From The Valley To The Stars
by El Perro del Mar
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    So, if you're with indie-pop’s backward-gazing contingent, or if you prefer it when ‘achingly beautiful’ actually aches, or if you want an example of style-versus-substance as a false dilemma--then get this record.
  2. Filter
    82
    When El Perro Del Mar provides cinematic sadness, she's at her best, which is thankfully for the bulk of this album--a record that is in the end, a heartbreaking listen. [Spring 2008, p.103]
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  3. AllMusic
    80
    From the Valley to the Stars is a fairly magical trip to the center of heartache.
  5. Lost At Sea
    80
    El Perro Del Mar will find a bigger following abroad with From The Valley To The Stars; the sound is more refined, the melodies stand out more, and Assbring's vocals are much more accomplished than on her earlier digital releases and the eponymous freshman release.
  6. Under The Radar
    80
    With From the Valley to the Stars, El Peroo del Mar has not only avoided the sophomore slump that plauges so many singer/songwriters, she may have even passed the triumph of her debut. [Spring 2008, p.75]
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  7. Uncut
    80
    On first listen, this follow-up is less impressive, but subtle melodies soon sugar the melancholy of 'Glory to the Owlrd' and 'Happiness Won Me over.' [June 2008, p.100]
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  8. Prefix Magazine
    75
    Stronger, more contemplative feelings are at work here; gone are the sugary la-la-la's and superficial lyrics inserted on cue.
  9. Magnet
    70
    From The Valley To The Stars has some fine moments, but it looks awfully unflattering in the light of its less distracted and infinitely sharper predecessor. [Summer 2008, p.102]
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  10. Pitchfork
    67
    From the Valley to the Stars has hills that rise close to "El Perro del Mar's" peaks, and its cohesive vision is a pleasure to behold. At the same time, though, it harps on its themes with an overzealous single-mindedness, occasionally letting flimsy stuff support an overarching conceit that requires foundations of marble.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 3 out of 9
  1. PabloH.
    Sep 5, 2008
    3
    No recommendable.
  2. RodrigoA.
    Sep 5, 2008
    1
    So boring, so aching, so fake, so stupid... it´s not a nothing. I heard all album and feel a lot of untrue feelings.
  3. AlérianF.
    Sep 5, 2008
    2
    For being so sad this woman gets a beastly sound, the melodies are not so bad and the lyrics pure trash from a rich kid who suffer too much, For being so sad this woman gets a beastly sound, the melodies are not so bad and the lyrics pure trash from a rich kid who suffer too much, where are the angels?… Full Review »
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