Louder
by Lea Michele
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2014
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 130 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 101 out of 130
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 130
  3. Negative: 19 out of 130
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  1. Arthurmell0
    Mar 4, 2014
    9
    We must recognize that Lea gave her best on the album highlighting her voice, even though she has only written three songs for the album, 3 show the pure feeling and strength, then we should not say it was an empty album because the songs however they have been only 3 showed a strong emotion to be recorded. Even songs like "Cannonball", "Battlefield", "Thousand Needles" and "You're Mine"We must recognize that Lea gave her best on the album highlighting her voice, even though she has only written three songs for the album, 3 show the pure feeling and strength, then we should not say it was an empty album because the songs however they have been only 3 showed a strong emotion to be recorded. Even songs like "Cannonball", "Battlefield", "Thousand Needles" and "You're Mine" seemed to have been written by her, the only emotion she gave the song with his voice!… Expand
  2. shortyluke2012
    Jan 6, 2017
    10
    One of the best Pop albums to have ever been created. The emotion, the instrumentals, the vocals, the productions, the variety. Other artists should be ashamed at not creating something as wonderful as this record. Louder is the defining album and will stand the test of time. Iconic. Legendary. Queen Lea will always prevail.
  3. berlin91
    Mar 5, 2014
    9
    I really liked all the songs on the album, as I was sure I would, given that we're talking about her, but there were some I didn't really expect to like as much as I did, such as for Burn With You or the Bells. Her voice is just stunning throughout the whole thing, and especially in Battlefield. I honestly can't wait for the next album, whenever she'll choose to release it!!!
  4. metacriticn00b
    Mar 5, 2014
    10
    I absolutely loved the album. When you think about the songs and about Cory, you really feel the connection in some of the songs. You're Mine, Don't Let Go and If You Say So especially gripped me. As a Glee fan since the first season, I'd come to see the two of them together on screen and then real life and I was really saddened by Cory's death. This album gives me the chills thinkingI absolutely loved the album. When you think about the songs and about Cory, you really feel the connection in some of the songs. You're Mine, Don't Let Go and If You Say So especially gripped me. As a Glee fan since the first season, I'd come to see the two of them together on screen and then real life and I was really saddened by Cory's death. This album gives me the chills thinking about him. I feel like Lea really put a lot of emotion into this. Despite what critics say, it's not all loud noises and stuff to me and she may not have done a generic 'pop' album, but it really hit home.… Expand
  5. formerlolita
    Mar 4, 2014
    9
    I find it hilarious that talent such as Lea Michele's raw power and vocal range are cited as negatives. In a world of pop-music devoid of talent, and cultivated ability, Lea Michele shines on Louder. As a whole the album is a solid endeavor into the pop world. Cannonball, despite it's emotional ties to Michele seems to be a weak selection for a single, but the album builds as well as growsI find it hilarious that talent such as Lea Michele's raw power and vocal range are cited as negatives. In a world of pop-music devoid of talent, and cultivated ability, Lea Michele shines on Louder. As a whole the album is a solid endeavor into the pop world. Cannonball, despite it's emotional ties to Michele seems to be a weak selection for a single, but the album builds as well as grows on the listener. Her voice conveys emotion and depth. To write the whole thing off simply because she's too powerful is something I find insulting. Louder is not for the meek. If a strong female vocalist singing songs that aren't about twerking and having sex then maybe Louder is for you.… Expand
  6. GretchenRiggin
    Mar 7, 2014
    10
    I have been waiting for this Album a very long time! Bought the last available copy in our town! I love every song! I find it refreshing to have a pop singer who can actually sing! Her voice is strong and beautiful! If you are an actual fan of Lea Michele and you are aware of everything she was going through during the process of making Louder then you get the emotion and you connect withI have been waiting for this Album a very long time! Bought the last available copy in our town! I love every song! I find it refreshing to have a pop singer who can actually sing! Her voice is strong and beautiful! If you are an actual fan of Lea Michele and you are aware of everything she was going through during the process of making Louder then you get the emotion and you connect with the songs! Lea is extremely talented and she keeps it classy! Can't say that about very many pop stars!… Expand
  7. Crazyjan
    Mar 5, 2014
    10
    I loved the whole album. I connected to Lea's voice and the overall sound of the album. I was happy with the uptempo songs and some the ballads has me in tears. Burn With You was my favorite followed by Battlefield, If You Say So and On My Way. I didn't skip any songs. I did like some songs more than others, but overall the entire album is really enjoyable. I find it funny that a lot ofI loved the whole album. I connected to Lea's voice and the overall sound of the album. I was happy with the uptempo songs and some the ballads has me in tears. Burn With You was my favorite followed by Battlefield, If You Say So and On My Way. I didn't skip any songs. I did like some songs more than others, but overall the entire album is really enjoyable. I find it funny that a lot of critics are saying she sounds to perfect or too broadway. It's almost like they are faulting her for having a great voice. I'm glad she can sing well ( on this album and live) because too many artists today can't. I love all genres of music and this album is a great addition to my my music collection.… Expand
  8. Jehkul
    Mar 6, 2014
    10
    You know, I haven't heard this album - But I've heard her sing and therefore know this album cannot deserve such a low score. Especially when you see some of the horrible albums that receive great aggregate scores on Metacritic. Yoko Ono? Please. I don't really listen to this music but she's talented and and such a low score is clearly a lemming-like trend by critics not wanting to be theYou know, I haven't heard this album - But I've heard her sing and therefore know this album cannot deserve such a low score. Especially when you see some of the horrible albums that receive great aggregate scores on Metacritic. Yoko Ono? Please. I don't really listen to this music but she's talented and and such a low score is clearly a lemming-like trend by critics not wanting to be the one to disagree. Look at the scores in other mediums. Movies, TV shows, and video games all have lots of yellow and red scores, but in music it's all green except for a few targets of critic vitriol. All critics are disgruntled for not being able to work in the medium they critique, but music critics are the most disgruntled, and, in fact, lower types of human beings.… Expand
  9. cenmauro
    Mar 5, 2014
    6
    The album is not great, but Lea's voice is perfect and there are very memorable songs, like "On My Way", "Battlefield", "You're Mine", and "If You Say So". A nice first album for her, although it could be so much better, with a better production and lyrics.
  10. paulo_lizana
    Apr 9, 2014
    8
    ¡Excelente album! Creo que la mezcla de estilos hacen que este album sea tan especial y aunque tenga letras con tantos cliches de amor no quita la emocion...
  11. ttim
    Mar 4, 2014
    0
    Absolutely senseless and empty album. The girl has a fine voice which she uses in record of monotonous songs in Cathie Perry and Britney Spears's style. The first single of 'Cannonball' was ideally written (unfortunately, not Michele), however a hit of the first size didn't become. No wonder, it only copy of 'Diamonds' of Rihanna. The only song which is noteworthy - 'Empty Handed'Absolutely senseless and empty album. The girl has a fine voice which she uses in record of monotonous songs in Cathie Perry and Britney Spears's style. The first single of 'Cannonball' was ideally written (unfortunately, not Michele), however a hit of the first size didn't become. No wonder, it only copy of 'Diamonds' of Rihanna. The only song which is noteworthy - 'Empty Handed' written by the singer of Christina Perri.

