Build a Problem
by Dodie
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    May 7, 2021
    90
    It looks at dodie from every angle, finding her at her most broken, joyous, angry and reflective, among instrumentals that capture the same conflicting pulls. Where Build A Problem succeeds most is translating these struggles into towering drama, making music to listen to closely, feel deeply, and champion loudly.
  2. AllMusic
    May 7, 2021
    90
    The minimalism of Dodie's songs gracefully juxtaposes their sophistication, helping to illuminate the many revelatory pop moments that can be heard throughout Build a Problem.
  3. The Quietus
    May 19, 2021
    80
    There is not a song on Build A Problem that does not deserve its place on the album. They all have the potential to be favourites, depending on the day, your mood and what you want from a song. Smoothly woven from dodie’s most intimate moments, Build a Problem has it all.
  5. Clash Music
    May 11, 2021
    80
    A beautiful vessel for messy emotions, 'Build A Problem' is a tour of the highs and lows of living and loving in your teens, twenties and probably beyond; raw, full of questions and yet celebratory as it revels in its big emotions.
  6. DIY Magazine
    May 7, 2021
    70
    Charming, tender and admirably vulnerable, ‘Build A Problem’ is a profoundly freeing reflection on the struggles of youth, growth and identity.
  7. Pitchfork
    May 7, 2021
    66
    Sometimes, you don’t want to think too hard. You want to put on a big sweater and complain. You want to listen to something soft and sad, look out the window and remember how embarrassing you have been. Clark knows that feeling well—her music is made for it.
  8. The Observer (UK)
    May 10, 2021
    60
    Standout tracks such as Special Girl, with its intricate percussion, offer an insight into the intriguing, playful sonic flavours Clark could be exploring more thoroughly.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. arthurliotto
    May 8, 2021
    10
    it's incredible to hear the flowing between each track and how everything interconnects. Even the parallels with her previous EP and theit's incredible to hear the flowing between each track and how everything interconnects. Even the parallels with her previous EP and the things she chose to expand after that. Love the recurring string section that fills the gap between each song and how one flows into the other… Full Review »
  2. jpsgomess
    May 8, 2021
    10
    so damn good, dramatic in the best way possible, it was like watching a movie or better yet a play. so many emotions, nobody is doing it like her
  3. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    She's literally a special girl. So enchanting and a wonderful voice. It's like being in heaven
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