Pang
by Caroline Polachek
  • Record Label: N/A
  • Release Date: Oct 18, 2019
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 188 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 170 out of 188
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 188
  3. Negative: 14 out of 188
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  1. fameiniv
    Oct 19, 2019
    10
    This is the album I’ve been waiting for all my life. The next level of music. Caroline is an artist we truly don’t deserve!
  2. tulhu
    Oct 19, 2019
    10
    Dazzling vocals and remarkble production (especially when it comes to mixing and sound engineering). The best debut album of 2019.
  3. PretentiousGeek
    Oct 18, 2019
    9
    Sweeping and painterly vocal collages meld with production from PC Music's finest to create a taut, finely tuned depiction of a very particular relationship with the unreachable, unattainable yet desired, and the resulting attempts to heal and move on.

    Favourite tracks: Door, So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings, Parachute, I Give Up, Look At Me Now
    Least favourites: Hey Big Eyes
  4. mika_flk
    Oct 20, 2019
    10
    A review of every song on PANG:

    The Gate: Dreamy production combined with the ethereal sounding voice of Caroline makes a great introduction to the album. Pang: I always have very low expectations for the title track of any album. Pang however is an incredible pop song and definitely exceeded those expectations. New Normal: This song is so clever to me. It shows that no real    A review of every song on PANG:

    The Gate:
    Dreamy production combined with the ethereal sounding voice of Caroline makes a great introduction to the album.

    Pang:
    I always have very low expectations for the title track of any album. Pang however is an incredible pop song and definitely exceeded those expectations.

    New Normal:
    This song is so clever to me. It shows that no real structure is needed to make a good song. The production also really shines through on this track.

    Hit Me Where It Hurts:
    Definitely one of my absolute favourites on the album. The intro, the production, the lyrics, the vocals, the bridge; everything is just immaculate.

    I Give Up:
    Caroline’s voice is the star of this track. Add some good lyrics, electric guitar and a catchy hook to it and you get a great song like ‘I Give Up’.

    Look At Me Now:
    This song is a fresh breath of air. The abrupt switch from the indie/electronic-pop sound to folk music is really well done. I needed a few listens to get used to it, but I really appreciate this track.

    Insomnia:
    This track blew me away the first time I listened to it. Her vocal range is incredible. This together with the eerie production makes it a standout to me.

    Ocean of Tears:
    This song is one of the reasons why I keep coming back to the album. It really summarises the feeling you get while listening to the album. The inventive lyrics, crazy PC Music production, non-lyrical chorus, extraordinary vocals; there’s really nothing bad to say about this song.

    Hey Big Eyes:
    I would say that this is my least favourite track on the album. The beginning is really reminiscent of the Ramona Lisa era. But the chorus is what makes me dislike this track. I think A. G. Cook’s production doesn’t really fit the feel of the rest of the album, but it’s not a terrible song.

    Go As a Dream:
    This song really captures the essence of what dreams feel like. I catch myself closing my eyes and swaying to the melody every time I listen to it. Caroline could sing me to sleep with ‘Go As a Dream’; one of my personal favourites off of ‘PANG’.

    Caroline Shut Up:
    Somehow this track feels like a futuristic Christmas song to me. Danny L Harle’s production is perfectly done and matches Caroline’s clever lyrics and gorgeous vocals really well.

    So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings:
    This song has a special place in my heart. This song is how I discovered Caroline’s music. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgic and futuristic sounds. If you want to introduce someone to Caroline’s music, I recommend you use this song.

    Door:
    Caroline’s storytelling and the surrealistic sounding production create such an intriguing sound. No one is doing it like Caroline and this track really shows her creativity. It also has me singing the chorus over and over to myself, it’s so catchy.

    Parachute:
    As a vocalist, Caroline is not to be underestimated and it shows on this track especially. ‘Parachute’ is an example of beautiful vocals matched with insane production and creative lyrics. An outstanding outro to this album.

    From start to finish, PANG is an amazing album and Caroline deserves a Grammy for it. This is my Album Of The Year.    … Expand
  5. neonspoons
    Oct 18, 2019
    10
    Beautiful album............................................................
  6. cowboi
    Oct 19, 2019
    10
    talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, **** on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it.
  7. PabloCardoso
    Dec 8, 2019
    10
    AMAZING album!!!!! Well produced songs, perfect!!!! It has a wonderful beat, it is harmonic.
  8. matteopng
    Nov 1, 2019
    10
    This is excellence I literally cannot name a better album. Look at me now song of the decade
  9. absbarajas
    Oct 19, 2019
    10
    precious vocals and a totally fresh sound of pop. from The Gate to Parachute this album is completely stunning.
  10. kman5473
    Aug 12, 2021
    9
    The thing that is so incredible about Caroline Polachek is that despite all the crap of society, and everything in society that tries to influence and control women, she's able to compose music that is unadulterated expressions of herself. She easily could have gone towards making a mainstream blah, blah, blah, but nah! She doesn't. She does what she wants and makes music that challengesThe thing that is so incredible about Caroline Polachek is that despite all the crap of society, and everything in society that tries to influence and control women, she's able to compose music that is unadulterated expressions of herself. She easily could have gone towards making a mainstream blah, blah, blah, but nah! She doesn't. She does what she wants and makes music that challenges us and keeps us on our toes. It's creative, expressive, unique, and beautiful. She's really an incredible talent. I feel lucky to be alive while she's going through her career. I love this woman.… Expand
  11. nikola_koda
    Oct 26, 2019
    10
    amazing album
    the writing, the production, the vocals everything on point, idc I luv it
  12. reiserz
    Oct 20, 2019
    10
    perfeito porra perfeito perfeito perfeito perfeito perfeito perfeito icônica
  13. Ieavegetout
    Oct 20, 2019
    8
    I think my expectations were too high for this album. I fell in love with all the singles and Pang became one of my most anticipated albums this year. However, I really like the album. Already one of my favorites from 2019.
    My favorites so far: Caroline Shut Up, Door, Parachute, Hit Me Where It Hurts, Pang.
  14. x_jxxnnx_x
    Nov 9, 2019
    10
    i love this album so much, she's really amazing. i hope she gets more recognition, she truly deserves it.
  15. paulovegajr
    Oct 25, 2019
    10
    Masterly written, sang and produced. It's easily one of the best pop albums, if not the best, released in 2019.
  16. Daytona
    Oct 24, 2019
    10
    Fabulous album, everything is on point, great production and direction too, the album cover is fantastic.
  17. typoirier
    Apr 22, 2020
    10
    The entire album is a beautiful fantasy. Every song is distinctly unique and yet they're all able to come together into a cohesive project of dramatic vocals and powerful instrumentals. In a time filled with artists opting for more timid vocals, Caroline Polachek's bold and dramatic vocal runs show that vocal diversity is very much welcome. Pang is an album i never get tired of listening to.
  18. Bonbon4o
    Jan 20, 2020
    0
    i wanted to guve only a rating but for some reason it doesnt allow me to, so here am i writing out
  19. Simao
    Oct 1, 2020
    9
    caroline polachek literally does magic in pang. it’s music like i’ve never heard it before. the harmony between the melodies, the instruments and her VOCALS... it just gives me life. not only the production but also the lyrics are chef’s kiss. there’s not a single bad song and it features such iconic and historical songs.... i cannot wait for the next project!!

    fav songs: pang, look at    caroline polachek literally does magic in pang. it’s music like i’ve never heard it before. the harmony between the melodies, the instruments and her VOCALS... it just gives me life. not only the production but also the lyrics are chef’s kiss. there’s not a single bad song and it features such iconic and historical songs.... i cannot wait for the next project!!

    fav songs: pang, look at me now.
    least fav: new normal    … Expand
  20. mwfeaturings
    Oct 19, 2019
    9
    this album had such great songs, her voice is so powerful. I think she deserves more good reviews and some grammys next year!
  21. Hudsonswift
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    pai amado que obra divina, muito bom, quero que toque até no meu enterro, conceito, coesão e aclamação.
  22. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 28, 2021
    6
    great to see Caroline Polachek giving a go at being an independent pop artist, and this album makes it feasible that she one day becomes a household name in the genre
  23. live2winalot
    Dec 9, 2019
    10
    This album perfectly captures what it's like to fall in love: the initial uncertainty and hesitation, the moment of surrender, and everything that follows once love is let in.
  24. yenniestan
    Jul 26, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great album by a great artist. I did a full review, song by song.

    1. The Gate - 85/100
    It seems that we are really walking through a gate into a new universe. Amen.

    2. Pang - 95/100
    In the first seconds of the track I thought it would be a total disappointment, but the melody becomes very pleasant when you find her voice.
    Pang is like taking a beating out of someone who wants you and doesn't want to be with you publicly at the same time? Only she will know that I believe, but it seems to be something like that.

    3. New Normal - 90/100
    Now what is this? The question I ask every day when I wake up, it seems that the song was written for today. The melody is very addictive.

    4. Hit Me Where It Hurts - 100/100
    The mythological references in this song are just perfect.
    The analogies too, being in a monotonous relationship is like being on a merry-go-round with a padlock that you're afraid to open and kick. Anyway, wonderful.

    5. I Give Up - 65/100
    It seems that the sound of the album has been disconnected a little so far.
    However, the lyrics of the song connect to "Hit Me Where It Hurts" finally she managed to get rid of the exhausting relationship, or not?
    "How can you fall when you're already down?" it's a striking phrase.

    6. Look At Me Now - 90/100
    A classic ballad, which was what was missing so far.
    Promises, promises and more promises. One more song for us to identify.
    The bridge and the chorus fit together so tightly together, nothing to declare.

    7. Insomnia - 90/100
    It seems to have come directly from Björk's "Biophillia", I believe that she (and her producers) were very inspired by the Icelandic legend to release this song. The lyrics can be interpreted in different ways, but I believe it is about you having something to hold on to during the difficult times you live, during the insomnia of life.

    8. Ocean Of Tears - 95/100
    Simply, one of the best songs on the album in terms of production and lyrics.
    Her vocals are simply divine in the post-chorus.
    The story told in the middle of music is something that everyone can one day identify with.
    (P.s .: That beat after the second chorus was legendary).

    9. Hey Big Eyes - 70/100
    I believe that the same thing happened here in "I Give Up", the album was following a vibe and suddenly took a different direction.
    Regarding the lyrics, I found it a bit confusing, was that the intention? Did not quite understand.

    10. Go As a Dream - 90/100
    Returning to the concept of the album, the melody is perfect to sound within a dream.
    The lyrics allude to "Hit Me Where It Hurt" at times, I found it very creative.

    11. Caroline Shut Up - 100/100
    Then I tell myself, "Caroline, shut up", is definitely a song that I would listen to on repeat for days.
    The final bridge of music is out of this world.

