Californian Soil
by
Californian Soil Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

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  • Summary: The third full-length release for the British trio features production from Charlie Andrew, Everton Nelson, George FitzGerald, and Steve Mac.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Apr 16, 2021
    90
    Californian Soil is London Grammar in an act of gradual evolution, signs hinted at on their sophomore outing but blossoming to a greater extent here; retaining an ability to innovate within the parameters of their synonymously plush electronic soul.
  2. AllMusic
    Apr 16, 2021
    90
    Californian Soil is a standout in London Grammar's catalog and a significant step forward in the trio's artistic maturation.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 16, 2021
    80
    London Grammar seldom grab you by the collar; they’re thoughtful middle-class kids making tasteful pop landscapes. If you’re chatting in the car, odds are you might not even notice that Reid is pouring her heart out. But if you’re driving alone, she is capable of breaking yours.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 16, 2021
    80
    While previous album ‘Truth Is A Beautiful Thing’ was a sombre affair, a new energy saturates ‘Californian Soil’. Fizzing with club sounds and filled with bright lyricism, London Grammar are more confident, and more fun, than they’ve ever been.
  5. Under The Radar
    May 13, 2021
    80
    The band’s predilection for trip-hop beats and the widescreen cinematic soundscapes much beloved by Massive Attack remains pretty much intact and Reid’s remarkable voice, which has always been front and center of the band’s sound, remains as potent and mesmerising as ever.
  6. Pitchfork
    Apr 16, 2021
    62
    There’s nothing as intimate as breakthrough single “Hey Now,” but in return, the greater variety avoids the sameness of past albums. While Soil doesn’t always fulfill their ambition, it still suggests that the more sound this group makes, the more they’re worth hearing.
  7. Slant Magazine
    Apr 16, 2021
    40
    Their third album, Californian Soil, is so “current,” filled with so many of-the-moment trends, that it winds up feeling anonymous.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Rendruth
    Apr 17, 2021
    10
    These guys are a class act. Honestly, it's, like, refreshing to hear. Good job!
  2. kodmusic
    May 6, 2021
    10
    Amazing album! Unique sound, beautiful lyrics and vocal. I get big pleasure from listening this album. Great work!
  4. lucjca
    Apr 17, 2021
    10
    Amazing! Their best work so far. The intro gives me chills every time I listen.
  5. lucss
    Apr 26, 2021
    10
    I love how Hannah it's much more vulnerable in this album and how she's speaking out about the sexism in the industry. The instrumentals ofI love how Hannah it's much more vulnerable in this album and how she's speaking out about the sexism in the industry. The instrumentals of Californian Soil are really something else, especially Lord It's a Feeling and Lose Your Head.… Expand
  6. creo1402
    May 5, 2021
    10
    Album itself maybe a little too polished, but when you listen to live performance of the whole album it shines with much more colors. JustAlbum itself maybe a little too polished, but when you listen to live performance of the whole album it shines with much more colors. Just watch London Grammar Live Show on YouTube.… Expand
  7. Hafemburg
    May 17, 2021
    9
    i am personally really strict about music. i really look at it as an art and it should have certain qualities to be looked at as a piece ofi am personally really strict about music. i really look at it as an art and it should have certain qualities to be looked at as a piece of art. and this album truly is perfect. harmonies and melodies, the lyrics, the beats... they are all coordinated and harmonic. the other thing that i loved is the use of string instruments like violin with modern beats together and it's really smart. kinda brings back lana del rey vibes. london grammar showed that they didn't just want to put an album out, or they didn't want to have hit songs. they wanted to "creat" and they truly did. it is a genius and flawless project. and californian soil is definitely london grammar's big step and it talks about this band's future... which i predict is gonna be amazing. just enjoy this album… Expand
  8. technobedlam
    May 14, 2021
    6
    Really wanted to like this but nah...the use of samples seems tacked on at times. It wasn't until sng 9 that I heard something that didn'tReally wanted to like this but nah...the use of samples seems tacked on at times. It wasn't until sng 9 that I heard something that didn't annoy me.

    It's a shame as I love their previous work    … Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Most Discussed Album of 2021

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