so many aspects of this album that are hard to stomach..her voice sometimes can be beautiful but more often than not become grading. one of the most overrated albums of the year. Saying that some of the arrangements especially on Cosmia are excellent. I never understand y ppl give 1's, those are restricted for actually awful albums.… Expand
  15. BOBL
    Nov 30, 2006
    10
    I think it's gorgeous. It's even better performed live.
  16. ChrisC
    Nov 29, 2006
    10
    Great 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'.
  17. 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.
  18. BrianD
    Nov 29, 2006
    1
    You pretentious people like to think you're cool because you know of things that others don't. In reality your taste sucks and so does this album. Rolling Stone is a good publication and I trust for the most part their critics and right they are that this album is hard to stomach. Things are not beautiful because they're ugly, or different sounding. Get over yourselves.
  19. 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.
  20. jasonb
    Nov 28, 2006
    10
    best album of the year... no contest
  21. sturnb
    Nov 28, 2006
    3
    I don't get this. First Sulfjan Stevens, The Decembrists now this...Maybe there is some intellectual payoff at the end of this pretentious self fellating journey but who cares? What happened to having pop songs? This ain't Tolstoy so why pretend it is?
  22. DavidN
    Nov 28, 2006
    10
    deeply musical, lyrically astonishing, and profoundly moving.
  23. JMan
    Nov 28, 2006
    10
    '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.
  24. happysad
    Nov 28, 2006
    3
    Another neo-folk (or whatever you call it) record pretty much completely devoided of any soul or passion...or memorable tunes for that matter, having a gimmicky voice is just not enough I'm afraid. String arrangements are nice though...
  25. WesleyWillis
    Nov 27, 2006
    10
    I like the way she rock! I like the way she roll! Jovanna Newston is my honey-lover to the Max!
  26. time
    Nov 27, 2006
    0
    What the hell is this crap? Is KFed still performing? That's how bad this album was.
  27. TedB.
    Nov 27, 2006
    2
    Newsom should have stuck to voice work in commercials and cartoons rather than thinking she could sing.
  28. JonoS
    Nov 27, 2006
    2
    Sometimes she just sings without really singing a melody. Other times, she has a melody but it's a totally unremarkable one. The arrangements would be nice if it weren't for the fact that the vocals are supposed to integrate into them. Not only do the arrangements lack coherence, but so do the different moments of the songs.
  29. ReidA
    Nov 26, 2006
    10
    Beautiful...i cannot stop listening to it.
  30. markp
    Nov 26, 2006
    10
    Astonishinly 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!!
  31. RosieR
    Nov 25, 2006
    10
    Original 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.
  32. JohnD
    Nov 24, 2006
    6
    I can understand that this album is very good, and that Newsom is a terrific lyricist. My problem is that I just can't get into it.
  33. KenH
    Nov 24, 2006
    1
    This is by far the most overrated album of the year. Just awful
  34. PhillipL
    Nov 23, 2006
    10
    An 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.
  35. 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.
  36. GuyH
    Nov 23, 2006
    10
    Anyone 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.
  37. TristramC
    Nov 22, 2006
    10
    You know how everyone lost their mind over Sufjan Steven's 'Illinois' in 2005 and it was this event and you could get pure glee from playing it for your cool indie friends & regular people alike? Remeber how universal awe was the response every time and it only made you anticipate the look on the next persons face your played it for? That album, that joy, that event for You know how everyone lost their mind over Sufjan Steven's 'Illinois' in 2005 and it was this event and you could get pure glee from playing it for your cool indie friends & regular people alike? Remeber how universal awe was the response every time and it only made you anticipate the look on the next persons face your played it for? That album, that joy, that event for 2006 is 'Ys'. Its as ambitious and OK Computer tight-roping between skyscrapers on fishing line (just like Illinois was) and its similarly intricate and gorgeous and poetic. And its overwhelming the first time you hear it. And it offers layers of new reward to those who peel the onion. Anyone coming in without hearing her debut will have to get used to her high-pitched voice, but that's also less squeeky than on 'Milk-Eyed Mender'. Van Dyke Parks' stamp is readily obvious to anyone who has heard 'Orange Crate Art'. I was initially excited about the freak-folk scene when Devendra Banhart's Rejoicing In the Hands was my favorite album of 2004 but 'Ys' overtakes that record and will probably go down as the San Fransisco's most important moment since the last time freaky folkies congregated there. As far as the present is concerned, the scene is now impossible to ignore. Espers, Vetiver, White Magic, Devendra, all of them are led by Joanna brandishiing her druidic quarterstaff making their mark on pop history.… Expand
  38. TaylorF
    Nov 22, 2006
    10
    Stunningly beautiful with lyrics that will play with your head. So close to perfect it's scary. Screw you, rolling stone.
