Noonday Dream
by Ben Howard
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Jun 1, 2018
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. PopMatters
    Aug 2, 2018
    60
    For all the times where Noonday Dream gets, well, a little too dreamy, "Nica Libres at Dusk" demonstrates further possibility for Howard's songwriting. If he's able to marry his chops with acoustic instruments to his penchant for electronic and ambient music, without letting one take precedence over the other, he'd be on his way to a masterpiece that, at their best, each of his three records thus far has hinted at.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 1, 2018
    60
    At times, it’s truly gorgeous; but at others: it’s bloody hard work.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 48
  3. Negative: 5 out of 48
  1. 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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