Radio Music Society
by Esperanza Spalding
  • Record Label: Concord
  • Release Date: Mar 20, 2012
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Boston Globe
    Mar 21, 2012
    90
    It is a stunning achievement in contemporary pop. Yet, unlike so much of contemporary pop, it's timeless.
  2. Okayplayer
    Apr 3, 2012
    89
    At just 11 tracks, this record flexes serious range, but what's even more impressive is that it rarely sounds overextended.
  3. The Guardian
    Apr 5, 2012
    80
    Spalding's charisma, whimsical poetry and enthusiasm for jamming still run through the heavily produced set.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 2, 2012
    80
    Together [Radio Music Society and Chamber Music Society] they reveal the impressive range of this multi-talented young bassist/composer/singer.
  6. Mojo
    Mar 23, 2012
    80
    Spalding's improvised ensemble pieces put pay to the tittle-tattle about jazz being dead. It is very much alive. [Apr 2012, p.90]
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  7. Uncut
    Mar 16, 2012
    80
    Most of the songs are breezy reflections on romance--even two Q-Tip productions lack bite--but its melodious artiness is engaging. [Apr 2012, p.84]
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  8. Entertainment Weekly
    Mar 15, 2012
    75
    Radio Music Society is no dumb-down job.
  9. AllMusic
    Mar 22, 2012
    70
    While Radio Music Society may play better to younger pop audiences than more die-hard jazzheads, this program is so diverse and well executed--despite a little overreaching--it's anybody's guess.
  10. Blurt Magazine
    Mar 20, 2012
    70
    Most of the record finds organic urban grooves, frosts them with sweet pop-soul hooks and serves them up hot and fluffy.
  11. BBC Music
    Mar 19, 2012
    70
    Spalding is too able a musician to botch this template, so the obvious enquiry is: does she bring sufficient personality to the table to avoid being derivative? For the most part, yes.
  12. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 9, 2012
    67
    [Radio Music Society] positions Spalding as an artist looking forward and back, a powerful stance.
  13. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Mar 26, 2012
    60
    Spalding tries to breathe new life into the dead form of smooth jazz-fusion. And nearly succeeds.
  14. Slant Magazine
    Mar 19, 2012
    60
    She's the kind of artist whose skills absolutely merit a wide audience, but Radio Music Society proves that she hasn't quite figured out how to capture one.
  15. The Telegraph (UK)
    Mar 16, 2012
    60
    In short, if you're stuck in a traffic jam, this is a record which will make you want to open the sunroof.
  16. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 15, 2012
    60
    Despite this obvious recommendation, the more radio-friendly follow-up still proves hard to love.
  17. Rolling Stone
    Mar 20, 2012
    50
    Despite a charmingly lithe voice, her song writing has a way to go.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. BlacSteph
    Mar 26, 2012
    10
    Seriously this is my first Esperanza Spalding album that i have ever listen to. I had this album on repeat all day at work. Seriously one ofSeriously this is my first Esperanza Spalding album that i have ever listen to. I had this album on repeat all day at work. Seriously one of the BEST albums this year!!!!… Full Review »
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