  39. LeoF
    Nov 22, 2006
    2
    very boring.... next, please!
  40. BiffL
    Nov 21, 2006
    1
    Like fingernails on a chalkboard. Maybe there's a nice melody in there somewhere. Maybe if Squeaky paused her rambling lyrics for a second or two we could hear it. Pretentious crap.
  41. 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.
  42. JamieP
    Nov 21, 2006
    4
    This is simply meandering rubbish. Why bother trying to actually compose something with structure and meaning if the critics will like this nonsense. Half of it is completely out of time, and seemingly deliberately so. The album sounds like a drunk impersonating Joni Mitchell with an orchestra tuning up in the background. Lovely production, mind you. I just wish they'd spend that This is simply meandering rubbish. Why bother trying to actually compose something with structure and meaning if the critics will like this nonsense. Half of it is completely out of time, and seemingly deliberately so. The album sounds like a drunk impersonating Joni Mitchell with an orchestra tuning up in the background. Lovely production, mind you. I just wish they'd spend that money on someone who wasn't so self-consciously trying to be different.… Expand
  43. skyweaponsky
    Nov 21, 2006
    10
    This is a real dream
  44. DanielW
    Nov 21, 2006
    10
    One 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.
  45. samf
    Nov 21, 2006
    10
    stunning
  46. 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
  47. AlD
    Nov 19, 2006
    10
    An extremely ambitious album that actually achieves its ambitions. Incredibly rich, complex and subtle, it needs to be heard many times to be fully absorbed, but for me, repeated listens are easy. This is about as good as music can be.
  48. pauls
    Nov 19, 2006
    4
    NOW and Rolling Stone are dead on: "She plucks and sings in her little-girl-lost warble never seems entirely integrated with the hovering orchestral parts ... Hard to stomach"
  49. TomP
    Nov 18, 2006
    10
    Stunning. Although at times I can understand some qualms expressed about about it, that I've had 7 or 8 melodies from the album simultaneously running through my mind, later rotating to others, at all times over the last week is something I cannot say about any album I've heard in my life. I can't stop listening to it. Whatever you want to say about pretention, overwriting, Stunning. Although at times I can understand some qualms expressed about about it, that I've had 7 or 8 melodies from the album simultaneously running through my mind, later rotating to others, at all times over the last week is something I cannot say about any album I've heard in my life. I can't stop listening to it. Whatever you want to say about pretention, overwriting, whatever... the music is simply just too good for me to care.… Expand
  50. LonelyGurl
    Nov 18, 2006
    10
    Magically Fantastically Romantically Amazingly Gorgeous
  51. DanielO
    Nov 18, 2006
    10
    J 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.
  52. exodus.
    Nov 18, 2006
    9
    After Claire T: "Simply beautiful."
  53. PlatePlate
    Nov 17, 2006
    10
    On 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
  54. 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.
  55. SanN
    Nov 17, 2006
    10
    On 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.
  56. g
    Nov 17, 2006
    10
    album 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
  57. BillY
    Nov 17, 2006
    10
    An 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.
  58. RickR
    Nov 17, 2006
    4
    Pretty good music making, if not for the dreadful vocals. Like someone said, it'll be on every Critics "MUST HAVE" lists but it probably will be ignored by the public. I mean, it's alright really, that voice is quite ridiculous.
  59. ZachJ
    Nov 17, 2006
    10
    One 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.
  60. VicsO
    Nov 16, 2006
    10
    album of the year, period.
  61. MinMin
    Nov 16, 2006
    0
    Poor. Over-hyped and unlistenable by virtue of her voice.
  62. Gman
    Nov 16, 2006
    10
    I was beginning to think nobody could make an album as stunning, original and unique as Astral weeks/Starsailor/Horses/Miss America/Rock Bottom/Sixty Nine/The Marble Index etc but here it is. Not so much album of the year as album of the decade by several miles. I hear a lot of music of various genres and this towers above everything else I've come across in a long while. It does I was beginning to think nobody could make an album as stunning, original and unique as Astral weeks/Starsailor/Horses/Miss America/Rock Bottom/Sixty Nine/The Marble Index etc but here it is. Not so much album of the year as album of the decade by several miles. I hear a lot of music of various genres and this towers above everything else I've come across in a long while. It does take a few listens before it completely makes sense and takes over your soul but then all the best albums do. Albums that sound great on first listen generally sound crap on the twentieth. This will sound even more stunning on the 500th listen than it does now.… Expand
  63. JustinM
    Nov 16, 2006
    10
    Fantastic album, start to finish.
  64. Audrey
    Nov 15, 2006
    9
    This is an amazing piece of art, something that I have come to enjoy more with every listen.
