The Ride
by Nelly Furtado
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Rolling Stone
    Mar 30, 2017
    70
    The influence of producer John Congleton (St. Vincent, Explosions in the Sky) is clear, Furtado exerting pop-adjacent weirdness with a healthy dose of fuzz and charm. However, she loses the focus and simple brilliance of the more upbeat moments when she hits the ballads.
  2. Slant Magazine
    Mar 30, 2017
    70
    The Ride feels a lot like the debut of a new rising star.
  3. AllMusic
    Mar 30, 2017
    70
    What gives The Ride its personality how these hooks bend through Congleton's production and Furtado's subdued delivery, shifting this mainstream pop just into a fringe where this singer/songwriter now seems happy to be.
  5. Pitchfork
    Mar 30, 2017
    68
    She tears into every song with indomitable energy, and usually has production to match. Though it doesn’t quite mesh with the ballad, the twitchy percussion of “Carnival Games” at least livens things up.

Awards & Rankings

85
#85 Most Discussed Album of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 73 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 73
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 73
  3. Negative: 6 out of 73
  1. JaggedLittlePil
    Oct 8, 2017
    9
    Finally Nelly is back! The Ride is a very good album, completely different from everything Nelly did before. The sound is not more R&B or pop,Finally Nelly is back! The Ride is a very good album, completely different from everything Nelly did before. The sound is not more R&B or pop, it is indie rock, alternative, it explores and defines what Nelly is now, a new person and a new artist. Of the 12 tracks there are just 3 that I don't like at all, but the other 9 songs are amazing. Paris Sun, Sticks And Stones and Palaces are my favourite songs of the album. I'm a very big fan of her and she didn't disappoint me.… Full Review »
  2. DrewK808
    Apr 13, 2017
    10
    Good album, positive indie vibes!
    If you're after an album of top-40 pop bangers, you'd better go elsewhere =)
    Indie production, pretty    Good album, positive indie vibes!
    If you're after an album of top-40 pop bangers, you'd better go elsewhere =)
    Indie production, pretty vintage sound, vocals sound great.
    Best tracks IMHO: Cold Heart Truth, Live, Palaces.    … Full Review »
  3. diogoomiranda
    Apr 10, 2017
    10
    This album is incredible! What a masterpiece. Can`t stop listening to it since the day it was released. Thank you Nelly for being true toThis album is incredible! What a masterpiece. Can`t stop listening to it since the day it was released. Thank you Nelly for being true to yourself and make real music!… Full Review »
See all user reviews »