Primal Heart
by Kimbra
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 79
  3. Negative: 9 out of 79
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  1. fkbluelives
    Apr 24, 2018
    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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 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 :-)
  4. 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 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 theDefinitely 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
  5. nickhamell
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    This is my first ever time listening to one of Kimbra's solo works, and I am astounded by the album's cohesion. From the opening track Good War, Kimbra starts off with blaring, synthetic sounds, coupled with a her crisp, warm voice. The Die Antwoord-sounding track Top of the World opens a new side to Kimbra's diverse style, and its experimental air is softened by songs like Everybody KnowsThis is my first ever time listening to one of Kimbra's solo works, and I am astounded by the album's cohesion. From the opening track Good War, Kimbra starts off with blaring, synthetic sounds, coupled with a her crisp, warm voice. The Die Antwoord-sounding track Top of the World opens a new side to Kimbra's diverse style, and its experimental air is softened by songs like Everybody Knows and Past Love. Every song on the album tells a story, many of them climaxing into beautifully disastrous arrangements. Other notable mentions: Recovery, Human, Lightyears.… Expand
  6. temptershell
    May 5, 2018
    8
    After almost 4 years of break, this New Zealand singer and songwriter returns with the album Primal Heart. The single promoting the new album is called Top Of The World and it reminds me of the experimental sounds of Yeasayer band, at least from their last album. Co-producer is Skrillex so you can feel his influence though it seems to me that only this track is so "different" from theAfter almost 4 years of break, this New Zealand singer and songwriter returns with the album Primal Heart. The single promoting the new album is called Top Of The World and it reminds me of the experimental sounds of Yeasayer band, at least from their last album. Co-producer is Skrillex so you can feel his influence though it seems to me that only this track is so "different" from the others from the album, it is distinguished by a heavy bass beat and elements reminiscent of a hypnotizing manifesto. Another outstanding song is the song Everybody Knows, which currently has almost 3 million listens.
    As for the vocalist who started her career almost 7 years ago, and the hit with Gotye let her get to know a wider audience, this record is really high.    … Expand
  7. Llan
    Apr 23, 2018
    9
    Melhor álbum que ela pôs até agora. Coeso e maduro, sem fillers, um álbum direto ao ponto. Estava com expectativas elevadas pelos singles lançados antes do álbum, e não fui decepcionado em nenhum momento.
  8. mokshaj
    May 18, 2018
    9
    an incredible and solid work, the production, lyrics and voice of kimbra fit perfectly
  9. RafaelSeixas
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    Definitivamente o álbum melhor produzido da carreira de 'Kimbra'. A potência de 'Top of the World', a sensibilidade de 'Past Love', os samples maravilhosos de 'Human', todo o álbum é ótimo. Uma obra que não deixa a desejar em nenhum aspecto, está à altura de 'Vows' e 'The Golden Echo'. Aliás, é impressionante como Kimbra mantém a sua qualidade e genialidade, mesmo em trabalhos tãoDefinitivamente o álbum melhor produzido da carreira de 'Kimbra'. A potência de 'Top of the World', a sensibilidade de 'Past Love', os samples maravilhosos de 'Human', todo o álbum é ótimo. Uma obra que não deixa a desejar em nenhum aspecto, está à altura de 'Vows' e 'The Golden Echo'. Aliás, é impressionante como Kimbra mantém a sua qualidade e genialidade, mesmo em trabalhos tão diferentes entre si. Maravilhoso, é a definição correta!… Expand
  10. JavierQueen
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    Es el mejor álbum de Kimbra y es el que se witness en todo Melodrama y al que no le parezca nos agarramos de la peluca, patrón de Isolation de Kali Fuchis
  11. Luncea28
    Apr 17, 2020
    9
    Streamlined pop with great variety. The flow of this album is incredible, with a stellar opening, energetic middle, and a calmer and more introspective ending (Past Love through Real Life). Kimbra is always unique, and this album is no different, though perhaps more instantly accessible than her previous album The Golden Echo (which grew and grew on me upon multiple listenings). Only thingStreamlined pop with great variety. The flow of this album is incredible, with a stellar opening, energetic middle, and a calmer and more introspective ending (Past Love through Real Life). Kimbra is always unique, and this album is no different, though perhaps more instantly accessible than her previous album The Golden Echo (which grew and grew on me upon multiple listenings). Only thing is I enjoyed it so much I wish it was longer! Highly recommend.… Expand
  12. manny_32
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Absolute masterpiece! Kimbra knows how to use her voice and sounds perfectly!
  13. 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!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  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.
    Read full review
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