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Noonday Dream
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Noonday Dream Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 48 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length release for the British singer-songwriter was recorded in England and France with Mickey Smith.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 1, 2018
    100
    On Noonday Dream, he expands the Cornish landscape that has impacted his previous work and brings in sounds and instruments that spark the imagination for places further afield, in the most exquisite way.
  2. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 5, 2018
    90
    It’s Ben Howard doubling down on ambiance, creating a collage of moments both fleeting and everlasting while choosing the art of the craft over the simplest path to accolades. It may take more time to appreciate, but it’s a masterclass of songwriting that will likely dictate the future direction of his music.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Jun 1, 2018
    80
    His third album is an engrossing, deeply atmospheric trip, helmed by seven-minute monster ‘A Boat To An Island On The Wall’, that serves as a repositioning as well as a new highlight.
  4. AllMusic
    Jun 4, 2018
    80
    Noonday Dream can feel ephemeral at times, but never is it unpleasant, even when it's fishing for emotional truth in unstable waters. Introspection rarely feels this inclusive.
  5. Mojo
    Jun 28, 2018
    80
    The result is a meditative set full pf surprises, and songs that haunt. [Aug 2018, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. The 405
    Jun 7, 2018
    75
    Complex, surreal and divine. Noonday Dream is Ben Howard's best work to date.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 1, 2018
    60
    At times, it’s truly gorgeous; but at others: it’s bloody hard work.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. andrewireland
    Sep 12, 2021
    10
    Only coming back to this album after listening to something else, having worn yourself out listening to it, do you realise just how good itOnly coming back to this album after listening to something else, having worn yourself out listening to it, do you realise just how good it is. A classic. Who knew they were still possible.… Expand
  2. travisdyck
    Jun 5, 2018
    10
    Incredible follow up to I Forget Where We Were, an album that didn't seem possible to top. Yet Ben has somehow managed to come up with a pieceIncredible follow up to I Forget Where We Were, an album that didn't seem possible to top. Yet Ben has somehow managed to come up with a piece of work that builds on his past accomplishments, explores new moods and sonic territories, while at the same time being so uniquely its own. Unlike anything he has done before, and yet Noonday Dream feels like a natural progression from his prior work. An album to get lost in and discover more and more of as the years go by.… Expand
  4. wanderingmoon
    Jun 3, 2018
    9
    In Noonday Dream, Ben has built an oasis of ethereal, sprawling soundscapes. Sit back, relax and allow yourself to drift away. It won't be theIn Noonday Dream, Ben has built an oasis of ethereal, sprawling soundscapes. Sit back, relax and allow yourself to drift away. It won't be the sound of your radio summer, but not all music has to be.… Expand
  5. Doof
    Jun 5, 2018
    8
    The man is surely channeling 'World of Echo' Arthur Russell through the vocal chords of Jose Gonzalez, thankfully he's doing a successful jobThe man is surely channeling 'World of Echo' Arthur Russell through the vocal chords of Jose Gonzalez, thankfully he's doing a successful job at it. A grower (as if you needed this spelling out) and wonderfully expansive, this has an addictive ebb and flow to it. One to relax into.… Expand
  6. terminaljunkie
    Jun 1, 2018
    7
    It is rich both in instrumentation, vocals and lyrics for the most part but for me it feels too personal to Ben himself, introspective and notIt is rich both in instrumentation, vocals and lyrics for the most part but for me it feels too personal to Ben himself, introspective and not a little downbeat at times. There are some gorgeous moments when you really feel things start to take off but then it returns to a slow burn that takes the shine off.

    Ben is a fantastic musician crafting songs with love and care that mean so much to him. But as a listener though I would love to hear and feel his joy with the world conveyed with an upbeat, less sprawling and complex musical vista.

    I really love his work, but this is not his best.    … Expand
  7. Brendonh93
    Jun 4, 2018
    6
    This album just isn't for me the instrumentation is spot on but makes it a tough listen as I feel some of the tracks just drag on and are farThis album just isn't for me the instrumentation is spot on but makes it a tough listen as I feel some of the tracks just drag on and are far to ambient. I appricate the feel and the talent that has gone into this album but like I say it just isn't for me which is a shame.… Expand

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