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Pony
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Pony Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut full-length release for the masked outlaw cowboy singer-songwriter was self-produced.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. The 405
    Mar 22, 2019
    90
    Whether it be pushing past the anxieties of sitting still with no particular sense of home, both in a figurative and literal sense, or even the bittersweet memories of failed relationships, Peck’s desires are timeless and unveiled for all to cherish and cry to.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 21, 2019
    85
    Some tracks sound like Elvis ballads drowned out by faulty styluses and retro sound systems. Others are breathy song-cycles of gospel folk. For all the rich breeze and slinking Tarantino guitars in "Hope To Die", the track more resembles an ‘80s Mazzy Star-era shoegaze piece for the country purists to languish on. With Pony, Orville Peck has put himself in the boxing ring for his own ’68 Comeback Special.
  3. Uncut
    Mar 21, 2019
    80
    The familiar tropes of nomadic wrangler life are present--trusty steed, blood-red sunsets--but, refreshingly, the masculine cliches are not. Instead, the country-rocker concentrates on intimacy, tenderness and ambiguity. [May 2019, p.33]
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  4. Clash Music
    Apr 1, 2019
    80
    What Peck provides on Pony is music framed in that mould, and in doing so offers a brilliant palate cleanser to the vast majority of overblown, raucous and vapid compositions that have taken over the genre over the course of the last three decades or so.
  5. Exclaim
    Mar 21, 2019
    70
    Tracks like "Roses Are Falling" and "Take You Back (The Iron Hoof Cattle Call)" are solid entries to the classic country canon of Glen Campbell and Loretta Lynn, while his impressive vocal range helps keep the album varied. His breathy croon drives erotic lovers' ballad "Big Sky," while his formidable belted falsetto elevates "Winds Change" beyond mere Smiths pastiche.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 10, 2019
    67
    Armed with a gorgeous warble that sounds like a gothic Chris Isaak, Peck soars over the sparse arrangements, which prove a natural complement to all the reverb, tremolo, and twang.
  7. Mojo
    Mar 21, 2019
    60
    What Pony can't disguise is its influences: Orbison, Presley and Morrissey at their most doleful and camp, channelled through a similarly luscious baritone. [May 2019, p.91]
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See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Jheath56
    Nov 3, 2019
    10
    Peck’s vocal range is the most impressive music moment of 2019, hands down. His whistling, crooning, and warbling is what makes Pony anPeck’s vocal range is the most impressive music moment of 2019, hands down. His whistling, crooning, and warbling is what makes Pony an unforgettable debut.… Expand
  2. PeterSant
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    With sensuality and Orville Peck presents one of the best in country music of the past few years. A revelation that came with an incredibleWith sensuality and Orville Peck presents one of the best in country music of the past few years. A revelation that came with an incredible voice and compositions that need no comment.… Expand
  4. mrhardusstan
    Aug 13, 2020
    10
    Mr. Peck gives us an album with Norman F****** Rockwell level songs. I am saluting.
  5. loserphilly
    May 31, 2019
    9
    Probably the most interesting album I’ve listened to in a while. An interesting but effective mashup of Johnny Cash style ballads and 80s eraProbably the most interesting album I’ve listened to in a while. An interesting but effective mashup of Johnny Cash style ballads and 80s era alternative pop, with a splash of modern dream pop. “Turn to Hate,” for example, reminds me of Hoodoo Gurus. Guitar riffs on many songs echo Chromatics. Beautiful album.… Expand
  6. brockcheese
    Aug 19, 2020
    8
    Orville Peck brings a sensitivity to country music that seems to have been long gone. He hearkens back to earlier days of Country like Cash and Elvis.
  7. Ibn_G
    Mar 30, 2019
    7
    Really interesting new artist. He has a really decent voice but is at times a little bit thin. I wish he would branch out more it somethingReally interesting new artist. He has a really decent voice but is at times a little bit thin. I wish he would branch out more it something like rock n' roll but I guess he will just to country music. And I really wish the song "Old river" was a full length song. The record was alright but because of his potential I will give him a 7.… Collapse
  8. Grunchyuni
    Jan 27, 2020
    0
    Derivative & uninspired. Completely relies on the mask aesthetic & using country as a seasoning for mediocre pop songs. Not 1 original idea onDerivative & uninspired. Completely relies on the mask aesthetic & using country as a seasoning for mediocre pop songs. Not 1 original idea on this project. His baritone sounds forced & juvenile and his limited range on this album gets old very quickly. Album takes itself way too seriously for something that is (no nice way to say this) unintelligent & surface level. Ridiculously overrated. All hype, no substance… Expand

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