Becoming A Jackal
by Villagers
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jun 8, 2010
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Hot Press
    90
    Astonishing new album from ex-Immediate wunderkind.
  2. cokemachineglow
    81
    Becoming a Jackal is downright convincing-maybe sustaining-even these few weeks after first hearing the thing. I'm surprised, though maybe I shouldn't be, by just how cool and atypical that feeling is.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    While that argument over the art of the singer-songwriter may be embedded in a lack of originality, Villagers have managed to craft an endearing record, glowing with a heart-warming level of nostalgia.
  5. musicOMH.com
    80
    Rather like that other, more famous, Conor - Oberst, of Bright Eyes fame - there's a sense of foundations being laid, in preparation for a career of real longevity. Hop on now, for this promises to be quite a ride.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    There's depth, sincerity and beauty in abundance here.
  7. The Guardian
    80
    While the music is laced with melodies delicate and sombre, the tone lifts towards the end of this accomplished debut, even drifting towards buoyancy.
  8. The New York Times
    80
    Meticulous but only rarely precious, it's an album distantly haunted by Phil Spector's Wall of Sound, a luminous mesh of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, piano and organ, with airlessly thudding drums.
  9. Q Magazine
    80
    This debut seems to tremble on the threshold between the past and the present, the known and unknown, O'Brien's voice and allusive lyrics displaying a mixture of vulnerability and dexterity. [July 2010, p. 137]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Mojo
    80
    O'Brien sees dead people, spits at love, puts himself inside the heads of fellow bus passengers and defies anyone to categorise his music. It's a rich experience making the attempt though. [Jul 2010, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  11. Uncut
    80
    The Dublin troubadour's debut as Villagers is rich with risk and imagination, evoking Robert Wyatt and Brian Protheroe. [Jun 2010, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Paste Magazine
    76
    Every word on the album rings honest and true without any indulgent dips in over-sentimentality.
  13. BBC Music
    70
    For the most part, this is a fine debut and speaks of even finer things to come.
  14. Dusted Magazine
    70
    If you set aside some uninspired, cryptic-as-poetic moody fantasy lyrics (and a few forgettable songs truly as slight as whispers), Becoming a Jackal reveals a hidden stash of imminently memorable melodies.
  15. PopMatters
    70
    The rest of Becoming a Jackal finds O'Brien blending the light and shade, allure and unease. Over these 11 songs, O'Brien maintains his intriguing vibe with spare musical arrangements (playing everything but strings and horns) and a subtle, intimate croon.
  16. Pitchfork
    69
    [O'Brien's] portentous lyrics, falsetto-prone quaver, and Simon & Garfunkel tunefulness are essential to the album's appeal.
  17. AllMusic
    60
    There's enough honesty in his rich, warm voice to render even the most forgettable tracks into pleasant diversions on the way to future favorites.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Ricko
    Oct 13, 2018
    8
    This is an album that has really stood the test of time and I have to say I really love it and revisit regularly. Of it's 11 tracks there isThis is an album that has really stood the test of time and I have to say I really love it and revisit regularly. Of it's 11 tracks there is something to find in most of them. The sound is predominantly quite mellow of the chamber pop variety, with mainly gently delivered vocals, piano and acoustic guitars. The songwriting is excellent. I would say your better off hearing this record without hearing its creator, Conor O Brien talk. If he was a hamburger he'd eat himself. A bit like the way Bono turns a lot of people off of U2, COB had a similar effect for me but such is the quality of his music that I just can't help but love it. A classic Irish debut and a great place to start with Villagers who went on to produce 3 further superb albums (as of 2018).… Full Review »
  2. fredjblack
    Jul 28, 2011
    10
    Definitely the album of the year, and if he manages to produce another album of anything close to the haunting beauty of this one, he willDefinitely the album of the year, and if he manages to produce another album of anything close to the haunting beauty of this one, he will become a legend.… Full Review »
  3. jbledsoe
    Dec 22, 2010
    9
    Really fantastic album. One of the best of 2010, and that's really saying something with the excellent albums out this year by Arcade Fire,Really fantastic album. One of the best of 2010, and that's really saying something with the excellent albums out this year by Arcade Fire, Vampire Weekend, Sufjan Stevens, and The National. This guy has a lovely, soft, delicate voice that goes well with his folk-rock arrangements. The music is beautiful. He reminds me of a mixture of Conor Oberst and Elvis Perkins.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »