Mental Illness
by Aimee Mann
  • Record Label: Superego
  • Release Date: Mar 31, 2017
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 43
  3. Negative: 5 out of 43
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  1. Ricko
    Jul 2, 2020
    7
    This was my first time listening to Aimee Mann. Lyrical this is good stuff, consistently dark. In terms of the songs, they are all carefully put together, honed and produced immaculately but I do think they all blend into one sound and it is hard to tell them apart once you've finished listening to it.
  2. Jono620
    Dec 9, 2017
    3
    If anyone can actually remember what any of these songs sound like after one listen through, they're either lying or they're Aimee Mann stans. This album is incredibly boring and nondescript. It's funny because as soon as I finished listening on Spotify, it went into Aimee Mann radio and started playing some of her older music. What a difference. She used to actually try.
  3. Music_Observer
    May 16, 2017
    9
    Aimee Mann not only adds versatility to her impressive repertoire, but a beautiful brilliance that is rare to be found in songwriting today with her wonderful phrase stretching and brave, soothing textures. My Score: 153/180 (Great) = 8.5/10
  4. hapi888
    Apr 22, 2017
    10
    Easily one of Aimee Mann's top 3 albums. It's undoubtedly quieter and varied musically compare to her past albums but in a very surprising and positive way. Tunes are catchy and yet the lyrics are deep and meaningful. Patient Zero, Simple Fix & Stuck in the Past are the best of the bunch!
  5. Jack4322
    Apr 5, 2017
    6
    This album may have interesting lyrics, but the music is basically undemanding adult-contemporary. So, even though the songs may be "pretty" and "lovely," they're also kind of boring and predictable. After listening to the entire album, I really have no interest in hearing it again. I do like many of her other albums, though. In fact, her last album, Charmer, was quite good.

    Maybe    This album may have interesting lyrics, but the music is basically undemanding adult-contemporary. So, even though the songs may be "pretty" and "lovely," they're also kind of boring and predictable. After listening to the entire album, I really have no interest in hearing it again. I do like many of her other albums, though. In fact, her last album, Charmer, was quite good.

    Maybe Aimee Mann really *does* need a record company exec breathing down her neck saying, "I don't hear a single!"    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. No Ripcord
    Apr 20, 2017
    80
    Mental Illness is first and foremost an album about achieving self-sufficiency through trail and blunder. And in doing so, she once again stands tallest, and quietest, in an exceptionally consistent career.
    Read full review
  2. Q Magazine
    Apr 12, 2017
    80
    These are fine story-songs for any age, era or metal disposition. [Jun 2017, p.107]
  3. Boston Globe
    Apr 3, 2017
    80
    An album rooted in the low end of the emotional spectrum is a risk, but through fastidious instrumental detailing and lyrics that evince sympathy even when they’re at their most cutting, Mann crafts a melancholic atmosphere that is worth repeated listens, whether as a means for catharsis or as a well-crafted cloud to ease the punishing brightness of a too-sunny day.
    Read full review
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