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Riderless Horse
by
Riderless Horse Image
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: Produced with Steve Albini and Greg Norman, the seventh full-length release for singer-songwriter Nina Nastasia was influenced by her dysfunctional relationship with manager/partner Kennan Gudjonsson and his suicide in 2020.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. The Observer (UK)
    Jul 25, 2022
    100
    It’s an unsettlingly raw album, the sparse instrumentation – Nastasia’s soft voice and acoustic guitar, recorded, as ever, by Steve Albini – making her lyrics all the more stark and powerful. ... An astonishingly moving record.
  2. Mojo
    Jul 21, 2022
    100
    It's difficult to detach this record from the harrowing specificity of its backstory, yet Riderless Horse never makes you feel like an intruder. That's testament, after 12 long years, to Natasia's skills, the undimmed songwriter able to transform all the pain and horror into something indelibly beautiful. [Aug 2022, p.88]
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  3. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jul 22, 2022
    100
    Riderless Horse is far from an easy listen for obvious reasons. But hearing the 56-year-old Nastasia describe and attempt to understand these stark events is never less than compelling.
  4. The Quietus
    Jul 25, 2022
    80
    Riderless Horse is quietly redemptive rather than world-razingly cathartic, and despite all the mental and emotional hardship she’s survived, Nastasia remains even-handed and philosophical.
  5. The Wire
    Aug 1, 2022
    80
    It is a working through of grief and abuse, characterised by Nastasia’s deeply resonant songwriting. ... It would be tempting to liken the run of songs in between to a personal descent followed by an emergence into the outside world, but Nastasia shuns such easy linear interpretations. [Aug 2022, p.53]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. AllMusic
    Jul 28, 2022
    80
    Riderless Horse does indeed present her in a new way, though the remarkable talent that was on display in her previous work is still here, as powerful and moving as ever.
  7. Pitchfork
    Jul 28, 2022
    78
    For all its anguish, it’s underpinned by the joyful realization that she’s finally free to record on her own terms.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. brichards
    Jul 26, 2022
    10
    I gave this LP a stream based on the stellar reviews. What a find! One of the best new albums I have heard n the past few years. Lyrics areI gave this LP a stream based on the stellar reviews. What a find! One of the best new albums I have heard n the past few years. Lyrics are great and show remarkable psychological insight. Despite the often grim topics, Nina portrays a fierce drive towards mental health throughout it all. Bravo!… Expand
  2. Small-Talker
    Aug 18, 2022
    10
    Unbelievable record. I don't want to come across as callous, since the album originated from some serious trauma, but Nastasia has turned thatUnbelievable record. I don't want to come across as callous, since the album originated from some serious trauma, but Nastasia has turned that trauma into probably her most beautiful album yet. There is bleakness, of course, but that bleakness is often juxtaposed against some genuine moments of joy. That contrast is indescribable. You just have to listen. But make sure to listen from start to finish. There's a certain quality to the album's storytelling that makes it come across like a great novel. Despite the sadness, it ends on a hopeful note. Something intangible that you can't put your finger on. One of the most moving records I've ever heard.… Expand
  4. Jungstir
    Aug 8, 2022
    9
    First time listener to Nina. I really wasn't expecting much on my new music listening run. The note summary indicated she lost her partner toFirst time listener to Nina. I really wasn't expecting much on my new music listening run. The note summary indicated she lost her partner to suicide and as devastating as that can be Nina is clearly on the mend. She takes you on the recovery experience through her music. Like watching a flower bloom from difficult life circumstances the music and lyrics are filled with emotion along with melodic acoustic work. A must listen.… Expand
  5. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 4, 2022
    7
    Holy sh*t this record is devastating. It's almost hollow with experience her voice with Steve Albin's famous bare production is given theHoly sh*t this record is devastating. It's almost hollow with experience her voice with Steve Albin's famous bare production is given the platform to destroy unadorned. Its difficult to discuss this record removed from the context of it's creators recent tragedy. Nina had recently revealed that he had actually been in a long-term abusive relationship with her partner and manager and that after deciding to leave he killed himself. Pieces of that haunt songs like "trust " that moans with a bereaved cry in it's last few minutes or the wisdom of "afterwards " that reminisces on their life both good and bad as well as how hard it is to know what you know of someone you miss because of death. This album isn't just about closure but it's about how it can never exist.… Expand
  6. jens76
    Oct 25, 2022
    7
    I love you, I love you, I love you, jemand sieht sich von außen und gestellt, alle Frauen sind "falsch", am Rande Nina Nastasia kann schreibenI love you, I love you, I love you, jemand sieht sich von außen und gestellt, alle Frauen sind "falsch", am Rande Nina Nastasia kann schreiben und singt schön.… Expand

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