• Record Label: ATO
  • Release Date: Aug 19, 2016
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Aug 26, 2016
    80
    These are stunningly pretty songs with quietly powerful undercurrents.
  2. Aug 18, 2016
    80
    As per usual, it's Hannigan's otherworldly voice that provides the anchor, effortlessly shifting from smoky lows to crystalline highs like a precision sports car on a twisty mountain test drive.
  3. 80
    Her own third album suggests she’s every bit [Damien Rice's] equal in tracking the heart’s mysterious emotional undercurrents.
  4. Mojo
    Aug 16, 2016
    80
    A much more emotionally spooked record than either of its MOR predecessors. [Sep 2016, p.97]
  5. Uncut
    Aug 16, 2016
    80
    There's a pleasing lyrical grit to At Swim. [Sep 2016, p.74]
  6. Aug 16, 2016
    80
    Producer Aaron Dessner, of the National, takes few risks and overplays the solemn piano chords, but Hannigan’s soaring vocals never falter.
  7. Aug 16, 2016
    80
    Hannigan rewards close attention, though. Lyrical phrases float up that demonstrate she is a writer of great care, with an eye for an arresting image.
  8. Aug 18, 2016
    75
    Dessner’s skill lies in sustaining this hazy, gray feeling without letting the songs sound drab. Hannigan radiates enough joy--even in the darkest moments--to keep the affair from being a downer.
  9. Sep 1, 2016
    70
    At Swim is yet another sturdy installment in her increasingly impressive catalog.
  10. Aug 24, 2016
    70
    Since her emergence as a solo artist, Hannigan has been drawn to all things nautical. On her third full length, she continues that fascination, treading new water and exploring new routes on many of the tracks, but still ultimately in search of new shores.
  11. Aug 17, 2016
    70
    At times, At Swim feels like it drifts aimlessly. ... Nevertheless, At Swim is like a dream you won't want to wake up from.
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Apr 30, 2017
    10
    Wow. What an album. I just been in Vienna on WUK to hear and feel Lisa live. Amazing. There is no difference when you want to compare recordedWow. What an album. I just been in Vienna on WUK to hear and feel Lisa live. Amazing. There is no difference when you want to compare recorded track and live performance. Live is even better.
    My recommendation.
    Full Review »
  2. Mar 1, 2017
    8
    For me, Lisa Hannigan has gradually improved across each of her three albums with this one, "At Swim" her best so far. Apparently, it took anFor me, Lisa Hannigan has gradually improved across each of her three albums with this one, "At Swim" her best so far. Apparently, it took an age to write, coming 5 years after its predecessor "Passenger". I've always liked Hannigan but her decision to team up with Aaron Dessner for this album was the 2nd best move of her career after deciding to join forces with Damien Rice back in the late 90's. Dessner's touches are all over the record and he brings the beautifully haunting atmospherics you find on The National's best stuff to already great material, laced with Hannigans achingly gorgeous vocals. Every track is a thing of beauty on her but "Ora", found at the heart of the album, is sublime. A very strong contender for best Irish album of 2016. Full Review »
  3. Jan 23, 2017
    9
    This is her best work for now. It's relaxing, while being entertaining at the same time. Enough folk, little bit of indie-pop-issh. She'sThis is her best work for now. It's relaxing, while being entertaining at the same time. Enough folk, little bit of indie-pop-issh. She's really a "must know" artist. Full Review »