Afterglow
by Sarah McLachlan
  • Record Label: Arista
  • Release Date: Nov 4, 2003
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 38
  3. Negative: 4 out of 38

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  1. XavierF
    Jan 11, 2005
    10
    It's not often that I rate an album a 10. It needs to be beautiful from beginning to end. Perfect. Sarah did it somehow, and my music collection thanks her.
  2. JohnO
    Jan 7, 2005
    10
    I rate things thusly: If I can only stand to listen to it once, it gets a one. So the Killer albumn I listened to on repeat for five times and then forgot about the rest of the year got a 5. I've probably listened to this 20 time- but 10 is as high as it goes. Easily worth the money.
  3. CraigC
    Nov 13, 2003
    10
    This album is definitely food for your soul. Sarah McLachlan amazingly makes you feel warm spirited, and delighted.
  4. KatieP
    Dec 1, 2003
    10
    A great cd.. I don't know what these critics are talking about. I love her.. plus she is from Halifax :)
  5. CactuarC
    Jun 13, 2004
    9
    After reading the critics reviews on this page, I've learnt to never trust them. They gave the excellent Sarah a meager 51!!! Where's the justice in that! Did they even hear her songs?! She may not be perfect, but wheres the sense in underrating her?! I'll stick to my opinion that Sarah Mclachlan is great! No thank you, critics!
  6. ixata
    Dec 22, 2006
    9
    easily one of the most woderful album ever existed... bt sadly, i cant gv it a 10 for it sounds quite same as srfacing... this doesnt sound lyk an after-6-years-break album, more lyk 6 days.. bt still great
  7. DesireeR
    Nov 10, 2003
    8
    I really like this album
  8. TeresaT
    Nov 14, 2003
    10
    You have to be in a mellow mood, but I love it. I think it is beautiful.
  9. markyj
    Nov 19, 2003
    8
    I don't think this has the mass appeal of her other records but it is magically crafted. Every song on this cd is a musical masterpiece. That being said some of the delivery and the lyrics tend to be a bit boring.
  10. LauraT.
    Nov 20, 2003
    10
    I LOVED this CD. She has a wonderful voice - and the CD is amazing.
  11. ChristineR
    Nov 4, 2003
    1
    Afterglow is BORING! With 6 years between albums, you'd think Sarah would've evolved somewhat, but she's just sticking to the same old sound. I wouldn't mind, if her songs were as catchy as they used to be. But they're not. After a few listens all that got stuck in my head was the chorus to "Trainwreck". That's really sad considering how quickly she gets to Afterglow is BORING! With 6 years between albums, you'd think Sarah would've evolved somewhat, but she's just sticking to the same old sound. I wouldn't mind, if her songs were as catchy as they used to be. But they're not. After a few listens all that got stuck in my head was the chorus to "Trainwreck". That's really sad considering how quickly she gets to the chorus of EVERY song, and how often the chorus is repeated. Her lyrics are embarrassingly clumsy and more vague and meaningless than usual. There's no real variety in music or tempo throughout the album, which might be why nothing stands out. Her vocals are consistently low and monotonous. Afterglow definitely doesn't showcase her full range, as a singer or a songwriter. Or maybe she's lost it. Hey, Sarah's said in interviews that she thought these songs were crap...until Her People convinced her otherwise. They were probably just happy to get *anything* new from this far-from-prolific songwriter. And I bet lots of fans will feel that way too. But not me. Let's face it, Sarah's run out of ideas, she's got nothing to *say*, and she's playing it safe and taking it easy now.… Expand
  12. BitBurn
    Nov 7, 2003
    7
    It's an OK record. But somehow it feels sleepy, too sleepy. There are a few good punches here and there but nothing spectacular. Then again, Sarah never was the most exciting voice to listen too. But it's chillin'. I recommend listening before going to bed, alongside Enya and others.
  13. SandyM
    Dec 30, 2003
    10
    Awesome sound, great lyrics, from Fallen to Stupid to Train Wreck, she wails on you, what a fantastic voice.
  14. TerryP
    Jan 28, 2004
    6
    Talented artist with a beatiful voice but, Sara needs to tap into her inner fire again. Revisit the past and things of importance that gave direction to life.
  15. MikeB
    Jan 8, 2005
    9
    Not only is it beautiful, romantic and moving. But its one of the better female albums from the last five years, even if the tracks are a bit samey - they are so well done that you dont care
  16. NateC
    Jan 29, 2006
    10
    Never heard of Sarah until "Fallen". Went and bought Afterglow album, and I love it. Fallen, World on Fire and Dirty Little Secret are 5 star tunes. Amazing voice. This album really got to me, after 2 family deaths was ideal comfort.
  17. KimS
    Apr 4, 2006
    10
    She's amazing! Finds a way to touch each and every listner! Wow!
  18. LindaA
    Nov 10, 2003
    10
    Beautiful! No matter what the critics say this one definitely doesn't fail to please. McLachlan continues to heal the world with her beatiful music.
  19. NadimR
    Nov 17, 2003
    4
    It is mediocre rock from an amazing singer/songwriter. none of the songs do anything as passionately as her previous records
  20. SonnyS
    Nov 5, 2003
    5
    Except for the exceptional Train Wreck and a few other cuts, its a so so album.
  21. CapnFoo
    Nov 23, 2006
    10
    This is the first mclachlan cd I got, and so far none of her other albums I have acquired since then have matched it. My rating is not based on her other cd's so I give it a 10
  22. DyaneL
    Nov 27, 2003
    10
    It has got to be the best thing that was brought back to us. Boy I missed that angelic voice and wonderful music, Thanks Thanks Thanks
  23. brockcheese
    Sep 23, 2019
    6
    McLachlan has a beautiful voice but it feels as though she doesn't have enough to say. This whole album is full of self wallowing and despair without really any hope.

Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Most Discussed Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Some may call that predictable, some may call it reliable, but there's little arguing that Afterglow is a solid effort -- it won't win new fans, but it will certainly satisfy the old ones.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Comely but slight, Afterglow works hard to stay on a calm, unprepossessing middle middle course despite McLachlan's initimate soul-searching. [7 Nov 2003, p.68]
  3. Logo
    80
    It’s gorgeous, moving and magnificent.
    Read full review
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