Primal Heart
by
Primal Heart Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 79 Ratings

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  • Summary: The third full-length studio release for the New Zealand artist features contributions from such artists as Natasha Bedingfield, John Congleton, ex-Rhye's Robin Hannibal, Jaga Jazzist's Lars Horntveth, and Skrillex.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 23, 2018
    80
    Throughout she offers up rich, swirling instrumentals and intricate musical landscapes, crunchy chord progressions and twinkling chromaticism complemented by her confident, warm vocals.
  2. AllMusic
    Apr 23, 2018
    80
    A consistently winning album, Primal Heart finds Kimbra hitting the sweet spot between imagination and accessibility--if her nods to the mainstream get more ears pointed her way, so much the better.
  3. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 23, 2018
    80
    Perhaps it’s her wisely chosen collaborators or more life experience, but Kimbra’s exploratory ethos has never been so on point.
  4. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 23, 2018
    60
    For every genre-busting banker such as Human (inventive, effects-laden soul) or Recovery (pugnacious swing-pop), there are so-so tracks that should have been palmed off on to someone else.
  5. Pitchfork
    Apr 25, 2018
    59
    Primal Heart is a collision of hard electronics with light sprinkles of au courant R&B making for Kimbra’s most mainstream statement yet. ... However, her most ambitious efforts don’t quite reach their apex, causing her somewhat cocky assertions to land flat.

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. fkbluelives
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before,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.… Expand
  2. czesiaruda
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    Masterpiece. Pop but alternative,artistic but catchy - Kimbra at her best! I want more and I demand more! I'm sure it's gonna be one of theMasterpiece. Pop but alternative,artistic but catchy - Kimbra at her best! I want more and I demand more! I'm sure it's gonna be one of the best albums of 2018. Fav tracks: Like they do on the tv, Black sky, Lightyears, Human, The good war, Everybody knows,Top of the world...damn it - whole album is my favourite :-)… Expand
  4. manny_32
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Absolute masterpiece! Kimbra knows how to use her voice and sounds perfectly!
  5. nathannnnnn
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    Kimbra at her most powerful and beautiful. The instrumentation, arrangement, lyrics, everything comes together to form an rich, cohesive experience.
  6. mokshaj
    May 18, 2018
    9
    an incredible and solid work, the production, lyrics and voice of kimbra fit perfectly
  7. joethealien
    Apr 23, 2018
    9
    Definitely her most consistent and masterful album yet. While Vows contains brilliant moments, it works better as groups of tracks to beDefinitely her most consistent and masterful album yet. While Vows contains brilliant moments, it works better as groups of tracks to be digested at different points (I’ll always return to it though as it holds a sacred space in my heart). The Golden Echo consists of a similar setback, with certain songs overstaying their welcome in terms of length. But Primal Heart doesn't suffer from the same issue. Instead, it flows effortlessly from art pop anthems (The Good War) to bubbly synthpop (Lightyears, Black Sky) to lush balladry (Version of Me). Primal Heart is accessible without being vapid and stimulating without the listener needing to take breathers. The Good War might be one of the best pop opening tracks this decade, and lead single Everybody Knows is earth-shattering brilliance.
    fav tracks: The Good War, Everybody Knows, Recovery, Lightyears, Right Direction, Version of Me    … Expand
  8. Enterka
    Nov 14, 2019
    7
    Amazing album, good Kimbra! Top of the World, Like They Do on the TV, Everybody Knows and Hi Def Distance Romance best in album!

See all 13 User Reviews

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