Collapsed in Sunbeams
by Arlo Parks
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 73 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 73
  3. Negative: 0 out of 73
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  1. 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 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 .Sounds 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
  2. spongki
    Dec 15, 2021
    7
    The bad news is that nothing else on here compares to "Black Dog," the fantastic song from last year that sits at the core of this album (and that one of the other highlights, the shuffling Johnny Greenwood/Finlay Quaye hybrid "Eugene," was also released last year). The good news is that, as those songs suggested, Arlo Parks has an uncanny ability to combine a sense of warm, soft intimacyThe bad news is that nothing else on here compares to "Black Dog," the fantastic song from last year that sits at the core of this album (and that one of the other highlights, the shuffling Johnny Greenwood/Finlay Quaye hybrid "Eugene," was also released last year). The good news is that, as those songs suggested, Arlo Parks has an uncanny ability to combine a sense of warm, soft intimacy with powerful, accessible arrangements and pop sensibilities, and it's on display throughout the album's 39 minutes (we'll be nice and dismiss the insignificant intro track).… Expand
  3. Tango80
    Aug 12, 2021
    9
    Really strong debut and great to have her in the music scene. Best album of 2021 so far for me.
  4. 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. I can’t wait to hear more from this artist.
  5. RaynerCS
    Jun 16, 2021
    7
    Ótimo pra mim q tô gostando de bedroom pop/Lo-fi. As letras são boas e abordam saúde mental e friendzone de uma forma bem relacionável. A produção deixa a desejar por não ter uma grande diversidade nos arranjos e na voz, as vezes parece a mesma música se vc se desligar um pouco
  6. hausoflilluis
    Mar 27, 2021
    6
    The moment I heard "Black Dog", I perceived it: Billie Eilish with an improved vocal technique on the verge of becoming Corinne Bailey Rae. Even if I feel that homey vibe, the project can be rhythmically monotonous and jaded (what save it a bit are the references to British popular culture); it would fit better if she launched it at the beginning or middle of the pandemic. Many materialsThe moment I heard "Black Dog", I perceived it: Billie Eilish with an improved vocal technique on the verge of becoming Corinne Bailey Rae. Even if I feel that homey vibe, the project can be rhythmically monotonous and jaded (what save it a bit are the references to British popular culture); it would fit better if she launched it at the beginning or middle of the pandemic. Many materials to polish, but they are a good introduction.

    favorite tracks: "Just Go", "Bluish", "Black Dog", "Too Good" and "Green Eyes"
    KEY-TRACK: "Portra 400"    … Expand
  7. lovezero
    Mar 25, 2021
    9
    She is one of the rare sincere artists who dare to open up and pours her heart to us with great singing and related lyrics. She has a typical English soul with melancholy in her voice and her lyrics. She is also able to handle to combine sorrow and joy at the same pot that keeps the pot boiling till the last song. She has very talented guitar and bass guitar partners in her band. It's soShe is one of the rare sincere artists who dare to open up and pours her heart to us with great singing and related lyrics. She has a typical English soul with melancholy in her voice and her lyrics. She is also able to handle to combine sorrow and joy at the same pot that keeps the pot boiling till the last song. She has very talented guitar and bass guitar partners in her band. It's so touching and memorable debut album from the year 2021.… Expand
  8. viniciusrss
    Mar 23, 2021
    10
    Collapsed in Sunbeans certamente é o meu disco favorito do ano, até agora. Arlo Parks faz muito em tão pouco tempo, nos tornando confidentes de seus pensamentos e angustas através de uma sonoridade tão leve quanto densa. Esse disco é mágico.
  9. Menios
    Mar 5, 2021
    8
    She's definitely the next big thing out there! Loved her lyricism, the fact that she's an avid and honest songwriter which makes her artistry even more immaculate.
  10. yourturn
    Feb 7, 2021
    10
    As a very promising young new artist, Arlo Parks meets the challenge of big expectations from the music industry and audiences, but refuses to be intimidated by it. When I first decided I would listen to this album I didn't quite know what to expect, but as I got to the fourth track I was in awe with Arlo's ethereal vocal delivery as well as the powerful nature of the motivational lyrics.As a very promising young new artist, Arlo Parks meets the challenge of big expectations from the music industry and audiences, but refuses to be intimidated by it. When I first decided I would listen to this album I didn't quite know what to expect, but as I got to the fourth track I was in awe with Arlo's ethereal vocal delivery as well as the powerful nature of the motivational lyrics. The rest of the album did not disappoint and I found the whole collection to be an all-encompassing empowering masterpiece. This is, all in all, the very album that we so desperately needed to kick off 2021 with a positive mindset after tumultuous 2020 had us locked up in our homes for months. I'm feeling this is a great start to an amazing career for Arlo Parks.… Expand
  11. Kebber10
    Feb 7, 2021
    7
    With ‚Under the radar‘ on this.. on first listening ‚Hope‘ stood out for me.. as I liked the melody
  12. 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 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 productionI 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
  13. conorcaldwell
    Feb 5, 2021
    8
    Really good. Feeling like it's between an 8 and 9, I'm going to say 8 because at certain parts I maybe got a little bored and it started to all kinda sound the same... but ultimately as it grows on me I might move it up to a 9. It's fresh and deep and vibey in all the right ways. Decent shot at being in my year-end top 10.
  14. 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
  15. bertobellamy
    Feb 1, 2021
    8
    A beautiful collection of songs with so many pop references that all those music lovers out there will surely appreciate. Arlo Parks delivers a great personal work with some poetic approach. Amazing voice preoccupied with making awareness about mental health and diverse social problems. Behold a new music star.
  16. ClearDays
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    This is an excellent debut album that not only introduces us to Arlo Parks's unique sound and her wispy sweet voice, but also illuminates her concise yet mature lyricism.
  17. blergybop
    Feb 1, 2021
    10
    One of the best albums ever made, quite possibly better than Pet Sounds....
  18. gingybwead523
    Jan 31, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is all around great is you love poetic lyrics and a sound that blends neo-soul and indie. A very solid showing for a debut album. She really shows a full range of emotions from the uplifting Hope to the straight depressing Eugene. For me, the only skippable song is Bluish, but even that is a good song; however, it just isn't up to par with the rest of the album. If this song were better and Arlo were a little more expressive vocally, this would be a 10/10 for me. Great overall and have already recommended to friends.… Expand
  19. 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, human relationships, and discrimination with unprecedented wisdom for a 20 year old. She is an inspiring mouthpiece for young adults.
  20. musicman4
    Jan 29, 2021
    8
    This surely will be the best debut record of 2021, I’m calling it right now

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. 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.
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  2. PopMatters
    Feb 1, 2021
    70
    There's a confessional quality to these songs that feels real, regardless of whether Parks is telling these stories exactly as they happened or embellishing them for narrative impact. She also keeps the music engaging throughout, using a lot of guitar and piano for melodies and riffs and a rock-solid rhythm section to create strong grooves. It's early in 2021, but this is already a candidate for one of the year's better debuts.
    Read full review
  3. No Ripcord
    Feb 1, 2021
    70
    The hazy production in Sunbeams does, to an extent, water down some of Parks' poetic musings and reduce them to pleasant background music. Even if there are hardly any low points here, the forceful sentiments of past songs like Angel's Song and Romantic Garbage are sorely absent—both of which are just mellow as this project but more musically rewarding.
    Read full review
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