Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows
by Damon Albarn
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. The Independent (UK)
    Nov 11, 2021
    60
    This is by no means an easy record to fathom, but it does show – even after so many years – you’ll never catch Albarn resting on his laurels.
  2. Clash Music
    Nov 9, 2021
    60
    It won't appeal to those who prefer his party anthems and vibrant disco, but for those who want to see yet another side to this most prolific of musical minds, it's a voyage worth taking.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 3 out of 20
  1. Ricko
    Jan 27, 2022
    7
    The majority of albums I have listened to involving Damon Albarn, there is a mix of songwriting genius and self indulgent nothingness. HeThe majority of albums I have listened to involving Damon Albarn, there is a mix of songwriting genius and self indulgent nothingness. He rarely makes a bad record but equally there always seems to be a few plodding tracks that end up going nowhere to be found. This is once again the case on "The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure the Stream Flows". There are some spectacular songs, some only really shine through after many listens. Then there are a few others songs that lack anything memorable but are made interesting with some ambient background instrumentation. Ironically, after his recent Taylor Swift comments, it seems when viewed next to his work with other projects, Damon Albarn's solo albums suffer from a lack of a collaborator or foil on which to work with.… Full Review »
  2. daichislvt
    Jan 24, 2022
    0
    incredibly disappointing record, i was shocked to learn that only TWO of the songs on this album were self-written when he goes around givingincredibly disappointing record, i was shocked to learn that only TWO of the songs on this album were self-written when he goes around giving unwanted criticism towards artists who are best known for their songwriting.

    moreover, the 2 or more songwriters on each but two songs could manage to produce something so fundamentally disappointing that at certain points it seemed like the record was challenging justin bieber's ringtones album "changes" for the biggest ear cancer hazard i have ever experienced.

    in other words, it's a skip and a half.    … Full Review »
  3. kurono84
    Nov 24, 2021
    10
    One of the most beautiful albums of the year. Damon albarn does not stop and has returned to release a round album. 10/10
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