Flying Dream 1
by Elbow
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Nov 19, 2021
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. dvdjr_01
    Dec 3, 2021
    10
    Beautifully crafted - patient, mature, and earnest. This album is Elbow at their core. Sonically presenting as the band's most uniquely emotive and deceivingly minimalist production yet, "Flying Dream 1" is aptly titled in it's grounded but ethereal approach. Beyond the intimacy and lullaby allure, however, Elbow tastefully implement their signature grandiosity at the most precise moments,Beautifully crafted - patient, mature, and earnest. This album is Elbow at their core. Sonically presenting as the band's most uniquely emotive and deceivingly minimalist production yet, "Flying Dream 1" is aptly titled in it's grounded but ethereal approach. Beyond the intimacy and lullaby allure, however, Elbow tastefully implement their signature grandiosity at the most precise moments, lifting the album to new heights for brief and blissful moments when things start to purposefully revel in the beauty of the mundane. As usual, front-man Guy Garvey matches the full scope of this instrumental world building with his lyrical prose and emotional articulation, bringing with his words only butterflies and warmth with a pure sense of nostalgia. Personal and reflective yet universal in feeling, the lyrics and melodies elevate this album from being the most beautiful backing score to life's official soundtrack. This is an album that came out from the rubble when we needed it most, and for that reason it will hold a special place for me. In the scope of the world, 10 is realistically an over estimate, but this is my scale - and if it's a 10 to me, and it is, I'll give it that.… Expand
  2. Jackbookpro
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    This is elbow at their best. Delicate composition, inspired lyricism and sensitive arrangement. Garvey’s vocals float through the the whole album with choral textures adding even more warmth in moments. Already have half of these Melodie’s trapped in my head.
  3. Segundoleo26
    Nov 19, 2021
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es un álbum básico genérico aburrido es muy flojo falta más lírica y instrumental… Expand

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. AllMusic
    Nov 29, 2021
    80
    It might take some time for Flying Dream 1 to fully grab you, but when it does, the album's measured, artful introspection is hard to shake.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    Nov 23, 2021
    80
    The confidence and trust they have as a group is manifested in the songs. Flying Dream 1 also trusts its listeners, asking us to hold a quiet space for the music and let it reveal itself over time. It requires a tiny leap of faith to “step into the air” and fly.
    Read full review
  3. Paste Magazine
    Nov 22, 2021
    82
    Flying Dream 1 is in no rush to get anywhere. Its lyrics and music are more lovely than ever before, chock-full of gorgeous piano lines to match Garvey’s husky croon.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »