Kelly Lee Owens
by Kelly Lee Owens
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Exclaim
    Mar 22, 2017
    90
    Kelly Lee Owens is the work of an absolute natural; these are layered, atmospheric tracks that blend minimal techno, dream-pop, Krautrock and ambient drone into a dazzling, alchemical whole that defies easy categorization.
  2. The 405
    May 3, 2017
    85
    As her music shows, Kelly Lee Owens is honest, fluid and meaningful. Her rise to success is owed to her own creative mind and assuring that taking time to create a solid product can be a virtue.
  3. Q Magazine
    May 9, 2017
    80
    There are clear parallels with Factory Floor, Mica Levi and early Grimes, but Owens has clearly found her calling. [Jul 2017, p.111]
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  5. No Ripcord
    Apr 20, 2017
    80
    Owens consistently and effortlessly locates sweet spots without ever falling into a specific alcove, showing a maturity and understanding of her craft seldom seen on a debut LP.
  6. Pitchfork
    Mar 28, 2017
    80
    Whatever actual healing powers she may be channeling probably depends upon the patient; nevertheless, Kelly Lee Owens presents an artist with an unusually focused vision of what music is capable of.
  7. Mojo
    Mar 21, 2017
    80
    A spectacular lift-off, but Owens' career apogee sounds a long way off yet. [May 2017, p.91]
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  8. Clash Music
    Mar 20, 2017
    80
    A debut that is full of depth and one that exposes the scope of electronic music beyond just the club.
  9. musicOMH.com
    Mar 20, 2017
    80
    It’s credit to her that within the congested realm of electronic music her record stands proudly distinct, as it is both danceable and meditative music with genuine heart. And with that Kelly Lee Owens has made a more than promising debut.
  10. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 20, 2017
    80
    A work of great craft, multifaceted charm, and, yes, an alluring marriage of the visceral to the gentle, this album feels like the opening chapter of a thrilling career.
  11. Resident Advisor
    Apr 18, 2017
    76
    Owens is an exciting new artist. Her voice is lovely. Her songwriting is accessible. Her arrangements feel smooth, and she moves with ease between styles. The only drawback to Kelly Lee Owens is an occasional tweeness that can come with such sweet, weightless music.
  12. AllMusic
    Apr 4, 2017
    70
    Owens' album seems a bit scattered and all over the place, but its sense of dream logic is intriguing, and its best moments are captivating.
  13. Uncut
    Mar 20, 2017
    70
    They're as seductive as when they first saw light, with "Arthur" capturing the aquatic oddness of Russell's finest productions. [May 2017, p.36]
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  14. The Wire
    Jun 2, 2017
    60
    There’s a sense of indecision to the overall sound of the album, which results in a fragmented listening experience. [Apr 2017, p.52]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. xtinalol
    Apr 14, 2017
    8
    Whatever actual healing powers she may be channeling probably depends upon the patient; nevertheless, Kelly Lee Owens presents an artist withWhatever actual healing powers she may be channeling probably depends upon the patient; nevertheless, Kelly Lee Owens presents an artist with an unusually focused vision of what music is capable of.… Full Review »
  2. Sawatdeekrub
    Apr 18, 2017
    9
    Everything on this album is the signature of a intensely focused artist. From the lyrics to the production everything is just dialed inEverything on this album is the signature of a intensely focused artist. From the lyrics to the production everything is just dialed in perfectly. And she can groove.… Full Review »
  3. Tom_Bombadil
    Apr 7, 2017
    7
    Good album. She actually has a lovely voice that works for these songs and she always manages to offer something in every track, even if it'sGood album. She actually has a lovely voice that works for these songs and she always manages to offer something in every track, even if it's just a minuscule detail. The breath-y atmospherics can put down some listeners, but those that are used to immersive electronic music will enjoy this with almost certainty. I'd like to hear a bit more variety in her music, just to see what she can really do, but for now this is worth appreciating.… Full Review »
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