    Result: for nothing spent time for listening of not less empty album. 0/10 .    … Expand
  12. asjklasjklas
    Mar 6, 2014
    5
    Louder intentionally or unintentionally means one thing: Lea Michele's vocals are louder than ever. Although it's not distinguishable enough to separate them from her character on Glee, after hearing her give it her lungs and all in the haunting "Thousand Needles", it's believable to enough to imagine Rachel covering the song during an overly produced number on the show.

    Unfortunately    Louder intentionally or unintentionally means one thing: Lea Michele's vocals are louder than ever. Although it's not distinguishable enough to separate them from her character on Glee, after hearing her give it her lungs and all in the haunting "Thousand Needles", it's believable to enough to imagine Rachel covering the song during an overly produced number on the show.

    Unfortunately for Michele though, Louder lacks what it figuratively means to be. Despite a stunning vocal performance and moderately meaningful lyrical content -- "If You Say So" was confirmed to be about her late lover Cory Monteith, making it one-hundred percent impossible for Gleeks not to cry to -- the production isn't bold nor outstanding. It's R&B incorporated feminine esque pop ballads has entered the Billboard charts for decades -- need I mention Leona Lewis, Jordan Sparks, etc. -- it's untelling how unmemorable lead single "cannonball" will be in 2014; a stomping, self-empowered dance-pop ballad using a cannonball as a metaphor. If you're an art and music lover like me, you'll ignore faux-self empowerment that's become a business rather than a philanthropy. And in this case, her cannonball is crashing down with a glitter of light, but not quite,

