Where Have You Been All My Life?
by Villagers
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jan 8, 2016
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 25, 2016
    60
    Ultimately, while the record will prove to be an enjoyable distraction for ardent fans, it’s hard to shake the feeling that these revamps might have been better saved for the live setting.
  2. NOW Magazine
    Jan 14, 2016
    60
    While half the fun is spotting the differences between the original and the remake, Where Have You Been All My Life? is also an excellent intro to Villagers, a summary of five years in one album.
  3. Clash Music
    Jan 12, 2016
    60
    It ultimately falls between two stools - not giving a true portrayal of a Villagers live show, and failing to mix-up tracks enough to justify this ‘re-imagining’ of older material.
  5. The Guardian
    Jan 7, 2016
    60
    He makes the odd misstep, with Hot Scary Summer’s slightly hackneyed melodies and The Soul Serene’s vague meaning lessening the album’s overall rawness. But, as with Bright Eyes, Damien Rice and other artists to whom Villagers are often compared, O’Brien shows signs of a visceral intensity.
  6. Under The Radar
    Jan 7, 2016
    50
    The Damien Rice comparisons are unfair because O'Brien is, demonstrably, a much, much better musician than his compatriot. This album shows us that, but it's little that we haven't seen before.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Jan 11, 2016
    40
    The impression they leave is fleeting; neat arrangements and accomplished musicianship, but with wit and character seemingly in short supply.
  8. Q Magazine
    Jan 7, 2016
    40
    This isn't a bold project and they haven't been expanded nearly enough. [Feb 2016, p.118]
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User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Ricko
    Jun 26, 2020
    8
    Such is the quality of this mans songwriting, you can't go wrong with any Villagers release. Here we get a selection of songs from the first 3Such is the quality of this mans songwriting, you can't go wrong with any Villagers release. Here we get a selection of songs from the first 3 albums recorded live in the stripped down style of Villagers 3rd album "Darling Arithmetic". It sounds lovely and such is the precision of the playing that it is hard to believe that these are single take live recordings. So much so that it lacks the energy of a live record but equally loses the magic of the studio versions of the songs. This is a good album in its own context and when you go through it song by song. Having said all of the above, if you have the first 3 albums, then this is not necessary and is really more for completists as there are a few rarities ( the song "Memoir" written for Charlotte Gainsbourg and a lovely cover of Glen Campbells "Wichita Lineman". It's certainly not an entry point for newcomers as many of their best moments are absent but fans of Conor O'Brien will certainly enjoy it.… Full Review »
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