Back to Forever
by Lissie
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Oct 8, 2013
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Paste Magazine
    Oct 8, 2013
    84
    With puffs of backing vocals and a shiny bursting guitar solo, all escaping emotions are artfully contained. Lissie sounds most comfortable in this mode, chugging meticulously forward.
  2. AllMusic
    Oct 17, 2013
    80
    Lissie's strength is how she uses the past as foundation, not aspiration, and that's why Back to Forever is a lithe, unpredictable, and seductive collection of modern pop: it places equal emphasis on song and sound.
  3. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Oct 14, 2013
    80
    Back to Forever moves things into the 1980s--all fist-pumping verses and “Kids-in-America”-like big choruses.
  5. PopMatters
    Sep 30, 2013
    80
    Not every song on her new album works--just because something is art does not make it good art--but most of them do because she really outs herself out there.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 4, 2013
    78
    A disc of dark corners couched in defiantly bright pop.
  7. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 4, 2013
    75
    Back to Forever is a fully-realised pop album and grandiose to a fault. It’s got a fair share of cheesy moments, but they’re endearing.
  8. American Songwriter
    Sep 12, 2013
    70
    Lissie’s latest record, one the year’s most consistent, sprightly indie-pop albums, is a well-rounded introduction to the young singer.
  9. Under The Radar
    Sep 4, 2013
    60
    On Back To Forever, the music fits better; here, Lissie has found the music to match her vocal gift. [Aug-Sep 2013, p.92]
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  10. Uncut
    Sep 4, 2013
    60
    Happily her rugged individuality matches up to the grandstanding platform. [Oct 2013, p.71]
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  11. DIY Magazine
    Sep 4, 2013
    60
    There’s a consistent sense of déjà vu that accompanies every melody, a pleasant sense of cosy familiarity, but also a like-ability running throughout.
  12. Filter
    Oct 25, 2013
    50
    Back To Forever strives for mainstream acceptance, and in doing so dilutes Lissie’s strengths.
  13. musicOMH.com
    Sep 4, 2013
    50
    Most of the other tracks on the LP aren’t nearly as exciting to hear as the first two singles.
  14. Q Magazine
    Jan 27, 2014
    40
    Elisabeth Maurus's second album finds her still awkwardly straddling the divide between sensitive songwriter and would-be stadium rocker. [Oct 2013, p.106]
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  15. Blurt Magazine
    Oct 25, 2013
    40
    It would seem as if she’s making music from a disengaged point of view.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. highonsunday
    Jul 17, 2014
    8
    This album is much more cohesive as a body of work then 'catching a tiger'. Where CaT had moments of brilliance, it too had moments ofThis album is much more cohesive as a body of work then 'catching a tiger'. Where CaT had moments of brilliance, it too had moments of boredom. She seems to have sorted this out on this album. Darker but more enjoyable.… Full Review »
  2. PrismLover
    Dec 23, 2013
    9
    The album is really good. I enjoy listening it from the start to the end. It is full of meaning and Lissie knows how to send the messageThe album is really good. I enjoy listening it from the start to the end. It is full of meaning and Lissie knows how to send the message clearly Just have discovered Lissie and I really like her stuff. I recommend.… Full Review »
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