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. Rolling Stone
    Oct 21, 2014
    60
    As mild as the music might often sound, this is an album that cuts deep.
  2. 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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