The Party
by Andy Shauf
  • Record Label: Anti-
  • Release Date: May 20, 2016
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    May 20, 2016
    90
    With this effort Shauf successfully portrays the complicated smogarsbord that is youth by capturing in its crudest form at a party, with its hedonism and heartbreak, and in doing so propels himself miles ahead of his singer-songwriter peers who have tried to do the same.
  2. Exclaim
    May 18, 2016
    90
    Shauf brings the same mentality to pop music as the songwriting greats of the '60s and '70s did, with gorgeous instrumentation, subtle arrangements and an all-round organic feel. Paired with his very human and humanizing lyrics, The Party is relatable and honest, simply marvellous.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    May 23, 2016
    80
    Partygoers collapse or embarrass themselves; strings, clarinets and lush Harry Nilsson-style moments all add to the snapshot of an accomplished new voice.
  5. AllMusic
    May 20, 2016
    80
    His idiosyncratic, mumbled vocal delivery might occasionally make understanding the lyrics a bit of a challenge, but it's also one of his unique distinctions and with The Party, he's added another strong outing to his canon.
  6. Mojo
    May 18, 2016
    80
    Shauf paints an endearing sketch of his house party's many moods. [Jun 2016, p.97]
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  7. Uncut
    May 18, 2016
    80
    The Party is definitely worth celebrating. [Jun 2016, p.79]
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  8. The Independent (UK)
    May 18, 2016
    80
    Played entirely by Shauf save for the lush string arrangements, it’s a baroque-pop exercise with echoes of Seventies smarties like Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman and Steely Dan, though rather more empathetic than them. And less cynical.
  9. Paste Magazine
    May 20, 2016
    75
    While the arrangements are lush, they don’t get too overbearing or massive to take away from the lyrics. Fans of artists like Elliott Smith and Grizzly Bear will likely enjoy Shauf’s music, but overall Shauf really comes into his own on The Party.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Coal
    May 22, 2016
    8
    With The Party, Andy Shauf continues to demonstrate impressive lyricism and a remarkable aptitude for storytelling. The instrumentation inWith The Party, Andy Shauf continues to demonstrate impressive lyricism and a remarkable aptitude for storytelling. The instrumentation in this album is simultaneously intimate and cinematic, never compromising humanity for concept.… Full Review »
  2. transfitter
    May 22, 2016
    10
    With Andy Shauf's The Party, we're witnessing a brilliant new songwriter hitting his stride. It's a stunning song-cycle populated by vividWith Andy Shauf's The Party, we're witnessing a brilliant new songwriter hitting his stride. It's a stunning song-cycle populated by vivid characters, coy lyricism, and elegant arrangements. Shauf's work is all the more astonishing when you realize that, except for the strings, he is responsible for every sound and nuance on the album. Best album of the year so far.… Full Review »
  3. jbledsoe
    Dec 20, 2016
    10
    Beautiful, timeless music. Just absorbs you, giving you that feeling of lying on your bed on top of the covers, while the sounds of an amazingBeautiful, timeless music. Just absorbs you, giving you that feeling of lying on your bed on top of the covers, while the sounds of an amazing vinyl record washes over you in waves of melancholy (but the good kind) and longing. Highly recommended for fans of indie rock and good songwriting/storytelling.… Full Review »
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