This Is Acting
by Sia
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jan 29, 2016
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 522 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 410 out of 522
  2. Mixed: 54 out of 522
  3. Negative: 58 out of 522
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  1. ZhaneJohnson
    Jan 29, 2016
    8
    Incredible vocals! Even though she acted when she made those songs she did a great job. She made a nowadays album! I think she could've made an effort with lyrics, some of them are just great but nothing much. Broken Glass is one of my fav because she shows she has a f*cking great voice! She's an artist
  2. leonardohuatuco
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    Best álbum of the 2016 and one best in pop. its excelent . new rhythms for sia , best vocal and the best lyrics , sia, this álbum shows the power to make good music . This is the real pop álbum.
  3. Grutzmacher
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    this new work from Sia surpassed its predecessor album, this album brings a totally different thematic of all the latest albums released, make an album with 90% of the songs rejected by other artists is not for everyone! Luck of Sia and fans because this album is wonderful
  4. maximchuma
    Jan 30, 2016
    9
    Undoubtedly, the record This Is Acting was in the list of the most anticipated albums of the year. Finally Sia shared with fans of the result of her long work. Concept eighth album was announced long before the release: songs written for other artists, and rejected them, among the performers - Rihanna, Adele, Katy Perry and Cheryl.

    Before we actually have pop hits: After Chandelier we    Undoubtedly, the record This Is Acting was in the list of the most anticipated albums of the year. Finally Sia shared with fans of the result of her long work. Concept eighth album was announced long before the release: songs written for other artists, and rejected them, among the performers - Rihanna, Adele, Katy Perry and Cheryl.

    Before we actually have pop hits: After Chandelier we have hit after hit, and This is Acting is all 12 at once, or still not? Anyway, there is an idea why these compositions are still not been adopted by other artists. After listening to a few tracks in a row is a feeling that they were recorded as individual singles, do not vary greatly from one to another and do not constitute a single album.    … Expand
  5. diegonelli
    Jan 29, 2016
    8
    Amazing album. Much better than 1000 Forms of Fear. So happy than those mainstream artists rejected these beautiful songs and Sia could own them :) Favs: Cheap Thrills, Unstoppable, Space Between. 8/10 for me.
  6. irled
    Jan 29, 2016
    7
    Credit where credit is due. This album is primarily made up of songs Sia has written herself for other artists, who ultimately rejected them. First, brownie points for writing your own material, unlike some performers (I'm looking at you Beyonce). Second, more points for having the vocal talent to perform them on your own without computer assistance (I spotted a few pitchy moments).Credit where credit is due. This album is primarily made up of songs Sia has written herself for other artists, who ultimately rejected them. First, brownie points for writing your own material, unlike some performers (I'm looking at you Beyonce). Second, more points for having the vocal talent to perform them on your own without computer assistance (I spotted a few pitchy moments). Finally, points for giving consideration and care to your non-anthemic pieces. Everyone loved Chandelier and Elastic Heart, myself included, but the real strength of this album isn't in the bangers that will most likely get the air time (Alive), but rather the more nuanced spots like "Reaper," which is my favorite track on this album.

    Bottom line, Sia is extraordinarily talented from both a songwriting and artistry perspective. She deserves the success she has had, and this album is a good showing overall, while I don't believe it will attain the same societal pervasiveness, it will further endear already budding fans into full-fledged devotees.    … Expand
  7. lucasripe
    Feb 1, 2016
    10
    Incredible vocals! Even though she acted when she made those songs she did a great job. She made a nowadays album! I think she could've made an effort with lyrics, some of them are just great but nothing much. Broken Glass is one of my fav because she shows she has a f*cking great voice! She's an artist
  8. HenriqGiovanini
    Feb 1, 2016
    9
    This Is Acting é um dos melhores álbuns de Sia. A cantora retornou cheia de força e sentimento, deixando de vez os bastidores e se transformando em uma nova Diva Pop. Amei! Não consigo parar de ouvi-lo.
  9. Thomisu
    Feb 2, 2016
    9
    Unstoppable, Move Your Body and Set Free Bird son las perlas de este CD. No hay canciones que no me gusten. Solo un par que yo personalmente no hubiera puesto (House on Fire y Footprints). El álbum no es original, es muy parecido al anterior a nivel de sound, pero si que lo es a nivel de tema: ella actúa sus canciones escritas y rechazadas por otras compañeras (Adele, Beyonce, Rihanna,Unstoppable, Move Your Body and Set Free Bird son las perlas de este CD. No hay canciones que no me gusten. Solo un par que yo personalmente no hubiera puesto (House on Fire y Footprints). El álbum no es original, es muy parecido al anterior a nivel de sound, pero si que lo es a nivel de tema: ella actúa sus canciones escritas y rechazadas por otras compañeras (Adele, Beyonce, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Shakira...).

    Un muy buen CD. Espero que tenga el éxito que se merece.    … Expand
  10. markfann979
    Feb 2, 2016
    10
    Great album. Sia makes this album work. The way she can make her voice twist and soar is incredible. Nice album to just listen to start to finish. Highlights are: Cheap Thrills, Alive, Bird Set Free, and Broken Glass (my personal favorite).
  11. GFactor
    Jun 10, 2016
    8
    Sia tem uma qualidade vocal impressionante e somada aos ótimos arranjos: temos um dos melhores álbuns do ano!
    Ela veste bem a forma de "atuar", como ela se propõe, em cada faixa e faz parecer que ninguém poderia cantar tal música! Será injustiçado nas premiações, tal como os passados, porém não por falta de qualidade, pois isso tem de sobra.
  12. UmLuan
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    It sure is a better album that many out there that need to be bought by multinationals and distributed freely to avoid failure.
    This album shows that it is possible to make good music with just a pen.
    It proved to be the best without having to make the conceptual and different line.
  13. JesusKuyoc
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    This is another great album by Sia, even thought is not as risky as 1000 Forms of Fear it’s still a adventurous album showing us a side of Sia we were waiting to see, listen to all those tracks written for another artists in the voice of the original composer is just magical as Sia takes us in a delightful ride listening to nice, danceable and enjoyable music,
  14. ThisIsActing
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    Oh this holy album is everything in my life. Sia did a very good job with all these perfect songs. Glad the artists rejected these masterpieces so that Sia could sing them for this masterpiece!
  15. Juca
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    Sia nos mostra que tem um potencial incrível, letras boas, melodias agradáveis e um fôlego pra nos levar a ouvir seu álbum até o final sem cansar. Entre canções dançantes e baldas fortes a cantora australiana consegue realizar um bom trabalho e o resultado final do this is acting é maravilhoso
  16. HolyFloWelch
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    Excellent album. Every song is great and Sia's vocals are outstanding. All the artists who rejected these songs, except One Million Bullets, are really dumb.
  17. thaleslucas
    Jan 29, 2016
    7
    By far, this is the most pretentious album Sia career. Organize and quickly produce an album with tracks discarded by other artists is something great, if it wasn't a little tragic.

    Most of the album has the same sound of this precedent, "1000 Forms of Fear", but with less drama and dark in the compositions. Here, we see Sia safer and relaxed lyrically, precisely because those are    By far, this is the most pretentious album Sia career. Organize and quickly produce an album with tracks discarded by other artists is something great, if it wasn't a little tragic.

    Most of the album has the same sound of this precedent, "1000 Forms of Fear", but with less drama and dark in the compositions. Here, we see Sia safer and relaxed lyrically, precisely because those are compositions that she wrote thinking in other artists, it's pop compositions.

    Within production, the album follows a general pattern radio. More different musics in this regard are "Move Your Body", a super dance track discarded by Shakira, "Reaper" (co-produced by Kanye West) and "Thrills Chips" - the latter two being ignored by hitmaker Rihanna.

