At Least for Now
by Benjamin Clementine
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. AllMusic
    Jul 30, 2015
    80
    Clementine will no doubt be polarizing for many listeners. There is no question, however, of his raw talent, poeticism, and knack for beguiling melodies, and in this oversaturated market, the true mavericks will always rise above the din.
  2. The New York Times
    Jul 30, 2015
    80
    An album very much about the act of becoming, with a tightrope balance of dramatic artifice and diaristic detail.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 30, 2015
    80
    For the most part these piano-led songs sound unique, the lonely despair of Cornerstone and the arresting lyricism of Condolence signalling an exciting new talent.
  5. Mojo
    Mar 26, 2015
    80
    A powerful introduction to a compelling artistic presence. [Apr 2015, p.92]
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  6. The Quietus
    Mar 26, 2015
    80
    There are some astonishing moments on At Least For Now. Clementine's voice is a force to be reckoned with--throaty, powerful, and theatrical to the point of histrionic – and his piano-playing bears all the hallmarks of unorthodoxy you would expect from a successful autodidact.
  7. Uncut
    Mar 26, 2015
    70
    It could all feel a little too knowing were the songs not so exceptionally strong. [Apr 2015, p.73]
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  8. PopMatters
    Mar 31, 2015
    60
    The songs on At Least for Now run the gamut to extremely engaging to extremely overwrought.
  9. The Guardian
    Mar 26, 2015
    60
    The addition of syrupy strings and pedestrian drumming further dilutes the impact of his raw talent. However, when he performs unadorned, melodies dripping from his fingertips, and letting fly from the heart, his voice is difficult to forget.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. mreclectic
    Oct 9, 2016
    10
    It's the breath of fresh air in the current highly polluted music environment by electronically processed sounds. It is raw and natural,It's the breath of fresh air in the current highly polluted music environment by electronically processed sounds. It is raw and natural, played literally by the barefooted talent, dominated by amazing virtuoso piano playing and violin. This is stand out master piece!… Full Review »
  2. normankant
    Jun 9, 2015
    8
    This guy indeed has an amazing voice. His singing is expressionist, chaotic, powerful and moving. This is a great album, full of great songsThis guy indeed has an amazing voice. His singing is expressionist, chaotic, powerful and moving. This is a great album, full of great songs and experimentation.… Full Review »
  3. Ricko
    Aug 16, 2016
    8
    I checked this out after seeing him on "Jools Holland". This guy is the real deal and in an age of generics, he is a standout performer,I checked this out after seeing him on "Jools Holland". This guy is the real deal and in an age of generics, he is a standout performer, channeling the spirit of soul and jazz to make what is essentially a skewed pop record. Musically, the album is dominated by piano and heavy bass guitars. Lyrically, Clementine covers everything; love, life, the bible and croissants. Often, it is as if this album was made without him realising somebody was recording him. I've not heard such a unique sound in years. The man is exceptionally talented and while some might argue he could harness and focus his talent a little bit better, that would take from what makes him standout. Well worth getting a hold of. Make sure to give it plenty of listens, its demands concentration to be fully appreciated.… Full Review »
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