Have We Met
by Destroyer
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2020
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
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  1. Lajaleaa
    Mar 22, 2020
    7
    ( 77/100 )

    Es un álbum algo monotono sin mucho energía o intensidad. La dinamica que la voz de Dan Bejar tiene con la música muchas veces no compagina y le quita el atractivo a varias canciones, sin embargo el trabajo de producción, a cargo de John Collins permite que el viaje sea un tranquilo camino de reflexión y serenidad. No hay innovación pero sí hay suficiente esencia y alma en    ( 77/100 )

    Es un álbum algo monotono sin mucho energía o intensidad. La dinamica que la voz de Dan Bejar tiene con la música muchas veces no compagina y le quita el atractivo a varias canciones, sin embargo el trabajo de producción, a cargo de John Collins permite que el viaje sea un tranquilo camino de reflexión y serenidad. No hay innovación pero sí hay suficiente esencia y alma en este proyecto que se puede disfrutar como un suavizante ambiental para aquellos que tienen vidas apresuradas o que simplemente disfrutan de las canciones de cuna urbanas.
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    This is a monotonous album with no much energy or intensity. The dynamic that Dan Bejar's voice has with the music many times doesn't combine and takes away the attractiveness to several songs, nevertheless, the production work, in hands of John Collins, let the journey to be a calm road of reflection and serenity. There is no innovation but there is enough essence and soul in this project that can be enjoyed as an ambient softener for those who have rushed lives o those that just want to enjoy urban lullabies.    … Collapse
  2. jpowell28
    Mar 9, 2020
    8
    Destroyer's albums are consistently great, and no two Destroyer albums sound the same. But the one constant is Dan Bejar's brilliantly vague lyrics and idiosyncratic vocals, as well as top-notch musicianship. If you've ever seen Destroyer live you know that Bejar has the knack of putting exceptionally stellar bands together. Have We Met is a slight disappointment in that it is a bit unevenDestroyer's albums are consistently great, and no two Destroyer albums sound the same. But the one constant is Dan Bejar's brilliantly vague lyrics and idiosyncratic vocals, as well as top-notch musicianship. If you've ever seen Destroyer live you know that Bejar has the knack of putting exceptionally stellar bands together. Have We Met is a slight disappointment in that it is a bit uneven - not all of the songs work for me. But the songs that do are incredible - The Raven, It Just Doesn't Happen, Crimson Tide, Kinda Dark. Nic Bragg's guitar playing on this is jaw-dropping, but in a way some of it seems a bit spare. After the one-two-three punch of Kaputt, Poison Season, and Ken he was due for something not quite as good. But I'll take any new Destroyer album and absorb myself in it. This is no exception really.… Expand
  3. Spoonyon
    Feb 9, 2020
    7
    More often than not Destroyer's poeticism is what's carrying the songs on this latest album. The backing instrumentals are kind of hit or miss otherwise. But if your'e looking for a sort of episodic love story rich with details and hidden meanings to unpack left and right then I highly recommend giving this one a shot.
  4. Erikj777
    Jan 31, 2020
    8
    The only thing consistent about Destroyer’s releases; they’re always great. Another inspiring addition to the Dan Bejar and co’s wonderful and diverse discography.
  5. OliBlank
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    Dan Bejar's best work transports you to a nocturnal world where he acts as a wry guide with whom you float drunkenly through the night. This is an album made for headphones and a rainy evening. The songs are consistent in mood, and the standout tracks are among the best of his career. The singles, and especially "It Just Doesn't Happen" set a high bar for the album, but standouts like "theDan Bejar's best work transports you to a nocturnal world where he acts as a wry guide with whom you float drunkenly through the night. This is an album made for headphones and a rainy evening. The songs are consistent in mood, and the standout tracks are among the best of his career. The singles, and especially "It Just Doesn't Happen" set a high bar for the album, but standouts like "the Raven" easily are up to the task of keeping up with that writing. Few artists this far into their careers come up with music this great, Bejar is a treasure.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. No Ripcord
    Feb 20, 2020
    80
    It's only after several listens that the album's wholeness clarifies. Because the tracks tend to be downtempo, reflective, and downright sleepy, it takes time and patience to realize Bejar is working like a good storyteller.
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  2. musicOMH.com
    Feb 14, 2020
    60
    Have We Met is one of Bejar’s most interesting so far. But the grating oh-so-indie-look-at-me lyrics bash against the beauty of the beats. Maybe, just maybe, Destroyer should focus on soundtracks from now on.
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  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Feb 5, 2020
    80
    The result is a markedly retro-futurist sound, from the OMD-ish ‘Kinda Dark’ to ‘It Just Doesn’t Happen’, the synth line on which sounds suspiciously similar to a new wave rendition of Salt-N-Pepa’s ‘Push It’. At times, the music veers so close to kitsch that it may very well alienate some listeners from the get-go. Bejar’s songwriting remains as deft, cryptic and mosaic as ever though.
    Read full review
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