User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Collapsed in Sunbeams
by
Collapsed in Sunbeams Image
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 73 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the British singer-songwriter was produced by Gianluca Buccellati.
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 26, 2021
    100
    Parks has a singular talent for tapping into sadness and turning it into something uplifting. ... Arlo Parks may be the voice of Gen Z, but there’s no doubt that this is a universal collection of stories that’ll provide solace for listeners of all ages and backgrounds for decades to come.
  2. Consequence
    Jan 28, 2021
    91
    This album definitely draws from painful places, but comes out of its explorations is multifaceted, deeply considered, and above all full of kindness. The questions it asks — what does caring really look like, how do we show one another kindness when we’re angry, how do we show ourselves kindness when we’re upset or hurt or numb — are essential ones, and we’re lucky we have Parks to guide us through them here.
  3. Under The Radar
    Jan 28, 2021
    85
    Arlo Parks’ debut confirms what fans of her EPs likely already knew; she is a rising songwriter of unusual skill and grace. Her take on bedroom pop feels unusually distinctive in a genre that has exploded in popularity over the past few years. Moreover, her ability to communicate the raw hardships of life with universality, compassion, and hope is genuinely moving and makes her debut a testament to her artistry.
  4. Clash Music
    Jan 25, 2021
    80
    Reflective, intuitive and introspective, ‘Collapsed In Sunbeams’ is an immensely gripping debut. With no features, Arlo holds her own across all 12 singles and sets the bar high for those who follow.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Jan 26, 2021
    80
    Spellbinding debut album, its vivid subject matter dealing with depression, sexuality, prejudice and matters of the heart with an uplifting old-school feel complemented by celestial vocals.
  6. Beats Per Minute
    Feb 4, 2021
    72
    The irony of Collapsed in Sunbeams is that Parks’ greatest strength also gives the album its most noticeable weaknesses. We are mainly here for her connecting songwriting, which means that the production – by Gianluca Buccellati – is restrained to allow her direct words to flow at their own behest.
  7. Pitchfork
    Feb 1, 2021
    67
    “Violet” is one of a handful of moments where the comforting atmosphere starts to crack—it hints at a more compelling album actively at war with its own themes.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. mhguarig
    Jan 30, 2021
    10
    Arlo Parks is a poet. Parks’ words and music convince you quickly. Parks is a poignant songwriter. She tackles issues of mental health, humanArlo Parks is a poet. Parks’ words and music convince you quickly. Parks is a poignant songwriter. She tackles issues of mental health, human relationships, and discrimination with unprecedented wisdom for a 20 year old. She is an inspiring mouthpiece for young adults.… Expand
  2. mika_flk
    Jul 13, 2021
    10
    Loved every second of this. Arlo’s beautiful voice paired with great lyrics and amazing production makes for a stunning, cohesive debut LP. ILoved every second of this. Arlo’s beautiful voice paired with great lyrics and amazing production makes for a stunning, cohesive debut LP. I can’t wait to hear more from this artist.… Expand
  4. blergybop
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    One of the best albums ever made, quite possibly better than Pet Sounds....
  5. musicman4
    Jan 29, 2021
    8
    This surely will be the best debut record of 2021, I’m calling it right now
  6. Ricko
    Feb 7, 2021
    8
    I was reeled in by the track "Black Dog". Placed dead in the middle of the album, it really is the centrepiece and heart of the record withI was reeled in by the track "Black Dog". Placed dead in the middle of the album, it really is the centrepiece and heart of the record with everything building to and ebbing from this fantastic track. There is plenty of other good material as well to be fair but none of it is on the same level as that particular track. It's a pleasant album, full of solid pop songs with a soul production applied and probably takes itself more seriously than it should. There is something about it, not just the London accent, that reminds of Lily Allen's "Alright Still" but without the humour. Overall, not groundbreaking and there isn't anything that tops "Black Dog" here but "Collapsed in Sunbeams" is a good listen and is substantial enough to deserve the praise its getting.… Expand
  7. danielbrtp
    Feb 1, 2021
    8
    A great debut. Arlo Parks is an awsome songwriter and it gives me hope about the future of the music

    Real note: 84
  8. All_ButTrU4
    Sep 14, 2022
    5
    Sounds like coffee, mornings and warmth. Arlo park's debut is a an admirable airy jazz inspired rnb record. Lately created with the help ofSounds like coffee, mornings and warmth. Arlo park's debut is a an admirable airy jazz inspired rnb record. Lately created with the help of songwriter/producer Gianluca Buccellati it's a light and tender affair that focuses on the intimacy of longterm relationships whether it be with friends,self or strangers. It's well written,occasionally heartbreaking but mostly it's just ok . Admittedly overstuffed and potentially one note it suffers from a very cohesive sound that rarely leaves room for innovation, excitement or growth . Favorites:black dog, too good,ivy (cover)… Expand

See all 20 User Reviews

Related Articles

  1. Best of 2021, Music

    The Freshman 15: 2021's Best Debut Albums

    The Freshman 15: 2021's Best Debut Albums Image
    Published: December 17, 2021
    We count down the 15 best debut albums of the past year, ranked by Metascore.
    More »
  2. Best of 2021, Music

    Best of 2021: Music Critic Top Ten Lists

    Best of 2021: Music Critic Top Ten Lists Image
    Published: December 1, 2021
    Over the next month, we'll be collecting year-end top 10 album lists from over 200 music critics, publications, record stores, and other sources. Find all of those individual lists and 2021's consensus rankings inside.
    More »

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Album of 2021
59
#59 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
92 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
92 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
87 Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker
All Current Music »