Mirrorwriting
by Jamie Woon
  • Record Label: Verve
  • Release Date: Jan 31, 2012
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. No Ripcord
    May 25, 2011
    80
    With it's at times blissfully understated cool Mirrorwriting confirms Woon as a man capable of a making truly remarkable music, the sort of music that makes it clear what a miraculous triviality it is to turn on a record and let it spin.
  2. BBC Music
    Apr 25, 2011
    80
    This first album have produced something so beguiling, it's clearly been time well spent.
  3. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Apr 25, 2011
    80
    Woon's work is unashamedly bucolic (he writes songs about going for a walk) and beat-literate (he's worked with Burial), and his tremulous, medieval folk singer voice makes it perfectly bearable.
  5. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 25, 2011
    80
    Don't listen to it because it's dubstep, or R&B or soul or from a singer-songwriter who isn't a David Grey clone, although it's all those things. Just listen to it because in any genre, it's a great album.
  6. musicOMH.com
    Apr 25, 2011
    80
    There are enough moments on here to convince that Woon is a very special talent.
  7. The Telegraph (UK)
    Apr 25, 2011
    80
    With Mirrorwriting Woon proves to be a genuinely exciting British soul star in the making.
  8. Pitchfork
    Apr 25, 2011
    80
    Woon's managed one assured and beguiling hybrid of UK bass pressure and slick blue-eyed soul.
  9. PopMatters
    Jun 21, 2012
    70
    Undoubtedly Mirrorwriting loses a certain amount of steam in its second half – "Waterfront" is a genuinely disappointing and anticlimactic closer – but this is much more forgiveable in light of the sheer strength and intelligence of much of the rest of the record.
  10. AllMusic
    Dec 19, 2011
    70
    Mirrorwriting is an encouraging first offering which should neatly fill the spacious, indie R&B gap until the XX's next record comes along, but if it could have sustained the quality of its opening six tracks, it could have been much better.
  11. The New York Times
    Apr 26, 2011
    70
    Things are moving at two different speeds on Jamie Woon's casually entrancing debut album, Mirrorwriting.
  12. Sputnikmusic
    Apr 25, 2011
    70
    Soulful and bluesy in a way that still acknowledges the existence of the various strains of cutting-edge electronic music emanating from the UK, Mirrorwriting is one of 2011's most assured and confident debuts.
  13. Q Magazine
    May 31, 2011
    60
    A quietly accomplished record, just not the one people were expecting. [Jun 2011, p.125]
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  14. Mojo
    May 18, 2011
    60
    By the end, you are left wanting more extreme flourishes. [May 2011, p.114]
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  15. Uncut
    May 13, 2011
    60
    Too many songs like "Spiral" lapse into mere pleasantness, but the clockwork body music of tracks like "Middle" and "Lady Luck" is compelling. [Jun 2011, p.86]
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  16. Dot Music
    Apr 26, 2011
    60
    Like on James Blake's album, every swoon is accentuated with the help of a computer and at times just sounds like someone crying and using Auto-Tune at the same time.
  17. Clash Music
    Apr 25, 2011
    60
    Despite his obvious talents as a pop-soul vocalist, you're left with the impression that Woon is far more interesting when he's wearing his producer hat, but we'll keep a sturdy eye on his every move regardless.
  18. The Guardian
    Apr 25, 2011
    40
    This is pop, and as pop, Mirrorwriting showcases a slick but uninventive pastiche of rhythm and soul.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Hackskeptic
    Jul 5, 2011
    5
    The expected infiltration of dubstep into mainstream music has took a while, but 2011 has seen a marked increase in pop acts turning toThe expected infiltration of dubstep into mainstream music has took a while, but 2011 has seen a marked increase in pop acts turning to atmospheric alternative beats to showcase their music. Jamie Woon is a traditional R&B singer who has turned to contemporary developmental shifts, the same way Kenny Thomas used Acid Jazz in the early 90s, and Craig David, who was heavily influenced by UK garage at the turn of the century. Woon's debut collection is a relative disappointment in that it kicks off with an outstanding single ("Night Air"), and then drifts along with wishy washy compositions that become tepid musical fashion statements and lack any lasting relevance. The attention to detail that's given to designing, manipulating and engineering this production simply can't overcome the severe lack of memorable tunes, resulting in a melee of indistinguishable creations. Woon is a decent enough singer, but too often his silky input becomes cold and unemotional, drained by competition with the shapes that surround him.
    One superb single and eleven inconsequential slabs of filler; one soon realises that "Mirrorwriting" is all show and little substance. It's not awful, just fashionable and very, very flat.
    http://hackskeptic.com    … Full Review »
  2. PeteP
    Jun 20, 2013
    9
    I read Hackskeptic's review and although his review is outstanding in structure, I totally disagree with the score. Mirrorwriting is very goodI read Hackskeptic's review and although his review is outstanding in structure, I totally disagree with the score. Mirrorwriting is very good produced, well recorded and sounds outstanding on a balanced audio installation. You can enjoy of many details. I listened to this album over and over again and skipped only and always the last track Waterfront. I guess this has been added by accident to the album.The remaining tracks are excellent.… Full Review »
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