  65. BrendtR
    Nov 15, 2006
    10
    Album of the year. Hands down.
  66. 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.
  67. JustinB
    Nov 15, 2006
    10
    rarely does any artist ever reach such high levels of accomplishment with any piece of music. "Ys" is really too good to explain, only listening will do it justice.
  68. LianN
    Nov 15, 2006
    10
    Just perfect. That's all.
  69. 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
  70. JohnM
    Nov 15, 2006
    10
    WOW.
  71. MikeM
    Nov 15, 2006
    10
    Gorgeous, inspiring.
  72. JeffR
    Nov 15, 2006
    1
    Like Bjork doing 10 minute "epic" Yoko Ono covers with a harp. Overly ambitious and frankly, kind of annoying. Clearly lots of people love it, but I just don't get it.
  73. 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?
  74. nightchapelk
    Nov 15, 2006
    2
    awful. 50+ minutes long and she is singing for 48 of those minutes. I would love to hear the version sans vocals.
  75. Helen
    Nov 15, 2006
    10
    We have seen the birth of a true modern day masterpiece.
  76. AntonioB
    Nov 15, 2006
    9
    Rolling stone dropped the ball. Solid arrangements as the songs meander with a purpose and let her voice shine.
  77. Grut
    Nov 15, 2006
    4
    Her first album was amazing, this one is just crap. Must be the influence of her new buddy Devendra Banhart. Can someone tell this guy not to talk to other artists ?
  78. AaronS
    Nov 15, 2006
    0
    I don't know whay everyone else is hearing, but this is the single worst release in 2006. Newsom's vocals are beyond bad and the album itself is very overproduced. Awful.
  79. GeraM
    Nov 15, 2006
    10
    "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..
  80. bill
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    Astounding! 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!!
  81. KevinC
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    This 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.
  82. RyanL
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    It took 11 months but we finally have a genuine album of the year.
  83. ClaireT
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    Simply beautiful :).
  84. aldoa
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    rolling stone is the dumbest publication on earth.
  85. JeremyP
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    Personally, my favourite album ever. I'm so happy I heard it months before it was released so that I was free of any influence
  86. KurtCobain
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    b0ing!
  87. JPublius
    Nov 14, 2006
    3
    The harp's nice. Newsom's voice sounds like the midget from Poltergeist Lyrics make as much sense as a Yes album. This will be on every critics top 10 list, and nobody will listen to it for more than five minutes.
  88. PaulF
    Nov 14, 2006
    10
    Spell binding! Album of the year.
  89. leiris
    Nov 13, 2006
    9
    A truly wonderful and unique album. Van Dyke Parks influence is apparent and works extremely well with Newsom
  90. TomB
    Nov 13, 2006
    8
    It's like the best thing that I'll only ever listen to once.
  91. PerspicaciousCritic
    Nov 13, 2006
    8
    Y[e]s!
  92. umbertop
    Nov 13, 2006
    7
    beautiful but not so beautiful
  93. KurtD
    Nov 13, 2006
    10
    Perfect.
  94. MattD.
    Nov 13, 2006
    3
    Less grating than The Milk-Eyed Mender, but it's without personality. Sounds like a bad soundtrack to a fantasy movie. If you want something different, try Nellie McKay or Loreena McKennitt.
  95. JoshS
    Nov 13, 2006
    10
    Incredible, best album of 2006.
  96. AndrewC
    Nov 13, 2006
    10
    It's absolutely astonishing. Even after forty plays, it knocks me out every time.
  97. MichaelE
    Nov 13, 2006
    10
    This 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!
  98. ericf
    Nov 13, 2006
    5
    I don't fault her for being ambitious, I just honestly don't think it's that effective. I think her looks, and "schtick" is what sells it to people, down to the album art. I'm just amazed so many people fall for it. To my ears, this album is bloated and overwrought with prentention, yet it appears this is what the critics want these days.
  99. Matt
    Nov 13, 2006
    10
    A lot of people may throw out a perfect score like it's no big deal; this album, however, deserves it. Though it's likely to split listeners into two distinct camps, you will not hear a better record this year. I find it difficult to be objective about this, but the arrangements are gorgeous, the lyrics are incredibly evocative, and the nuances in her delivery are amazing. Ys A lot of people may throw out a perfect score like it's no big deal; this album, however, deserves it. Though it's likely to split listeners into two distinct camps, you will not hear a better record this year. I find it difficult to be objective about this, but the arrangements are gorgeous, the lyrics are incredibly evocative, and the nuances in her delivery are amazing. Ys immediately grabbed my attention the first time I heard it and has yet to let go.… Expand
  100. johnw
    Nov 13, 2006
    10
    And 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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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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