    In the end, "This Is Acting" is a common pop album, like any current mainstream music would sound. That's all.    … Expand
  18. legendarysia
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    Now this is excellence in form of pop. Every song is a masterpiece and memorable. Can't wait for Sia's next album which will be written and produced entirely for it.
  19. chidime
    Jan 29, 2016
    7
    I am torn between a 7 and an 8, but I'll give a 7 for now. The album, in totality is good. It is cohesive and gives you a good idea of what Sia was trying to achieve with it. However, what I didn't like was the fact that many of the pre-released songs seem to rehash the chandelier formula, especially instrumental wise. The same drum machine sound in similar patterns/beats. However, thereI am torn between a 7 and an 8, but I'll give a 7 for now. The album, in totality is good. It is cohesive and gives you a good idea of what Sia was trying to achieve with it. However, what I didn't like was the fact that many of the pre-released songs seem to rehash the chandelier formula, especially instrumental wise. The same drum machine sound in similar patterns/beats. However, there are some songs on this that I found very new and refreshing, which to me is an indication of a good body of work. Such songs include Cheap Thrills, Reaper, Move Your Body, Sweet Design (love it), and the triple key change sweetness of Broken Glass. Unsurprisingly, these are the best songs in the album. The worst ones are the ones that sound thematically similar to her previous songs: Alive, Unstoppable, House on Fire. The others are just fine.… Expand
  20. SoundOfAMan
    Jan 29, 2016
    7
    While Sia has declared her awareness of the cheese factor in her hired-gun material, with its broad themes of self-empowerment and survival, she has a real gift for making it palatable.
  21. LADYGAGAGreece
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    This is.... AMAZING! From the first track till the last one it's just perfection! There are some songs that are not that good but the absolute standouts such as "Cheep Thrills", "Move Your Body", " Bird Set Free" and "Unstoppable" overshadow the small imperfections!
  22. justsayingtruth
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    This Is Acting is a really good album, really love it; all the songs sounds like hits, and some lyrics are just wonderful. Don't underrate it and give her a chance, listen it, is really awesome!
  23. Wesley_orphan
    Jan 29, 2016
    8
    Não há o que comparar ao 1000 Forms Of Fear, afinal, isso é atuação, ela está apenas interpretando músicas escritas para outras pessoas, destaque para os vocais poderosos em Alive, Space Between e Bird Set Free que para mim é a música do álbum que mais combina com ela, basta reparar na letra.Move Your Body, Cheap Thrills e Sweet Design mostra um lado pouco visto de Sia e que deveria serNão há o que comparar ao 1000 Forms Of Fear, afinal, isso é atuação, ela está apenas interpretando músicas escritas para outras pessoas, destaque para os vocais poderosos em Alive, Space Between e Bird Set Free que para mim é a música do álbum que mais combina com ela, basta reparar na letra.Move Your Body, Cheap Thrills e Sweet Design mostra um lado pouco visto de Sia e que deveria ser mostrado mais.Até por que nem só de música conceitual viverá o homem.… Expand
  24. CharlieGray
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    For me, this is the best record of the year so far, although it may lacks the emotion in 1000 Forms of Fear, but it's just as good, after all, she didn't wrote the songs for the album, but for another artists.
  25. matrix19
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    Really good album, similar to Sia's last effort. Her strength lays in her distinctive and very emotional voice, as well as in the talent for songwriting.
  26. LegendaryMau
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love broken glass. A must listen seriously!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  27. proterospongia
    Jan 29, 2016
    7
    Sia does a good job keeping her identity while impersonating several pop divas in her new album, This Is Acting. She nurtures with maternal love her children rejected by their foster mothers, getting the best of each track. Mrs Furler is a pop artist to the bone, and her work displays all the great qualities of mainstream music, and all its nastiest flaws too.

    Best Tracks: Cheap    Sia does a good job keeping her identity while impersonating several pop divas in her new album, This Is Acting. She nurtures with maternal love her children rejected by their foster mothers, getting the best of each track. Mrs Furler is a pop artist to the bone, and her work displays all the great qualities of mainstream music, and all its nastiest flaws too.

    Best Tracks: Cheap Thrills, House on Fire, One Million Bullets    … Expand
  28. willcosta
    Feb 1, 2016
    10
    Amazing vocals, awesome lyrics! Sia is showing even more versatility. Its better than 1000 forms of fear, in my opinion as a Sia fan. I hope to see amazing videos and justice for Sia on Grammys.
  29. popfan
    Feb 1, 2016
    10
    De longe o melhor álbum do ano e um dos melhores dela! Abre com uma das letras mais fantásticas que a música já foi agraciada. O álbum se distancia completamente de seu antecessor "1000 Forms Of Fear", o que só comprova que Sia não é mais uma caçadora de fama e atenção. Fantástico.
  30. Dinhuh
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    This Album is the best of 2016, Sia is one the true artist, and have one Big Talent. In This Album, Sia Pick all your feeling and transform in Music. One True Art
  31. nokyam1
    Feb 1, 2016
    10
    Com certeza não é o melhor álbum dá Sia, mas cumpriu totalmente com a proposta, ótimas músicas que te deixam sem entender como algum artista foi capaz de recusá-las, o álbum está maravilhoso, e os vocais inigualáveis como sempre!
  32. JonathasRanver
    Feb 1, 2016
    9
    O álbum mesmo por ser uma versão de músicas descartadas,por incrível que pareça, consegue criar uma atmosfera entre canção,produção e vocais que cativam e envolve a quem o escuta!. This is acting é um misto d pop/soul que lembra lançamentos anteriores (1000 forms of fear e We Are Born) e talvez esse seja o ponto negativo na produção,pois querendo ou não ouvintes necessitam de algo queO álbum mesmo por ser uma versão de músicas descartadas,por incrível que pareça, consegue criar uma atmosfera entre canção,produção e vocais que cativam e envolve a quem o escuta!. This is acting é um misto d pop/soul que lembra lançamentos anteriores (1000 forms of fear e We Are Born) e talvez esse seja o ponto negativo na produção,pois querendo ou não ouvintes necessitam de algo que surpreenda e inove diante a discografia. Destaque para canções como Alive,Birds Set Free,House on Fire,Footprints e Broken Galsses.… Expand
  33. calumbus88
    Jan 30, 2016
    9
    Bird Set Free, Alive and Move Your Body are absolute belters and standouts, really impressive, the rest of the album is above average, 1000 Forms of Fear is still fractionally better I feel :)
  34. MaxNatalchuk
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    Sure this is the best her album. There are songs in different styles of music. Alive is pop, Move Your Body is dance, Reaper is reggae, Space Between is indie, etc. I love all of the songs in this album. The conception of creating of the album is original. Sia gives to the album songs the second breathing. If to talk about songs, they are powerful vocally, many of them have a deep sense,Sure this is the best her album. There are songs in different styles of music. Alive is pop, Move Your Body is dance, Reaper is reggae, Space Between is indie, etc. I love all of the songs in this album. The conception of creating of the album is original. Sia gives to the album songs the second breathing. If to talk about songs, they are powerful vocally, many of them have a deep sense, many of them are easy to perceive. Generally, this album is very good. As I am a Sia fun, so my score is 10 from 10.… Expand
  35. Mannhorse
    Feb 2, 2016
    3
    The previous record "1000 Forms of Fear" can be The Dark Knight of Sia's long and lengthy discography. This new record is her Joel Schumacher's Batman and Robin.
  36. Johnnytri
    Jan 30, 2016
    0
    Sia was attempting to repeat the success of "2000 forms of fear". Releasing an album full of rejects was very risky. It's pretty clear why other artists rejected them. Not her best work. Disappointed.
  37. AndresM2408
    Jan 29, 2016
    1
    This album not was the best of sia, I think that she could make it better, lyrics are right, but sounds... could make it better, it's my opinion, nothing more
  38. fajnydamian
    Jan 29, 2016
    0
    Sia wanted to repeat success of her last album and make 2000 Forms Of Fear. This album is really bad, how can she be so lazy to take all the BAD songs recorded for other artists and release it? I like old albums by Sia but this album is very annoying, boring and everything sounds the same, disappointment.
  39. longjetty7
    Jan 29, 2016
    4
    This was a pretty risky move for Sia. Releasing an album of "rejects" is inevitably going to make people even more critical of it than they normally would, and I'm sorry to say that with many of these songs, it's pretty clear why other artists didn't want them. There are a few good songs like Bird Set Free, Alive, and Cheap Thrills, but for the most part this is a very bland album. Sia isThis was a pretty risky move for Sia. Releasing an album of "rejects" is inevitably going to make people even more critical of it than they normally would, and I'm sorry to say that with many of these songs, it's pretty clear why other artists didn't want them. There are a few good songs like Bird Set Free, Alive, and Cheap Thrills, but for the most part this is a very bland album. Sia is a talented songwriter, as you can tell from her other albums, but here it sounds like she isn't really being herself, as the title implies. She's trying so hard to be mainstream and appeal to the masses that she's lost much of her originality and appeal. Her vocals are what saves this album from being a complete failure, but otherwise there is a mediocre pop album like any other.… Expand
  40. artpopgr
    Jan 30, 2016
    7
    A bold pop album with good, catchy tunes that were unfairly rejected by other singers.
    album highlights: Move Your Body, Alive, Powerful.