    Pardon my extensive review. Apparently, I believe I'm an actual music critic of some sort of, ahem! To recommend or not to recommend. Pros: Michele has some exceptionally stunning vocals and in some sense, Michele needed it and who knows, maybe we'll see less Rachel and more Lea Michele on her next album. Cons: the album's production is uninspired, formulaic, and generic, something Jordan Sparks, Leona Louis, Natasha Bedingfield, etc. are all too familiar with. Basically, if you're into the bubbly, yet rainy R&B incorporated pop hits, then go for it. For anyone looking for genuinely outspoken music, you're in or you're out.    … Expand
  13. jotaeseche
    Apr 13, 2014
    5
    I love Lea Michele. She's extremely talented and has charisma and charm, and has also proved to be more than fearless and strong. I've been waiting for this album a long time, and now I can't help but feeling really disappointed. And you feel more disappointed when you know that something could've been really better and it wasn't. Lea has a remarkable voice, but is totally wasted in allI love Lea Michele. She's extremely talented and has charisma and charm, and has also proved to be more than fearless and strong. I've been waiting for this album a long time, and now I can't help but feeling really disappointed. And you feel more disappointed when you know that something could've been really better and it wasn't. Lea has a remarkable voice, but is totally wasted in all these empty and insipid songs that sound all the same. I still hope that she can do something really big, and be wide recognized and praised, but she really has to learn how to pick up the right material and change things up. I still love you Lea, that's why I'm still waiting for the bump to come.… Expand
  14. godwinkent888
    Oct 11, 2014
    5
    I tried so hard to like this album... but sorry, Lea. I mean, your voice is still amazing as ever, but unfortunately it's wasted in this overproduced and generic album.
  15. megavocalcritic
    Mar 7, 2014
    9
    Cannonball is a great listen. Although her album was not as commercially successful as everyone hoped, her songs are still not bad. Even though Cannonball surprisingly does not showcase her powerful belts, it is still a good listen to as it showcases her emotions and she can also handle the song live.
  16. koothrappali
    Sep 15, 2015
    10
    Um álbum maravilhoso cheio de hinos. Cannonball, Empty Handed, You're Mine, Cue the Rain, On My Way são verdadeiras obras primas. Vocais maravilhosos, instrumentais lindas e letras perfeitas só poderia resultar nessa bíblia. Só não vê quem não quer.
  17. Panchogul
    Jun 1, 2020
    0
    Tener una buena voz no lo es todo para ser una buena artista, este álbum es la mejor prueba de aquello.
  18. MatthewDon2002
    Feb 26, 2015
    6
    With a vocal range spanning 2.7 octaves and one semitone, it's been clear since Glee's pilot episode, when overconfident, arrogantly ambitious teen Rachel Berry first opened her mouth to sing, that Broadway alum Lea Michele has a brilliant voice. Effortlessly out-singing veterans of the pop world, Michele's mighty soprano is just too good for the pop charts (if you discount the constantWith a vocal range spanning 2.7 octaves and one semitone, it's been clear since Glee's pilot episode, when overconfident, arrogantly ambitious teen Rachel Berry first opened her mouth to sing, that Broadway alum Lea Michele has a brilliant voice. Effortlessly out-singing veterans of the pop world, Michele's mighty soprano is just too good for the pop charts (if you discount the constant Glee singles that chart). It's never been more evident than in Michele's début album, an excellently preened but emotionally unsound record which outstays its welcome by about five tracks. It's true that there are a few successful tracks (tribute If You Say So being the emotionally resonant stand-out) but the rest of the songs are boring, tired and extremely dated (surprising when seeing the writers on the album, all very successful songwriters). Tracks like Cannonball (the oddly chosen lead single which totally cannonballed on release) and Don't Let Go are agreeable but bland, mediocre melodies mixed with easily forgettable lyrics, though Michele's towering vocals are sang with the usual fervour one expects from the Glee actress.

    Overall, Louder is a unexciting record with so-so tracks, though the occasional bursts of inspiration and Lea Michele's awe-inspiring vocals shine through and outweigh the bad. Let's hope one day Lea finds that little spark to really ignite a prodigious album.

