On Your Own Love Again
by Jessica Pratt
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. Dusted Magazine
    Jan 29, 2015
    90
    On Your Own Love Again is something else again, at least a personal landmark and maybe a classic. Simple, straightforward, but more than it seems, this is one of the best albums of 2015 so far and marks the emergence of a very distinctive songwriting talent.
  2. Billboard.com
    Jan 28, 2015
    90
    Her lyrics feel like they're whispered directly into the ear; her guitar playing (the only accompaniment aside from the occasional flute) is even more meticulous. But the true leap is in the set's many quietly arresting moments.
  3. Paste Magazine
    Jan 27, 2015
    90
    Armed with little more than a guitar, some rudimentary tape-tracking recording materials and a a treasure trove of inventive vocal harmonies, Pratt’s darkly ambitious compositions are fleshed out into alcoves of aural mischief, served mystical and with a kind of dark magic, vacillating as they do between optimism and pessimism.
  5. Exclaim
    Jan 26, 2015
    90
    Pratt's succinct lines can spill out so naturally and conversationally it's hard to believe someone wrote them, except that she messes with the syntax a little, too.
  6. AllMusic
    Jan 23, 2015
    90
    Without many spikes in volume or energy level, these murmuring songs generate an undeniably powerful radiance, breaking down doors creatively despite their understated trappings.
  7. Pitchfork
    Jan 28, 2015
    81
    On Your Own Love Again has more earnest moments, but its unadorned emotional uncertainty is profound and relatable.
  8. The Quietus
    Feb 11, 2015
    80
    When we hear that scratch of pick on acoustic, we're trained to expect some diary-entry-type emoting. Pratt plays against that expectation beautifully, leaving us just enough breadcrumbs to get us lost.
  9. The Wire
    Feb 4, 2015
    80
    A hushed treasure. [Jan 2015, p.71]
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  10. The Guardian
    Jan 29, 2015
    80
    Perhaps working quietly away from bustle has helped the 27-year old craft folksy songs that--tape hiss and all--are magically out of time. They sit neatly alongside Sandy Denny, Nick Drake, Nico’s Chelsea Girl and Angel Olsen: ethereally beautiful with a dark undercurrent.
  11. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 26, 2015
    80
    The lyrics’ meditations on transience and memory suit the sounds very nicely. And so the whole thing congeals into a brilliant whole.
  12. The 405
    Jan 20, 2015
    80
    Overall, On Your Own Love Again is a mesmerising, bewitching listen.
  13. Clash Music
    Jan 14, 2015
    80
    On Your Own Love Again is a timeless record by a remarkable talent only just starting to show what she can do.
  14. Q Magazine
    Jan 14, 2015
    80
    The melodic charms are epic, the lyrical insights about romantic disappointment universal. [Feb 2015, p.114]
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  15. Uncut
    Jan 14, 2015
    80
    These are new songs that sound like the old songs, the kind you might treasure 'til your vinyl is pockmarked and warped. [Feb 2015, p.86]
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  16. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jan 28, 2015
    75
    With On Your Own Love Again, Jessica Pratt has crafted a record that is as accessible as it is complex, two traits that she proves are not mutually exclusive.
  17. Consequence
    Jan 26, 2015
    75
    There are no jitters or missteps on On Your Own Love Again; it’s an album of puzzle-piece precision.
  18. The Line of Best Fit
    Jan 20, 2015
    75
    Pratt sings of trying to trust in love once more, and with On Your Own Love Again we need not look far for proof that her music is a sign of a wonderful, maturing talent that we can believe in.
  19. No Ripcord
    Feb 17, 2015
    70
    On Your Own Love Again is a record about that struggle with transmuting feeling into expression. The grand themes of the album are heavily understated but, well, that’s kind of the point.
  20. PopMatters
    Jan 30, 2015
    70
    On Your Own Love Again is a poignant and melancholy listen; one filled with gentle warmth that rings just as appropriate for both a slowly rising morning or an unwinding evening with a glass or two of wine.
  21. NOW Magazine
    Feb 4, 2015
    60
    Whether you take to Pratt's reedy, quavering vocals (think Vashti Bunyan or Joanna Newsom) is purely subjective, but the way she changes up her register to suit a song's vibe helps bring colour to a fairly flat palette (which only includes the odd dab of organ and clavinet).
  22. Mojo
    Feb 2, 2015
    60
    Witchy and hypnotic. [Feb 2015, p.95]
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  23. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 2, 2015
    60
    It all makes for an absorbing performance and intriguing album.
  24. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jan 30, 2015
    60
    As a whole, On Your Own Love Again is a somewhat murkier affair.
  25. Rolling Stone
    Jan 27, 2015
    60
    Pratt's jazz-steeped singing and rich guitar harmonies can recall early Joni Mitchell, or a nimble, less overbearing twist on the psychedelic folk of 21st-century artists like Joanna Newsom.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 8, 2021
    7
    An alluring druid lures you into the woods, you follow because the fragile soft vocals are arresting, this is the case here and the siren isAn alluring druid lures you into the woods, you follow because the fragile soft vocals are arresting, this is the case here and the siren is Jessica Pratt. Following up her adequate debut with the grand "on your own love again" seems like the beginning of a great career in the indie echelon. The rocking "moon dude " feels like Nick Drake might resurrect and sing along with her as a contemporary. Truly impressive is what "greycedes" cool leaves you. The simplicity never mundane or lazy but definitely mesmerising.… Full Review »
  2. EduardoAntunes
    Nov 29, 2015
    10
    Enchanting and whimsical album. Pratt's voice is truly mesmerizing, and it is well supported by the guitar melodies that she creates, that getEnchanting and whimsical album. Pratt's voice is truly mesmerizing, and it is well supported by the guitar melodies that she creates, that get more deep with the bass played by a friend of hers.… Full Review »
  3. Melomaniakal
    Aug 24, 2015
    9
    A precious little musical gem that worth to be meticulously polish by the ears to be fully appreciate. Calm, ethereal voice upon intricateA precious little musical gem that worth to be meticulously polish by the ears to be fully appreciate. Calm, ethereal voice upon intricate guitar picking melody that feel timeless and will surely please to fan of Mazzy Star (Hope sandoval) as well as Nico and Johnny Mitchell. Jessica Pratt is a unique artist that will not stay understated for long...… Full Review »
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