A Perfect Contradiction
by Paloma Faith
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Mar 10, 2014
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Q Magazine
    Apr 2, 2014
    80
    [When Paloma] revert to classicism, she proves there's more than one way to skin the "vintage" cat by adopting the persona of an exuberant disco diva, invoking the spirit of '70s glitter ball goddesses such as Teena Marie or Alicia Bridges. She wears it surprisingly well. [Apr 2014, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. AllMusic
    Apr 2, 2014
    80
    Ultimately, it's Faith's irrepressible enthusiasm and unbridled vocal ability that shine the most on A Perfect Contradiction, and having musicians like Pharrell and Saadiq around just works to sweeten the deal.
  3. PopMatters
    Aug 21, 2014
    60
    There is not really any filler on A Perfect Contradiction and it never manages to be boring (Paloma would never allow that). However, it does leave you wanting more and expecting more from Paloma’s next album.
  5. Mojo
    Apr 2, 2014
    60
    She sounds a tad daft masquerading as a feisty Harlem mama on the Pharrell-produced I Can't rely On You, but her uber-gutsy delivery still charms. [Apr 2014, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. The Guardian
    Apr 2, 2014
    60
    Faith's voice is all there, but her songwriting calls for added ingenuity.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 2, 2014
    60
    It does seem as if Paloma’s sacrificed some individuality for some of that bankable overwrought wailing.
  8. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 2, 2014
    60
    It may be nothing new but her punchy, uplifting set of pastiche Sixties and Seventies soul, r’n’b and disco is perfectly pitched with just an appealing hint of exaggeration.
  9. musicOMH.com
    Apr 2, 2014
    60
    There’s nothing here that has not been done before, and it’s almost too polished for its own good, but she sounds more at ease with her sound than ever before.
  10. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 2, 2014
    40
    Faith's vocals are too theatrically overdone to be moving, and the songs too generic to reach any level of grandeur.
  11. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 2, 2014
    40
    It’s an album that provides a taste of something familiar, yet somehow flavourless.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 49
  3. Negative: 5 out of 49
  1. thaleslucas
    Sep 30, 2014
    10
    "A Perfect Contradiction" is one of the best albums of the year. When I listened it for the first time, I felt like I was walking between 40s"A Perfect Contradiction" is one of the best albums of the year. When I listened it for the first time, I felt like I was walking between 40s until 90s decade. It's really amazing! I'm really in love with it!

    Paloma is more mature and powerful with her music, using inspiration and production so much good. For me, the album has big songs like "Only Love Can Hurt Like This", "Trouble With My Baby", "Can't Rely on You" and "Tease on My Tears".

    This is the best of her, of course.    … Full Review »
  2. Wesley_orphan
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    Como o nome já diz A Perfect Contradiction mostra uma contradição entre o triste e alegre em canções como Only Love Can Hurt Like This eComo o nome já diz A Perfect Contradiction mostra uma contradição entre o triste e alegre em canções como Only Love Can Hurt Like This e Can't Rely On You, mostrando a evolução e capacidade de Paloma de juntar seus dois álbuns anteriores em um só, com uma harmonia invejável, com letras e melodias fantásticas.… Full Review »
  3. RK13
    May 30, 2018
    10
    There is just something about Paloma Faith's voice which is just so captivating. And how she acts so differently but it compliments thatThere is just something about Paloma Faith's voice which is just so captivating. And how she acts so differently but it compliments that wonderful voice. The best tracks are Only Love Can Hurt Like This, Can't Rely on You and Ready for the Good Life.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »