Aromanticism
by Moses Sumney
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Clash Music
    Oct 17, 2017
    80
    Aromanticism is style over substance, certainly his sentiments run the risk of evading the listening, such is the beauty of the dreamscape he weaves. Yet as you revisit the record, the case for being ‘aromantic’, has never sounded so fully realised, so complete and so utterly inviting.
  2. Consequence
    Sep 25, 2017
    91
    It requires multiple listens. In turn, it helps the listener grow, revealing spaces where their own narrative and experiences can intertwine with his--not in a romantic sense, but an educational sense. As a result, Aromanticism has already become one of the most emotionally therapeutic albums of the year.
  3. Exclaim
    Sep 20, 2017
    80
    Sumney approaches the complexities of relationships, power structures and an inability to experience romantic love with a quiet, powerful confidence.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    Oct 16, 2017
    90
    Breathtakingly beautiful.
  6. Magnet
    Sep 20, 2017
    75
    Repeated spins reveal an exotic, intoxicating soup. [No. 146, p.61]
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  7. No Ripcord
    Oct 25, 2017
    70
    Aromanticism is downright beautiful but is also too enamored with its sensual aura, which sometimes exposes his uneven vocal acrobatics.
  8. Pitchfork
    Sep 27, 2017
    86
    Fanon believed that romantic love was possible--that, above all else, was why love was worthy of critique and dismantling. Sumney, for his part, seems to have gone down a different path: diving into the bleak void in search of answers, giving us sumptuous music along the way.
  9. Spin
    Sep 29, 2017
    80
    The dreamy project leaves the snide social critiques and radicalisms to the wayside for 36 minutes that feel of its own realm, where the dichotomies and bodily desire feel self-contained. The intimacy is never lost within the set’s high concept: For an album centered on lonesomeness, Aromanticism feels warm.
  10. The 405
    Sep 22, 2017
    90
    Aromanticism is an album that is heartfelt and heartbreaking, and, from the opening chorals to the closing moments of ‘Self Help Tape’, is an album like no other.
  11. The Guardian
    Sep 21, 2017
    80
    On a concept album about lovelessness, he creates a cavernous feeling of loneliness using soundscapes similar to those Nigel Godrich explores. There’s a warmth too.
  12. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 28, 2017
    70
    Bereft of any shine or polish, Aromanticism is a piercing debut collection of songs of remarkable intensity.
  13. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 25, 2017
    80
    Sumney has described the album as “a sonic dreamscape” and if Aromanticism has a tiny drawback, it is an over-reliance on beauty.
  14. The Quietus
    Oct 5, 2017
    80
    Aromanticism is an exquisitely well-crafted piece of work, which retains a delicate complexity despite its minimalism.
  15. Uncut
    Sep 20, 2017
    80
    These elegant, cosmic soul-jazz excursions are a fine fit for Sumney's extraordinary voice. [Oct 2017, p.40]
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  16. Under The Radar
    Sep 20, 2017
    80
    Throughout, Sumney's gifted voice is a constant source of fascination and pushes the beauty of Aromanticism to triumphant heights.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 51
  3. Negative: 2 out of 51
  1. AntonioUchoa
    Sep 27, 2017
    9
    It's deep, magic and powerful. Too easy to listen and digestible, sounds romantic and dark, excellent melodies and hooks.

    Fav tracks:    It's deep, magic and powerful. Too easy to listen and digestible, sounds romantic and dark, excellent melodies and hooks.

    Fav tracks: "Lonely World", "Quarrel", "Stoicism", "Man on the Moon (Reprise)", "Plastic", "Don't Bother Calling", "Indulge Me".    … Full Review »
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Jan 31, 2021
    7
    This feels deeply magical with it's ethereal melodies and creative hooks. It feels like a concept album on spirituality and relationships asThis feels deeply magical with it's ethereal melodies and creative hooks. It feels like a concept album on spirituality and relationships as it discusses loneliness, longing,unrequited love and indifference. The production is excellent but this record feels suffocating in it's repetitive nature and lack of diversity. Songs blend into another and the ambience feels better in theory than it is executed. This album could've been so much more but it choses the safe route and bores when it doesn't amaze. I'll give credit to the breathtaking vocals,gifted song writing and overall production. Favourites:make out in my car,plastic, stoicism, lonely world,man on the moon (reprise)… Full Review »
  3. Stubert
    Apr 4, 2019
    9
    Deep and spiritual. The production is wonderful, as are all of the guest artists on here. It's like R&B Radiohead and I want more.
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