Careful
by Boy Harsher
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. The Wire
    Mar 7, 2019
    80
    This is darkly delicious pop--with no smiling. [Mar 2019, p.64]
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  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 27, 2019
    80
    The handful of atmospheric pieces on Careful don’t necessarily contribute but do nod to the filmic quality of Boy Harsher’s work. But where the adjective “cinematic” is usually an upsell these days of “boring,” Boy Harsher have a gift at conjuring visceral emotions with subtlety.
  3. The 405
    Feb 12, 2019
    80
    With Careful, they are no longer the best-kept secret among the dingier crowds, but their music, passion and on-going commitment have placed them close to a league of their own, hopefully lasting throughout the years to come.
  5. Q Magazine
    Feb 4, 2019
    80
    For all its moodiness, Careful is a glorious coming-out. [Mar 2019, p.112]
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  6. Uncut
    Feb 4, 2019
    80
    "The Look You Gave (Jerry)" feels plucked from an '80s synth-pop record. The album manages to avoid nostalgia however, instead offering the pair's own doomy electronic voyage into the uncertainties of the future. [Mar 2019, p.24]
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  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 4, 2019
    80
    These 10 tracks contain a dark power, an atavistic pull. Give in to their bad romance.
  8. Resident Advisor
    Feb 6, 2019
    76
    At their best, Boy Harsher capture the bittersweet feeling of being young, in love and on the road, oblivious to the inevitable spin-out.
  9. Pitchfork
    Feb 4, 2019
    72
    While the palette of sounds Boy Harsher plays with on Careful can seem limited--brisk drum machine loops, oscillating synths, and Matthews’ haunting incantations--the group finds ways to make each song sound distinct.
  10. The Line of Best Fit
    Feb 4, 2019
    70
    There are a number of beatless mood pieces ("Crush", "Keep Driving") which showcase a more restrained, cinematic style, but ultimately bring little to the table, especially when the non-committal, monosyllabic vocal ice of Jae Matthews is such a focal point. Overall, though, this record leaves quite the impression; if uneasy listening is your thing, Boy Harsher’s murky interpretation of dead disco will envelop you in its dark delights.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. hmkkbjs
    Feb 26, 2019
    10
    This album is a entire perfection, is something out off this world, so good.
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