Loner
by Caroline Rose
  • Record Label: New West
  • Release Date: Feb 23, 2018
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
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  1. Frogacuda
    Jul 6, 2018
    10
    Musically adventurous, and lyrically inspired, this is a summer pop record that manages to tap into unmined depths of subject matter, with a cutting wit and humor that keeps the sometimes heavy subject matter from betraying its peppy sound.

    Rose has completely tossed out the foundation laid by her two previous albums, both understated alt-country records that featured some lovely    Musically adventurous, and lyrically inspired, this is a summer pop record that manages to tap into unmined depths of subject matter, with a cutting wit and humor that keeps the sometimes heavy subject matter from betraying its peppy sound.

    Rose has completely tossed out the foundation laid by her two previous albums, both understated alt-country records that featured some lovely lyrics, but little of the sort of memorable hooks or fresh new sounds that make discovering a new record exciting. She is essentially a new artist, here, or at least a new "act," with a new persona to go with it, casting off the muted dresses for cherry-red sportswear, and trading accousing folk instruments for a synth-heavy sound that channels the likes of The Cramps, The B-52s, and Justin Timberlake.

    Peppy pop music often has a reputation for being shallow, but Rose's lyrics -- seemingly informed more by the likes of John Prine and Randy Newman than anything you'd hear on Top 40 today -- distinguish this album from the ocean of pop on the radio. Sardonic and sarcastic takedowns on consumerism, chauvisim, and misogyny break up classic storytelling in the folk tradition, and nowhere -- not even a single track -- is there a love song, a break up song, or a real cliche of any kind.

    This has been my album of the year so far. Its catchy and memorable the first time you hear it, and it only gets better on subsequent listens. Rose has found a unique voice here, musically and lyrically, and I hope this one is more than a phase.    … Expand
  2. SKSK
    Jul 23, 2018
    7
    A fun and really enjoyable album. An adventurous journey through the musician's mind.

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Best Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Aug 20, 2018
    70
    Her new album is carefully all over the place, ditching pretty much every aspect of the genre that brought her recognition.
    Read full review
  2. Uncut
    May 24, 2018
    80
    Rose said she wanted to make an album that reflects the oscillating extremes of her personality--Loner is that and much more. [Jul 2018, p.34]
  3. Q Magazine
    May 11, 2018
    80
    This is a record of fiery energy, spinning into sight like a chunk of chrome off a satellite, fierce, funny and beautifully unpredictable. [Jul 2018, p.116]
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