User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

Head Above the Water
by
Head Above the Water Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for the singer-songwriter was recorded with Peter Broderick and Alasdair Roberts.
Buy Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Uncut
    Jun 4, 2020
    90
    Head Above The Water is a triumph of sensitivity, as Power's exquisite voice gives shape and contour to folk-centric songs that assimilates elements of country, jazz and experimental drone. [Jul 2020, p.33]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Record Collector
    Jun 4, 2020
    80
    You can almost smell Power’s building confidence throughout. Melodies boast a previously little-seen directness, while somehow retaining their delicacy.
  3. Mojo
    Jun 4, 2020
    80
    The sound has been filled out. ... The burnished folk rock accentuates the intimacy of Power's voice and her writing. [Jul 2020, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. musicOMH.com
    Jun 12, 2020
    80
    Not only is Head Above The Water a collection of beautiful deep-psych lullabies of the heart, it’s also a tender reminder of the importance of compassion and support when life gets tough.
  5. The Quietus
    Aug 28, 2020
    80
    There is a uniformity to the album. It has a pace and atmosphere that all tracks pretty much conform to, which in less skilled hands can be a problem. But here what we have is one of those records where your favourite track changes with each listen. One whose coherence and solidity allow you a little escape form everything, to a different place. A not altogether happy one, but a beautiful one nonetheless.
  6. Pitchfork
    Jun 4, 2020
    78
    There are some obvious flaws. The uniformity of mood, melody, and texture means the album can drag, and while the spontaneity of the recordings is largely vindicated by the results, it also leaves some loose threads dangling. ... At her best, however, Power lives up to her name.
  7. AllMusic
    Jun 5, 2020
    70
    Two years later, Head Above the Water reveals a calmer, more self-assured version of Power, one that has come out the other side, if with battle scars.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Ricko
    Jan 7, 2021
    7
    Album by album, Brigid Mae Power continues to build on her sound. Her latest effort still focuses on her hypnotic ethereal vocals but backingAlbum by album, Brigid Mae Power continues to build on her sound. Her latest effort still focuses on her hypnotic ethereal vocals but backing these up on each song with a fusion of ambitious country and folk in a kind of jazz spirit. In terms of sound there is a similarity in style across the whole album, an element that allows the listener to be immersed in the general atmosphere created by the songs. A fulfilling record from a fascinating artist.… Expand