Venus
by Joy Williams
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jun 29, 2015
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. AllMusic
    Jul 15, 2015
    80
    It's the sound of someone coming out the other side of personal upheaval, and even if there are a few missteps, Williams connects in a very human way, providing plenty of allure for an album that feels very much like a debut.
  2. Boston Globe
    Jun 30, 2015
    80
    [An] unsparingly intimate, deeply moving 11-song cycle.
  3. Paste Magazine
    Jun 30, 2015
    72
    Using machined rhythm tracks, there is the distance of EDM on Venus--something not so blood and guts. Yet, in the detachment, a certain honesty arises.
  5. PopMatters
    Jul 22, 2015
    60
    It feels like Williams is trying on a few different costumes to see what she likes, and only landing on material that feels natural maybe half the time. The good news is all of these songs are catchy and singable, and Williams strong vocal performance makes everything work even when a song doesn’t feel quite natural for her.
  6. Mojo
    Jul 6, 2015
    60
    Heavy on atmosphere, but candid and brave also. [Aug 2015, p.98]
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  7. Uncut
    Jul 1, 2015
    60
    Sassy power ballads such as "Before I Sleep," "Sweet Love Of Mine" and "Not Good Enough" sit somewhat uneasily between Celine Dion and Stevie Nivcks. Yet as the album progresses, there's just enough to retain the interest of former fans. [Aug 2015, p.83]
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  8. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 30, 2015
    60
    This album is full of emotive and nuanced performances, the aches of her heart resonating powerfully. However, the sheen and the bombast of much of the production reeks not just of a kind of entitlement, but of desperation.
  9. Rolling Stone
    Jun 30, 2015
    50
    The LP's gospel-flavored synth-pop is invitingly adventurous, but Williams can't hold the space like her touchstones here.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. Mmmiiikkkkk
    Jul 4, 2015
    4
    I hope this is the last of the self-important navel-gazing that dominates the new "folk" music movement. Overwrought, overdramatic andI hope this is the last of the self-important navel-gazing that dominates the new "folk" music movement. Overwrought, overdramatic and overproduced despite a brilliant first single.… Full Review »
  2. Wael
    Jul 2, 2015
    8
    Joy has been through a lot for the last couple of years: the break-up of one of the finest bands ever 'The Civil Wars', the death of herJoy has been through a lot for the last couple of years: the break-up of one of the finest bands ever 'The Civil Wars', the death of her father, trying to hold her marriage together, and giving birth to her first son, Miles. Throughout every single track of the record, you can feel Joy really singing from the part of her heart that expresses sadness, misery, happiness, and hope. The songs are obviously very personal for her, and that's the glue that ties this effort together. On a side note, the alternative sound really suits her voice and her attitude. Standouts for me are "What a Good Woman Does" (which i think is a show-stopper), "Not Good Enough", "Before I Sleep", and "You Loved Me". Keep up the great work, Joy! The great work that has been coming ever since Barton Hallow was released.… Full Review »
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