Laws Of Illusion
by Sarah McLachlan
  • Record Label: Arista
  • Release Date: Jun 15, 2010
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 30
  3. Negative: 9 out of 30

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  1. RonaldR.
    Jun 15, 2010
    10
    This in my opinion is Sarah's best work
  2. MichaelA
    Jun 16, 2010
    8
    This is a better album overall than Afterglow, which had two good songs -- the first and the last ones -- and a lot of meandering filler between. While I wish she'd let go of the meticulously ironed-out studio sound on some tracks, the songs here are the best she's done since Surfacing.
  3. RobertL.
    Jun 16, 2010
    8
    Been a fan for years and have been looking forward to this album for 7 years. I think it was worth the wait. Really enjoying it.
  4. JDP
    Jun 15, 2010
    9
    Her best since Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. Light, airy and classic Sarah.
  5. ferdinandos.
    Jun 16, 2010
    10
    Simply amazing.
  6. RobD.
    Jun 17, 2010
    10
    Lovely, simply lovely.
  7. Ipodee78
    Dec 5, 2013
    5
    Effortless and effort-less describe this album the best. Slow, prodding with nary a hook. Tagging two tracks from the greatest hits album tells you much what is going on. Fulfilling contractual obligations? Where's the magnificence associated with Sarah McLachlan. While many find Afterglow repetitive and languishing, Laws of Illusion makes Afterglow a masterpiece. And the latter had moreEffortless and effort-less describe this album the best. Slow, prodding with nary a hook. Tagging two tracks from the greatest hits album tells you much what is going on. Fulfilling contractual obligations? Where's the magnificence associated with Sarah McLachlan. While many find Afterglow repetitive and languishing, Laws of Illusion makes Afterglow a masterpiece. And the latter had more than just a handful of heartfelt tunes.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Sarah McLachlan's sound hasn't changed much in the seven years since Afterglow, but it does feel less sweeping than usual on Laws of Illusion.
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  2. Boston Globe
    80
    All of McLachlan’s sonic trademarks are present and accounted for — dreamy keyboard washes, lilting rhythms, that angelic voice. They’re combined with her raw emotion in a beguiling manner that ranges from ethereal to rollicking.
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  3. Slant Magazine
    40
    Laws of Illusion sounds both effortless and effort-less, and McLachlan has proven that she's capable of more compelling work.
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