Grey Tickles, Black Pressure
by John Grant
  • Record Label: Partisan
  • Release Date: Oct 9, 2015
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 9, 2015
    60
    Ultimately, while Grey Tickles, Black Pressure should be a career-definiting opus, it just seems unfocussed and uncertain; Grant's barbs aren't as sharp, which means too few of the songs stick like they should.
  2. Record Collector
    Oct 8, 2015
    60
    Too many of the witty lines feel forced to scan, and the electronics, once subtle and suggestive, are heavy-handed. There are charms though. Down Here is lusciously Eels-like, and Tracey Thorn’s star role on Disappointing vamps with a definite strut. It’s just, after PGG’s fabulous right turn, for this album to plough forwards in the same direction seems a wasted opportunity.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Album of 2015
88
#88 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. Muddsjr
    Oct 15, 2015
    8
    Further on in the album where the music deepens and complexes, emotions arise with moods relatable to that of the bleak Pale Green Ghosts,Further on in the album where the music deepens and complexes, emotions arise with moods relatable to that of the bleak Pale Green Ghosts, that when listening to the album again gathers more appreciation and importantly enjoyment for these early songs.
    Darker moments aside, it's important to know that the important part of this album is the less serious, more giddy and even slightly celebratory side.
    Where lyrics aren't analysed the songs might seem a little confusing but once you get to grips with the Grant story, you can fully understand the unique and frequently compelling stance of John Grant.    … Full Review »
  2. listener
    Oct 10, 2015
    5
    Nowhere near as interesting as his previous work,first half of the record is not much then studio trickery with John in his most infantileNowhere near as interesting as his previous work,first half of the record is not much then studio trickery with John in his most infantile state of mind (just check lyrics of You and Him); few good songs near the end save this album not to be total failure but too late too little.Don't really get all those positive reviews.… Full Review »
  3. vicyamusicgreat
    Oct 9, 2015
    10
    John Grant has commented that this is his best album. I cannot disagree, but it is difficult to simply agree with the statement given that hisJohn Grant has commented that this is his best album. I cannot disagree, but it is difficult to simply agree with the statement given that his greatest strengths - soaring romanticism, technical virtuosity - are diffused over quite a number of songs, and that perhaps the album is a smidge intellectual. What be the case, John Grant has triumphed(!) again, this time with amazing vocal variations, that all seem to work, and more great songs that many times pack either an emotional or intellectual wallop, the latter perhaps best exemplified in his Biblical story sequence from Magma Rises, and his haunting "American" history lesson, Black Blizzard. My favorite moments are when he can mix the two strengths – emotion, erudition -, as in the glorious title track, Global Warming, (love song) Disappointing, and on the wondrous No Tangles, with my favorite line "Stockholm is a city that I adore," which sentiment . . oh I most definitely share.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »