I Forget Where We Were
by Ben Howard
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Oct 21, 2014
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. musicOMH.com
    Oct 16, 2014
    90
    I Forget Where We Were is an album to grow into rather than one of instant satisfaction, one that blossoms upon every subsequent listen, one to clutch close to your heart and cherish forever.
  2. Mojo
    Nov 19, 2014
    80
    A challenging move from such a young artist who deserves to have his fans take a leap of faith. [Dec 2014, p.94]
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  3. Q Magazine
    Oct 29, 2014
    80
    Musically adventurous, sonically daring and really rather stunning. [Nov 2014, p.112]
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  5. The 405
    Oct 28, 2014
    80
    Rarely is it as uplifting as his debut, but it's often as anthemic, and nurtures an ember of depth that may have been glossed over before.
  6. The Telegraph (UK)
    Oct 22, 2014
    80
    It’s an impressive, tantalising work from an artist who has dared to take the path less travelled.
  7. The Guardian
    Oct 16, 2014
    80
    He’s still not much of a lyricist, preferring non-specific faux profundity--“Clearly calm I’m keeping terrorised/ The ageless thaw of winter/ Alone but by your side”--to clarity. But taken as a mood piece, I Forget Where We Are is actually rather lovely.
  8. DIY Magazine
    Oct 16, 2014
    80
    It’s a sensitive and technically more profound outing.
  9. Uncut
    Nov 11, 2014
    70
    While there are a few too many round-the-campfire gloom-fests on I Forget Where Were, there are also displays of real musical background. [Dec 2014, p.77]
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  10. AllMusic
    Oct 20, 2014
    70
    Howard expects you to meet him on his own terms and provides just enough aural enticement to give him not just one listen but a second, which is when I Forget Where We Were really begins to sink in its hooks.
  11. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 16, 2014
    70
    Self produced by Ben and his drummer Chris Bond at Start Point Farm Studios in Devon, I Forget Where We Were is a grand, serious affair. It’s a somewhat major departure for the artist, and with the far longer running times (only one song clocks in under the four minute mark).
  12. Clash Music
    Oct 16, 2014
    70
    There’s little here to alienate his fanbase: these 10 tracks might sprawl in length but they’ve a familiar mesh of earnest words and slow builds, autumnal in hue but with a fireside warmth.
  13. Rolling Stone
    Oct 21, 2014
    60
    As mild as the music might often sound, this is an album that cuts deep.
  14. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 19, 2014
    60
    [I Forget Where We Were] hangs together well, his David Gray/Damien Rice-like vocals resting on a bed of skittering drums, crafty guitar and fedback chords. Individual tracks take their time to get going (only one song here comes in under four minutes) and numbers such as opener Small Things break after two or three minutes to build back up from a pleasant plod to a sustained fug of sound.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 58
  3. Negative: 4 out of 58
  1. TheBigGorilla
    Oct 21, 2014
    7
    Ben Howard's sophomore album is clearly well performed due to its ability to create and uphold its slow burning atmosphere in which one couldBen Howard's sophomore album is clearly well performed due to its ability to create and uphold its slow burning atmosphere in which one could lay down and do nothing but breathe alongside the chords. However, once the album is over, unlike his debut album. I took nothing from it. No lyrics, no catchy riffs. Just the aroma of tranquility was left over. Fortunately I could tell right away the sound could easily grow on the listener, but it needs several play-throughs before you'll accept it with a loving embrace.
    Although that is exceptional in its own merit, I Forget Where We Are is an album that needs some time to grow, and with each listen you'll breathe more life into it as if it was a fire.

    If you are looking for an album with a great, unique sound that relies on a relaxing, wandering pace played by a select amount of folk instruments and a haunting voice that does not need well written lyrics to be mesmerizing, look no further.

    If you wanted an album like Every Kingdom (lyrics that reverberate a genuine intrigue in new perspective or ideals, guitar chords that easily grapple and sink its hooks into your brain, and a high replay quality), unfortunately this will not meet those expectations.

    Regardless of what you thought it would be, it is still worth several listens before you write it off. It will take much more time than Every Kingdom to love, since his premiere album is much more approachable. But if you keep feeding the fire, one day it just might burn brighter.    … Full Review »
  2. EricPedraza
    Oct 20, 2016
    10
    Ben Howard put all his sadness and pain on this album, gave his heart and that's what makes it so valuable, besides do not have to skip songsBen Howard put all his sadness and pain on this album, gave his heart and that's what makes it so valuable, besides do not have to skip songs because the album is heard in one piece. Today 2 years ago that the album was released and I still considering one of the best alternative albums of the decade.… Full Review »
  3. PP10692
    Jun 9, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. This is still the best album ever made - the sequence of tracks ending this masterpiece are pure bliss (End of the Affair - Conrad - All is Now Harmed).

    Although saying that every track is just phenomenal    … Full Review »
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