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Shiver
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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length solo studio release for the Sigur Rós frontman was co-produced by A. G. Cook and recorded in Berlin, Helsinki, London, and Reykjavik.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. PopMatters
    Oct 2, 2020
    90
    The combination of Jónsi and Cook may be an unlikely one but it works so well. This, the first release, of their collaboration, has produced an excellent album that is an exciting highlight of 2020 so far.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Sep 28, 2020
    83
    Offers a new kind of glimpse into his private world, singing intimately of desire and raw vulnerability. Maybe that's why Shiver feels as liberated as it does: the sound of an artist in midstream, still discovering how far his voice can go. [Oct 2020, p.95]
  3. AllMusic
    Oct 5, 2020
    80
    Despite the prominent guest stars and radical musical changes, Shiver's focus is always on Jónsi and his innate gift for expressing pure feeling. As he reinvents what is essential to his music, he delivers some previously unimagined thrills.
  4. musicOMH.com
    Oct 1, 2020
    70
    Shiver may be a step out of Jónsi’s comfort zone, but it’s a step that seems to have reinvigorated him.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Oct 6, 2020
    60
    While not exactly the wildlife-soundtracking level of Nan-friendly safe his day job has reached, it’s largely default Jónsi, just with a few more effects.
  6. Mojo
    Sep 28, 2020
    60
    In all, more a series of disconnected building blocks than a cohesive album. [Nov 20, p.89]
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  7. Sputnikmusic
    Oct 26, 2020
    46
    Given Jónsi’s past solo releases and Sigur Rós’s discography, Shiver should have been much better than it turned out. While not a complete trainwreck, it disappointingly features a minimum of the signature greatness listeners have come to expect.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 2 out of 7
  1. Dm2
    Oct 2, 2020
    10
    It's amazing álbum. I can't leave of listen the songs. They are one the best girl group of the moment
  2. shoeletariat
    Dec 15, 2020
    10
    Easily one of the best records of 2020. Completely stuffed with incredible songs and production, I have literally no idea what Pitchfork wasEasily one of the best records of 2020. Completely stuffed with incredible songs and production, I have literally no idea what Pitchfork was smoking when they gave this a 5.5. It's honestly offensive. This is emotionally moving and uptempo enough for my boyfriend to listen to, which almost never happens. Ya'll gave good scores to Sufjan's Ascension then ignored this record when it's basically the good version of that record. Get your ears checked, critics.… Expand
  4. ashralyx
    Oct 2, 2020
    10
    I love the album!
    I love the album!
    I love the album!
    I love the album!
    I love the album!
    I love the album!
  5. AaronOvedur
    Oct 3, 2020
    10
    Both Jonsi and A.G.Cook's best work, and likely the best album of the year! Jonsi's vocals here are absolutely visceral, and the production isBoth Jonsi and A.G.Cook's best work, and likely the best album of the year! Jonsi's vocals here are absolutely visceral, and the production is abstract, avantgarde, and tasteful. There are plenty of somber songs for die hard Jonsi/Sigur Ros fans, as well as some crazy abrasive ones for those who are itching for something a little more experimental! 10/10… Expand
  6. NickU
    Oct 4, 2020
    10
    One of the 2020 best album if not THE BEST! I love it so much. Jónsi and A.G. Cook's collaboration has worked out so good! would love to seeOne of the 2020 best album if not THE BEST! I love it so much. Jónsi and A.G. Cook's collaboration has worked out so good! would love to see them together in more colabs.… Expand
  7. yeehagustib
    Oct 2, 2020
    3
    overall a “meh”. some highlights but still its a disconnected work and it made me think i would be able completely to live without this album,overall a “meh”. some highlights but still its a disconnected work and it made me think i would be able completely to live without this album, issue that wasn’t the same in other masterpieces launched this year as Fiona Apple’s “Fetch the Bolt Cutters”.… Expand
  8. Yourmumsbills
    Oct 7, 2020
    2
    i've been a huge Sigur Ros fan for years and i've loved most things Jonsi has been involved with. His previous solo record wasn't great but iti've been a huge Sigur Ros fan for years and i've loved most things Jonsi has been involved with. His previous solo record wasn't great but it was still very good, and the work he did with his partner in Riceboy sleeps had some wonderful highlights. This record sadly, is mostly awful. there are a couple of ok songs here but on the whole It sounds like someone desperately trying to appeal to the millennial generation. The horrible effects and pitch shifted vocals are just painful to listen to, and wholly unnecessary for a man who has such an incredible voice. To be frank this record sounds like every other horrible disposable pop record aimed at the tastes of 13 year old girls.… Expand