    BEST SONG: If You Say So
    WORST SONG: Cannonball    … Expand
  19. klingerpinheiro
    Mar 8, 2014
    9
    É muito difícil não dar uma nota boa para esse álbum, Lea canta divinamente bem. Uma artista completa e esse álbum parece ter sido tão bem trabalho e mostrando que é maduro suficiente para todos os gostos.
  20. stephavaianade
    Dec 6, 2019
    3
    I really expected more from "Louder", Lea Michele totally disappointed me. The first time you hear it, you have the impression that all the songs are almost equal. Only those who have patience and listen more than once, can distinguish the songs and their particularities. I will not comment all the songs, but I will say that "Don't Let Go" is a piece of s***. "Empty Handed" and "If You SayI really expected more from "Louder", Lea Michele totally disappointed me. The first time you hear it, you have the impression that all the songs are almost equal. Only those who have patience and listen more than once, can distinguish the songs and their particularities. I will not comment all the songs, but I will say that "Don't Let Go" is a piece of s***. "Empty Handed" and "If You Say So" save the album from being a complete waste of time.… Expand
  21. AlissonM
    Feb 4, 2015
    10
    Esse álbum me cativou de uma forma tão incrível que nem sei explicar, pode ser meio fraco em várias faixas que se dão na sua tracklist, mas tem suas pérolas escondidas como Empty Handed, The Bells, Thousand Needles, Cue The Rain...
  22. cajunosuco
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    Album mais que perfeito.
    A voz de Lea Michele é única e consegue transmitir emoções para os ouvintes de forma inimaginável.
    Tomara que o segundo album mantenha essa qualidade gigantesca
  23. Khazrn43
    Apr 11, 2016
    1
    I'm just floored that critics were so hard on this debut. It debuted at No 4. Not shabby for a first outing. Maybe the songs seem redundant be a those reviewing it are hard and have not Heart. How can they say that when every tswift album is a carbon copy of the first. She had Asia write or co write four song. I'm sorry Asia wrote Battlefield for her and a lesser singer wouldn't haveI'm just floored that critics were so hard on this debut. It debuted at No 4. Not shabby for a first outing. Maybe the songs seem redundant be a those reviewing it are hard and have not Heart. How can they say that when every tswift album is a carbon copy of the first. She had Asia write or co write four song. I'm sorry Asia wrote Battlefield for her and a lesser singer wouldn't have shown the maturity to drive it over the top. I'm sorry but BURN WITH YOU has to be one of the best songs ever recorded. The use of the heavy drums on all her tracks was probably Cory's influence because he was a drummer but I found it. Better than the auto tuned sugary crap that usually comes out. Her vocals are stellar. I found If You Say so so incredible and incitful. You know she loves him and wanted to spend her life with him. But you can also hear the anger she has toward the situation and Cory himself. It feels like a broken promise. So I think the rating was low. Also if she would have been able to do some shows ( she was filming the joke of Glee Season six) I think it would have done better. Looking forward to her sophomore album, but I think she could sing the phone book and I'd like it… Expand
  24. guibrandao
    Nov 24, 2016
    7
    It's not her best, but I liked a lot. She has a really great voice and 'Louder' has some really great ballads like 'Battlefield' and 'If You Say So', but some songs are just too overproducted and it might have overshadowed her amazing voice. Although it's a nice try for a debut. I believe in her potential and I'm sure she will surprise me one day.

    Favs: Burn With You, If You Say So and    It's not her best, but I liked a lot. She has a really great voice and 'Louder' has some really great ballads like 'Battlefield' and 'If You Say So', but some songs are just too overproducted and it might have overshadowed her amazing voice. Although it's a nice try for a debut. I believe in her potential and I'm sure she will surprise me one day.

    Favs: Burn With You, If You Say So and Battlefield    … Expand
  25. Edduardo20
    Mar 4, 2017
    5
    It was too obvious, lyrically the album seems to have been written by a 13 year old girl, musically it's a recycling of all the EDM songs of the last five years, nothing new.
    The only thing that stands out is in his vocal ability and power in the voice but that does not help a pop album, and hang from the death and suicide of an "ex-fiance" to sell not only the singles but also the album    It was too obvious, lyrically the album seems to have been written by a 13 year old girl, musically it's a recycling of all the EDM songs of the last five years, nothing new.
    The only thing that stands out is in his vocal ability and power in the voice but that does not help a pop album, and hang from the death and suicide of an "ex-fiance" to sell not only the singles but also the album is Drop too low.

    If you want to hear a former member of Glee make sincere and real music, I recommend the five songs of Alex Newell's EP POWER. With only five songs is for MUCH BUT MUCH ... Better than the whole album.    … Expand
  26. brandonh
    Apr 27, 2017
    10
    Gorgeously crafted, beautifully sung and passionately given away. Lea [Michele] shares pages of her diary without being scared of us seeing her being fragile.
  27. Bry-Cor
    Oct 31, 2020
    10
    This is a whole masterpiece, every song is beautiful, specially the ballads: Battlefield and Thousand Needles which are my favorites. Her voice is really perfect, beautiful and powerful, worthy of topping the top of female pop artists. There are lyrics very strong emotionally. I'm in love with this album and i could always being listening every time.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Most Discussed Album of 2014
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
48

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. PopMatters
    Apr 3, 2014
    40
    Like a showtune from Wicked, Louder serves as an above average power-pop album that you can bust a lung trying to sing along to without any of that pesky “thinking” to get in the way.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    Mar 18, 2014
    60
    While the turbo vocal bursts on “You’re Mine” and “Burn With You” blend nicely with the poppier elements, several of the tracks, including the burbling “On My Way” and the title tune, feel a bit too calculated and anonymous in their production approach.
    Read full review
  3. New York Daily News (Jim Faber)
    Mar 4, 2014
    40
    Throughout the album, Michele doesn’t so much sing as trumpet like an elephant eager for the charge. Her voice has more need than vulnerability, more anger than understanding.
    Read full review
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