Noonday Dream: Critical Reception and Artistic Impact
Ben Howard's album Noonday Dream represents a bold departure from traditional acoustic arrangements, leaning heavily into ambient folk—a genre that blends the storytelling of folk music with the atmospheric, textural sounds of ambient music. Upon its release, the album sparked a diverse range of reactions from music critics, praised by some as a masterclass in songwriting and viewed by others as overly experimental.
The general consensus among mainstream publications was favorable, with the album achieving a normalized score of 80/100 on Metacritic based on 11 professional reviews.
Key Facts
- Metacritic Score: 80/100.
- Perfect Scores: Received 5/5 from Sputnikmusic and a perfect review from The Independent.
- Chart Recognition: Ranked 11th in The Independent's "40 best albums of 2018."
- Genre Shift: Noted for moving away from the straightforward acoustic style of Every Kingdom toward a more atmospheric, ambient sound.
- Notable Tracks: "Nica Libres at Dusk," "The Defeat," and "A Boat to an Island on the Wall" were highlighted by critics.
Detailed Critical Analysis
The Praise: Atmospheric Mastery
Many critics lauded Howard's ability to evoke vivid imagery through sound. Roisin O'Connor of The Independent described the album as an expansion of the Cornish landscape, noting that the opening track, "Nica Libres at Dusk," successfully evokes shimmering heat and soaring eagles through the use of a high-whine electric guitar. Similarly, "The Defeat" was noted for its use of a didgeridoo-like thrumming beneath clashing symbols.
Sputnikmusic awarded the album a perfect score, characterizing it as a "collage of moments" and a masterclass in songwriting that prioritizes artistic craft over easy commercial success. James Christopher Monger of AllMusic also praised the record, comparing the seven-minute track "A Boat to an Island on the Wall" to the Final Cut era of Pink Floyd due to its subtle use of ambient noises and background conversation.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
The Critique: Ambition vs. Accessibility
Despite the praise, some critics found the album's atmospheric approach alienating. Brice Ezell of PopMatters gave the album a 6/10, suggesting that the music occasionally feels "dull and shapeless" by straying too far from Howard's earlier acoustic roots. Ezell argued that while the electronic and ambient elements show promise, they sometimes overshadow the songwriting.
NME's Hannah Mylrea was more critical, awarding the album 3 stars. She described the listening experience as "bloody hard work" and characterized the record as monotonous and self-interested, marking it as a disappointing direction for a songwriter she considers one of Britain's most interesting.
Review and Accolade Summary
| Source | Rating/Rank | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Metacritic | 80/100 | Average Score |
| Sputnikmusic | 5/5 | Perfect Score |
| The Independent | Perfect Review | Perfect Score |
| AllMusic | 4/5 Stars | Favorable |
| Mojo | 8/10 | Favorable |
| The Line of Best Fit | 7/10 | Favorable |
| NME | 3/5 Stars | Mixed/Negative |
| The Independent (Year-End) | #11 | Best Albums of 2018 |
| Radio X (Year-End) | Included | Best Albums of 2018 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall critical consensus of Noonday Dream?
The album received generally favorable reviews, evidenced by its Metacritic score of 80/100, though it polarized critics regarding its shift toward ambient music.
Which tracks were most highlighted by reviewers?
"Nica Libres at Dusk" was praised for its evocative atmosphere, "The Defeat" for its unique instrumentation, and "A Boat to an Island on the Wall" for its Pink Floyd-esque ambient qualities.
How does Noonday Dream differ from Ben Howard's previous work?
Critics noted that the album moves away from the straightforward acoustic arrangements found in Every Kingdom, opting instead for a more inward-looking, ambient, and electronic-influenced sound.
Did the album receive any year-end accolades?
Yes, it was included in Radio X's Best Albums of 2018 and ranked 11th in The Independent's list of the 40 best albums of 2018.
Why did some critics dislike the album?
Some reviewers, such as those from NME and PopMatters, found the album to be monotonous, shapeless, or too "dreamy," arguing that the ambient experimentation came at the expense of engaging songwriting.