Haunted
by Poe
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Oct 31, 2000
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. L.A. Weekly
    90
    Propelled by her aggressive but seductive voice, Haunted walks the line between dark, beat-driven trip-hop and warm, melodic pop. What separates the album from its competition is Poe?s smart and emotionally charged songwriting, rife with raw energy balanced by gorgeously understated hooks.
  2. Wall of Sound
    85
    The concept album is more than an afterthought, it's musically revelatory and one of the best records of the year.
  3. HOB.com
    80
    Lyrically, Haunted progresses from timid to defiant, and ultimately to triumphant. Musically, Poe drifts confidently from trippy beats and spacy sounds to straight ahead rock and mellow, melancholic numbers, though not always in such a way as to strictly parallel the dramatic flow of the album's lyrics. All that means, though, is that this is a dynamic collection of songs and not merely the kind of high-minded rock opera that quickly goes from interesting novelty to pretentious joke. Ignore everything but what comes out of the speakers, and you've got a pop treasure that is as innovative and insightful as it is immediate and unforced.
  5. AllMusic
    80
    Sadly, Poe's work might not be welcomed in the mainstream, which is disappointing because her original compositions have the makings for a new music revolution alongside the likes of Radiohead's Kid A. Haunted is in its own class of twisted intelligence and beauty.
  6. PopMatters
    80
    As uncomfortable as it is beautiful, Haunted's intense personal nature is both disturbing and compelling. It is less an album than an experience.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Haunted's evocative sound collages--guitar, voice samples, percussion, synth--broaden standard notions of "song" while steering clear of self-indulgent meandering. [11/3/2000, p.83]
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  8. CDNow
    70
    Haunted is largely a concept album. With 17 tracks, several clocking in at over five minutes a pop, it's a bit heavy to carry in its full weight. However, for listeners up for the challenge, it's a beautiful, psychological journey in audio.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best Album of 2000
14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2000
89
#89 Most Shared Album of 2000

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 71 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 71
  3. Negative: 8 out of 71
  1. marcmyworks
    Apr 5, 2019
    9
    Haunted should be on the list of 'Best Albums you Never Heard' as promotion was cut short when Poe's record label was bought out and droppedHaunted should be on the list of 'Best Albums you Never Heard' as promotion was cut short when Poe's record label was bought out and dropped her. Despite the album never charting it managed to sell a quarter of a million copies in the US alone; which if happened nowadays would be considered excellent. Overall a wonderful and beautifully mixed record, as Poe revisits her film-maker Father's audio cassettes and incorporates them into a semi-autobiographical concept album. Listen to: Haunted, Wild, Walk the Walk, Spanish Doll.… Full Review »
  2. wayfan27
    Mar 6, 2016
    10
    This is my favorite album of all time. Poe manages to tell two or even three incredibly deep and poignant stories. Much like brother Mark'sThis is my favorite album of all time. Poe manages to tell two or even three incredibly deep and poignant stories. Much like brother Mark's 2000 novel House of Leaves (one of my favorite books) that Haunted is part-companion to, this is a multilayered art experience that you really do have to just dive into and let it affect you however it chooses to. Part-parallax piece to HoL, part-conversation with the ghost of her father, his voice layered and splintered throughout the tracks, and an all-out gift to her fans. Every track is layered with meaning and beautifully arranged. The concept-y "Exploration B" and "House of Leaves" are terrifying and perfect for setting the mood of the album. Hard rockers like "Could've Gone Mad", "Wild" (the callback to the opening of her freshman effort "Hello" is clever), and "Walk The Walk" have a drive and ferocity that I've rarely heard from any artist. The title track is beautiful and, pardon the pun, haunting. My overall favorite thing about Haunted is that it never seems to get old. Poe goes through every human emotion possible from grief, to rage, to happiness, to defiance, to catharsis, and every time I listen I get swept right up with her. Can't recommend highly enough. It's alright that Poe hasn't been able to release new music for awhile. Her opus is already near-perfect.… Full Review »
  3. njestyle
    Dec 20, 2011
    10
    just another review.... I just want to state a **** You" to rolling stones review.. even though it was written in 2000 or 2001... They have nojust another review.... I just want to state a **** You" to rolling stones review.. even though it was written in 2000 or 2001... They have no idea what emotion lies through out this whole album... dicks.… Full Review »
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