Aventine
by Agnes Obel
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. The Quietus
    Oct 28, 2013
    80
    Ultimately, Aventine is a triumph of carefully sustained mood; of a sadness that is not so much overbearing as it beautiful, and one that lingers in the silences between listens of this unusual, unusually compelling record.
  2. Mojo
    Oct 16, 2013
    80
    In surpassing her debut, Agnes Obel has confirmed hat she is in it for the long haul. [Nov 2013, p.86]
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  3. Q Magazine
    Oct 16, 2013
    80
    Aventine does not reveal its atmospheric charms instantly and the brief instrumental Tokka is a reminder she can veer too close to chamber music, but repeated listens unfurls all sorts of wonder. [Nov 2013, p.113]
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  5. musicOMH.com
    Sep 27, 2013
    80
    Certainly, some people will find Aventine a bit hard to take – at first listen, it sounds so pleasant it just washes over, and it’s only on repeated plays that its dark mysteries reveal itself.
  6. The Guardian
    Sep 27, 2013
    80
    A wonderful autumn album.
  7. Uncut
    Sep 27, 2013
    70
    Aventine remains pleasingly measured and minimal. [Oct 2013, p.72]
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  8. NOW Magazine
    Jan 23, 2014
    60
    Lyrics, when employed, are simple and to the point, thoughtful but sparse enough to let the classical musicianship shine.
  9. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 30, 2013
    60
    A little string-plucking, some groaning cello and the odd beat adorn Obel's tightly focused set of songs, which approximate the sound of snow falling on a disused chapel while a solitary candle burns inside.
  10. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 27, 2013
    60
    It's all neatly-dressed, buttoned-down and restrained but sometimes suffocatingly introspective, with lyrics mining a private image bank; even so, some moments cut to the emotional quick.
  11. Blurt Magazine
    Dec 3, 2013
    40
    It has a good sound to it, but as a whole, the misty quality in many of the songs doesn’t have much of a lasting impact.

Awards & Rankings

89
#89 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 39
  3. Negative: 2 out of 39
  1. VincentBella
    Oct 3, 2013
    10
    Exquisite music by the first Danish lady of Berlin. She really opens up a beautiful world with her piano and the voice simply assists in theExquisite music by the first Danish lady of Berlin. She really opens up a beautiful world with her piano and the voice simply assists in the loveliness of it all. It's a cross between classical and pop. A great mixture, a wonderful talent and some of the finest songs recorded all year (and it's been a great year for music).… Full Review »
  2. PatrickCoteR
    Sep 9, 2016
    9
    This is pure genius. Better than the previous one (Philharmonics), more focused on the piano. This one includes violin and cello, as well asThis is pure genius. Better than the previous one (Philharmonics), more focused on the piano. This one includes violin and cello, as well as her angelic voice. From the start to the end, it creates a complete world. Words are dead is the best song for me. Really looking forward to hear her next one coming soon!… Full Review »
  3. Alberto_Porru
    Oct 26, 2013
    10
    Aventine is an incredible experience, it's not just music and words, is a trip, a journey, when you start to listening this album you fallAventine is an incredible experience, it's not just music and words, is a trip, a journey, when you start to listening this album you fall into a magic world with mountains and big green countryside,
    The voice and the music of every song are really transcendental
    Take my advice buy this album....    … Full Review »
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