Un
by Dan Black
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Mojo
    80
    Black's chops and tunes suggest he won't stay underground. [Aug 2009, p.99]
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  2. PopMatters
    80
    This is music made equally for headphones, clubs, and car stereos. This is as creative and re-playable as debut pop albums get
  3. AllMusic
    70
    ((Un)) is a very impressive first record that shows tons of promise. If Black can keep the right amount of wonky in his pop, he could do something truly wonderful.
  5. musicOMH.com
    60
    It's these flashes, however, that highlight the shortcomings of some of the other tracks on ((un)), leaving plenty of room for improvement for that difficult second album.
  6. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    Black's more soft-centred approach has since lagged behind, though this idiosyncrantic debut should help him make up ground.
  7. The Guardian
    60
    His whiny vocals grate after a while, and while tracks like Yours offer fabulous--if soulless--computerised funk, the impact of the discoid stomper 'Pump By Pumps' is rather dulled when you realise the tune had a previous life as Cliff Richard's 'Devil Woman.'
  8. Q Magazine
    60
    It's soulful and pristine pop that all seems a little pedestrian in comparison. [Aug 2009, p.101]
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  9. Spin
    60
    The album works best when Black's mood swings between Technicolor dreams and depressing quotidian details.
  10. Dot Music
    50
    However much electro trickery he has at his fingertips, he needs some songs first.
  11. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    After a few listens, just when these songs should be beginning to grip, you get the creeping sensation Black’s slick production chops are essentially papering over flimsy songs.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Willdabeast
    Nov 18, 2010
    8
    I picked this album up strictly off of the strength of the Symphonies remix with Kid Cudi. That song is an anthem, it is near perfect,I picked this album up strictly off of the strength of the Symphonies remix with Kid Cudi. That song is an anthem, it is near perfect, however the rest of the album is more of a mized bag. His vocals are reminiscent of Passion Pit, Mika, and other indie, rock, pop falsetto voices. the problem however lies not as much with his unique vocala nd th elimitations that leads to, but with the all over the place vibe of the music itself. He suppoedly produced and created all the sounds himself, which i give props for, however the album is not cohesive in sound, theme, or tone. It is best when the sound is glossy dreamy electro pop and dance beats, however his slower tracks once again, like a lot of modern day music, just does not resonate. Just because you are making a pop album does not mean you need to do cheezy, unemotional slow songs and ballads. A slow song needs drive, it needs to be personal and emotional not just follow the formula syrup and mush, blah.

    However I give extra props for the self production sounding so full and lush and the overall vibe of the album is futuristic, hopeful, angsty, and fun. i look forward to more music from Dan Black, a tour featuring him, Robyn and Mika would be amazing!!!    … Full Review »
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