    Minus 3 points because it feels repetitive at times.
  41. jlnorden
    Feb 15, 2016
    3
    The concept of this album is really cool. Sia taking songs she wrote for other artist who rejected them and recording them of them. The only problem is I can totally see why these songs were rejected. Alive isn't nearly as good as songs on "25". Rihanna has evolved past "Cheap Thrills" and "Reaper". While "Unstoppable" is a good song its not as strong as "Confident" by Demi Lovato.
  42. OurEntity
    Mar 28, 2016
    3
    Sia is an amazing artist and has a LOT of potential. I just didn't feel that this album was all that good, I was expecting more drama, more passion and more emotion. I did not get that
  43. Rapunxel
    Feb 3, 2016
    5
    I can understand why these songs were rejected, most of them are very uninteresting. There are still great songs like One Million Bullets, Move Your Body and Sweet Design, but This Is Acting sounds like a mess compared to 1000 Forms of Fear. A bit disappointing
  44. ahmedimran
    Jan 30, 2016
    7
    A pretty average album. There are some songs which dont go with her voice and the album does NOT go in a flow either but songs like Move Your Body, Cheap Thrills and Alive make it baring. Much better that Rihanna's album ANTI though.
  45. DavidEsc
    Jan 29, 2016
    5
    This album sounds just like "1000 forms of fear" i'm not saying that is awful, but she can do so much better, she need to do something different, but the album is not bad
  46. Tony_fenty
    Jan 29, 2016
    6
    Parace que a Sia lança as mesmas músicas desde Titanium. Tem que inovar, garota. Pior que nem de Alive eu gostei muito. Gostei no começo mas já abusou.
  47. Tonyo
    Jan 30, 2016
    5
    Album assez inégal. Après nous avoir proposé un solide album avec 1000 Forms of Fear, Sia revient à un album qui semble être un rejet d'anciennes démos.
    Que vient faire la chanson Sweet Design qui est assez inaudible?

