Anna Calvi
by Anna Calvi
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Mar 1, 2011
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
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  1. Ricko
    Aug 17, 2020
    6
    Anna Calvi is very successful in creating moods and textures on her debut album. I'm left unconvinced if she is a particularly good songwriter at this point. Her songwriting had improved a lot by the time of her third album "Hunter" but on this eponymous debut, while it is full of style, truly memorable tracks are scarce enough. The PJ Harvey comparisons are obvious but for me completelyAnna Calvi is very successful in creating moods and textures on her debut album. I'm left unconvinced if she is a particularly good songwriter at this point. Her songwriting had improved a lot by the time of her third album "Hunter" but on this eponymous debut, while it is full of style, truly memorable tracks are scarce enough. The PJ Harvey comparisons are obvious but for me completely unjustified.… Expand
  2. Muddsjr
    May 21, 2014
    8
    I'm really loving this album, I love the way the guitar is played and simply the way Calvi uses her deep, warbling vocals to create something both magnificent and beautiful.
  3. LuizCC
    Jul 30, 2012
    8
    The power within the songs of this album is mind blowing. Calvis's voice is blast, something apart from other singers nowadays. The melodies are beautiful, and the musical references from flamenco to hard rock makes every song in the album stand out on it's own. It's clearly the inspiration from PJ Harvey, and in a good way. The one thing that is quite unclear is the songwriting that is aThe power within the songs of this album is mind blowing. Calvis's voice is blast, something apart from other singers nowadays. The melodies are beautiful, and the musical references from flamenco to hard rock makes every song in the album stand out on it's own. It's clearly the inspiration from PJ Harvey, and in a good way. The one thing that is quite unclear is the songwriting that is a little shaky. But Anna is a talent to keep an eye on.… Expand
  4. hydrawithears
    Oct 3, 2011
    8
    Anna Calvi is not just a younger PJ Harvey. Sheâ
  5. Dingo
    Jun 30, 2011
    9
    It's not entirely unique, but it really stands out. I'm completely sold on the vocals, as well as the chilly-timbre guitar. When I listen to this record I picture a very large space, subsequently filled with her mesmerizing, bold sound.

    On another note, the guitar work evokes The Sadies for me, and it makes me wonder what kind of fun chamber-country they could brew up, if ever they were    It's not entirely unique, but it really stands out. I'm completely sold on the vocals, as well as the chilly-timbre guitar. When I listen to this record I picture a very large space, subsequently filled with her mesmerizing, bold sound.

    On another note, the guitar work evokes The Sadies for me, and it makes me wonder what kind of fun chamber-country they could brew up, if ever they were so inclined...    … Expand
  6. Hackskeptic
    Apr 10, 2011
    9
    As she beckons you into her dark world with this sultry, enigmatic performance, resistance to her charms are futile. "Anna Calvi" is simply a stunning debut. http://hackskeptic.com
  7. Eads
    Mar 21, 2011
    10
    Excellent album. Her vocals and guitar playing seem so natural, piercing, yet sounding mellow and perfectly restrained. Best album of the year so far.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Mojo
    Apr 6, 2011
    80
    Italian-blooded debutante rocks passionately. [March 2011, p. 96]
  2. No Ripcord
    Apr 1, 2011
    70
    While a fairly brisk listen, the album does start to drag in its second half. Not that the later songs are particularly weak, but the only thing that really marks them out from those in the first is that they're a bit quieter.
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  3. The New York Times
    Mar 21, 2011
    80
    As Ms. Calvi sings about the overpowering forces of heavenly love and demonic passion, she can go from whisper to cataclysm in four minutes, and she regularly does.
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