The Turning Wheel
by Spellling
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 24, 2021
    90
    Aside from the constant stream of new sounds and instruments ("Revolution" may be the first song to utilise a steel drum for its big drop), the other joy of the record is its themes of self-affirmation and courage.
  2. The Wire
    Jun 29, 2021
    80
    It’s not often that an album comes along that feels this loaded with transformative potential. [Jul 2021, p.66]
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  3. musicOMH.com
    Jun 25, 2021
    80
    On the whole this is a significant artistic leap, a progressive album of dazzling stylistic pluralities that demands attention.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 24, 2021
    80
    SPElLLING’s third album is more of a grand statement of organic authenticity. An hour-long double, and far more melodic and accessible than her previous murky menacings.
  6. Beats Per Minute
    Jun 28, 2021
    76
    Slap as many abstract adjectives and kitschy references you want on it, you’re not going to pin The Turning Wheel down. Its ineffability can be its greatest strength.
  7. Pitchfork
    Jun 28, 2021
    75
    While The Turning Wheel was originally planned for release in September of last year, its whimsical presentation and urgent, socially conscious lyrics give it a timeless feeling.
  8. Under The Radar
    Jun 24, 2021
    75
    The album is littered with a barrage of ghostly and reverb-laden foley effects, making it near impossible to not visualize the space in which her witchy, out-of-this-world performance would theoretically take place. This is Cabral’s show, and we’re all just spectators.
  9. Uncut
    Jun 24, 2021
    70
    The Turning Wheel has the feel of a big reveal. Her voice, as dramatic and flamboyant as a young Kate Bush, now pirouettes amid a backdrop of warm brass and orchestral funk supplied by an extended cast of players. [Jul 2021, p.34]
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  10. AllMusic
    Jun 24, 2021
    70
    As with Cabral's previous album, The Turning Wheel has several standouts along with a handful of other tracks that don't leave as much of an impression. However, this is undeniably her best-produced work yet, and clearly demonstrates her impressive growth as an artist.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 51
  3. Negative: 4 out of 51
  1. lukascabahug
    Jul 7, 2021
    10
    ahhhhhhh beautiful beautiful. Such luscious instrumentals with perfectly mixed and EQed production. Spellling's vocals are so exciting areahhhhhhh beautiful beautiful. Such luscious instrumentals with perfectly mixed and EQed production. Spellling's vocals are so exciting are personal. Songwriting is a great balance of impressionistic poeticism and nuanced storytelling. I'm so happy Spellling is getting the recognition she deserves… Full Review »
  2. draftword800379
    Jul 7, 2021
    9
    This is cool. Love the arrangements and the detailed, layered production. Her voice is amazing and has a wide range. This album reminds me aThis is cool. Love the arrangements and the detailed, layered production. Her voice is amazing and has a wide range. This album reminds me a lot of Kate Bush and David Bowie. Feels so celestial and fantastical, very imaginative.… Full Review »
  3. julian_b
    Jul 7, 2021
    10
    Incredible atmosphere, instrumentals and vocal performance
    First half is beautiful, second half darker and captivating
    Every track is    Incredible atmosphere, instrumentals and vocal performance
    First half is beautiful, second half darker and captivating
    Every track is amazing, my favorites are "Boys at School", "Turning Wheel", "Little Deer" and "Sweet Talk"    … Full Review »
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