    12. So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings - 85/100
    Well, it was the first song I heard from her. I think it's wonderful, it sounds as if the HAIM girls had worked with her to create the melody.
    It is one of the most commercial songs on the album too, in my opinion, although it is very good it is not one of the best on the album.
    13. Door - 90/100 The chorus is something that can stick to anyone's head, I think it's another track that would be a success (if the market wasn't rotten). The way she approaches that everything that is very good is always accompanied by something terrible was also in smart. It's funny that in this song she says the opposite of Pang, after going through many doors maybe I will run to you. 14. Parachute - 75/100 It is clearly an ending song. What left me lost was that it doesn't seem to have well-defined parts in the middle of the track, it sounds like poetry, not that it's necessarily a negative thing.    … Expand
  25. victorjavega
    Oct 19, 2019
    10
    My fav album of 2019? Yes. It's so beautiful, a soul journey. Amazing vocals and a very unique production
  26. iammarkham
    Oct 22, 2019
    9
    This album is something I love to hear when I meet with new music. I think this album is one of my favorite, not the best but she did that!
  27. nonvieri
    Oct 26, 2019
    10
    The album starts off weak, "the gate" is very difficult to vibe with, but it goes on better since "new normal". The whole album has a country-ish art pop vibe. For me, AOTY. Standouts: Hey big eyes, Go as a dream, Hit me where it hurts, besides the singles.
  28. Allofthenick
    Oct 28, 2019
    9
    Quite possibly my favorite album of the year and easily in my top five of all time. Polachek vacillates between both the pleasure and pain of falling in and out of love. It's not common that an album is simply entrancing from start to finish. And this one just gets it right. Lyrically, sonically, visually, it is a triumph and an amazing debut for Caroline Polachek.
  29. Omnicaio
    Dec 1, 2019
    9
    Um album intimista que prende do começo a fim. Caroline foge do pop tradicional e vai para um lado mais experimental.
  30. Andreww42
    Jan 12, 2020
    10
    Dreamy production, lyrically beautiful, heavenly voice, whismical but mysterious atmosphere. By far best album of 2019 and definetly top 5 of the decade. This makes Caroline's rupture from Chairlift gladdening.
  31. Suzannaabdi
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Selena Gomez never scared of taking risks in the music industry what an epic album , she did it again … Expand
  32. Maydiamonds
    Mar 29, 2020
    10
    A great debut album and one of my favs of 2019. Her voice is so beautiful and dreamy
  33. lexannay7
    May 21, 2020
    10
    Some totems of my childhood such as Disney, Magic the Gathering etc. inspired the artworks and I guess all the fantasy behind all the songs.
    Never bored of Pang since the release, it's a 10/10.
  34. terrenceknows
    Jul 24, 2020
    9
    yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees
  35. SerenaPhan
    Oct 12, 2021
    10
    a very cohesive album. absolutely beautiful vocal. but expecting her next album to contain more disruptive and standout tracks. 'think I've just found my new favorite artist.
  36. itskimblink
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    This surely is an album that travels through emotions and fields of your imagination and subconscious. You can feel this album, almost touching it. Polachek’s musicality is out of normal, the harmonies that she picks are always the best to create the feeling that she want to give for us. Caroline Polachek is a genius.
  37. ommm222
    May 23, 2021
    10
    this album is so powerful, the lyrics, the melodies, the vocals, the esthetic, the concept. Caroline is a goddess
  38. victor_yans
    Aug 7, 2021
    10
    This album is so good, should get more recognize! My favorite track so far is ocean of tears
  39. malvada
    May 2, 2021
    10
    This album reminded me why music is so important to me and so necessary in my life. Beautifully written. Smartly and tastefully produced. Them vocals are out of this world. This is what every pop act should aim for when making a pop album, cohesiveness, innovation, soul, and beautiful melodies.
  40. shad0w0711
    Apr 8, 2022
    9
    It’s not all so nuanced and well-written, though. Hey Big Eyes is tepid trip-hop, and Ocean of Tears is as gratingly overwrought as its title, even if Polachek’s vocal control is as exceptional here as it is throughout. But overall, Pang is a vivid and melodious portrait of a restless heart
  41. maumau1994
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    Pang ✨ se convirtió en uno de los álbumes favoritos de mi vida

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Best Album of 2019
36
#36 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. AllMusic
    Feb 3, 2020
    90
    Polachek further distills her approach with a collection of deeply emotive songs that showcase her delicate vocals and intricate pop sensibilities.
    Read full review
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Nov 27, 2019
    60
    An album this tepid--which is to say, not completely tepid, but tepid enough--from a talent that immense, though, can only register as a minor failure. She can do better. The sonic virtues of her performance on Pang, however mixed, guarantee that I'll be listening.
    Read full review
  3. No Ripcord
    Nov 12, 2019
    70
    Best listened to sad and lonely in your bedroom, Pang is the perfect dance album for smart and sensitive boys and girls after their day’s journaling are done.
    Read full review
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