When I Say to You Black Lightning
by Common Holly
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Oct 11, 2019
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Exclaim
    Oct 16, 2019
    90
    There's an effortless authenticity in her voice. ... Naggar's rickety orchestration, imagistic lyrics and posture of kindness ensure that it never feels like effort, so much as a joyful, sad, funny, wise conversation with close, thoughtful friend.
  2. Paste Magazine
    Oct 16, 2019
    86
    Black Lightning is rife with minimally detailed yet fully rendered character sketches, and Naggar’s deftness at seamlessly weaving dissonant guitar lines into her riveting stories elevates her music well above much of the crowded folk-adjacent field.
  3. Q Magazine
    Dec 17, 2019
    80
    This LP shows fierce songwriting strength. [Feb 2020, p.108]
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  5. Mojo
    Oct 22, 2019
    80
    Highly engaging. [Dec 2019, p.96]
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  6. Uncut
    Oct 16, 2019
    80
    Across this record, you could spend days unravelling the songwriting. [Nov 2019, p.22]
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  7. The Skinny
    Oct 16, 2019
    80
    A warm, insightful and frequently jarring record full of pain, love, curiosity and mystery.
  8. AllMusic
    Oct 17, 2019
    70
    Artful, spooky, and fascinating, When I Say to You Black Lightning's beguiling contradictions are likely to compel repeat listens.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Best Album of 2019

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