    Saluons tout de même la puissance du titre Broken Glass qui est mon coup de cœur de l'album.
  48. All_ButTrU4
    Apr 15, 2022
    4
    Confessed to be a collection of rejected songs intended for other artists you cannot help but understand why those artists passed on these songs which at times compete for some of the worst in her catalog. But even so they are higlights that hint to a greater album and are in the best of ways reminiscent of her career best 1000 forms of fear. Songs like "the greatest" which have thisConfessed to be a collection of rejected songs intended for other artists you cannot help but understand why those artists passed on these songs which at times compete for some of the worst in her catalog. But even so they are higlights that hint to a greater album and are in the best of ways reminiscent of her career best 1000 forms of fear. Songs like "the greatest" which have this signature optimimism or "bird set free" which could fit easily on adele's 25. Her more off the wall experiments though challenging are a blast to get into such as "sweet design " or "Summer rain". Her vocals are a superpower that defends sometimes lyrically vacant songs.… Expand
  49. owenrw89
    Dec 18, 2016
    8
    Her voice is an all-commanding power. Not since the female vocalists of the 90's (Celine, Whitney, Mariah) have we heard such raw vocal intensities. With This Is Acting, Sia proves she can pretty much dominate any genre or style. OK, so 'Sweet Design' is a little on the odd side, but the rest are absolutely convincing.
    What's more, not only is the greatest vocalist around at the moment,    Her voice is an all-commanding power. Not since the female vocalists of the 90's (Celine, Whitney, Mariah) have we heard such raw vocal intensities. With This Is Acting, Sia proves she can pretty much dominate any genre or style. OK, so 'Sweet Design' is a little on the odd side, but the rest are absolutely convincing.
    What's more, not only is the greatest vocalist around at the moment, she's one of the great pop-writers too.
    A brilliantly enjoyable pop record.    … Expand
  50. crunchycelery
    Feb 4, 2016
    7
    After 2014’s triumphant return of singer/songwriter and powerhouse vocalist Sia with 1000 Forms of Fear, she became a household name. What ended up being a slightly unconventional and potentially downright uncommercial move ended up really bringing more attention to the project, leaving Sia in a very similar position of notoriety and success shared with the pop stars she started writingAfter 2014’s triumphant return of singer/songwriter and powerhouse vocalist Sia with 1000 Forms of Fear, she became a household name. What ended up being a slightly unconventional and potentially downright uncommercial move ended up really bringing more attention to the project, leaving Sia in a very similar position of notoriety and success shared with the pop stars she started writing for when she “retired”.
    1000 Forms of Fear adopted some of the trendier and pop leaning sounds Sia had been using writing for others, all the while balancing them with quirkier elements of her taste and darker more personal lyrics.
    This Is Acting curiously takes this further as its comprised almost entirely of songs written for and subsequently rejected by other artists. The concept being that these aren’t things Sia would necessarily say herself, but rather an “act”. This isn’t particularly unfamiliar territory for Sia as her vocals were reluctantly used on massive hits like David Guetta’s “Titanium” (meant for Alicia Keys), and Flo Rida’s “Wild Ones” (meant for Katy Perry). Stating in an interview of the latter that she would never say “I want to shut down in the club”. This is repeated on This Is Acting with self confidence anthems like “Unstoppable” harkening the former and a slew carefree dance tracks all of which employ uncharacteristic (and perhaps even off brand) lyrics for a Sia song.
    The results on This Is Acting is somewhat mixed. Starting with “Bird Set Free” Sia wails triumphantly over a brooding arrangement of her freedom. Moving into “Alive”, the most “Chandelier” like track, Sia laments over a chugging rhythm before exclaiming with the utmost power and pain that “I’m Alive!”. An obvious highlight, this track speaks to the albums successes. Her signature creak, cracks, and squeaks inject so much emotion, passion, and texture in the vocal delivery that I feel Adele wouldn’t have been able to.
    “One Million Bullets”, the only song on here Sia wrote for herself, is blissful and torn, oddly dark and uplifting power pop. Her voice subtlety ricochets before soaring into an explosive chorus. These would have felt absolutely at home on 1000 Forms of Fear. However, from here on out we traverse somewhat uncharted territory.
    “Move Your Body”, an EDM club banger initially meant for Shakira, starts with Sia chanting and eventually inflecting in Shakira-esque fashion. “Unstoppable” fails to make much of an impact as the pop landscape is now so saturated with a Sia penned inspirational uplifting anthem. “Cheap Thrills” thumps with Caribbean undertones singing of spending an inexpensive night out on the town. Though odd chanting children, and alien like auto-tuned backing vocals add a bit of the Sia quirkiness to this track thats largely a miss from this album.
    Kanye collab “Reaper” finds a way to take the dark subject matter and make it sunny and somewhat breezy. “House On Fire” (a personal favourite of mine) attaches light and sunny pop rhythm with a sneakily catchy and smooth vocal line, juxtaposed with the dark reality of the lyrics whilst also taking cues from motifs found on her last record. It’s after this song where the record kind of dips of.
    “Footprints” suffers too much from its cliché to make much of a meaningful impact as a love song. “Sweet Design” takes the sampled funk of B’Day era Beyonce, with half enunciated lyrics about booty that sound awkward coming from a persona like Sia’s. The slight middle eastern tint is nice on “Broken Glass” but the song stays somewhat stagnant as Sia cries of perseverance for love’s sake only to be shaken up slightly at the tail end by a glitched out vocal part that appears before the song wraps up. And album closer “Space Between” finds Sia straight up wailing over an atmospheric backdrop, but not in a way that is affecting like “Cellophane” off of 1000 Forms of Fear. The listener struggles to find the slightest redemption in this chore of a song as it trudges along.
    Ultimately This Is Acting is a somewhat interesting, if also somewhat wholly unsatisfying experiment. This is certainly Sia’s least consistent album since Colour the Small One. And this isn’t at the fault of “The Acting” persé, but as the initial intrigue in hearing Sia perform her best Shakira and Rihanna impressions quickly wane when you’re left with the reality of the mixed bag that’s This Is Acting. It’s entirely conceivable to understand why some of these songs were passed on. But the versatility might offer a little of something for everyone. Whether it’s the more typical Sia in the absolutely emotionally affected and devastating power pop songs, the odd dance songs that worked, or the odd dance songs that didn’t. While I find Sia’s voice satisfying enough to listen through the record (save for perhaps the closer) it’s absolutely understandable why this album will fall short for so many.    … Expand
  51. leocarli
    Jun 30, 2016
    7
    É um bom álbum. Não mais que isso. Obviamente não se compara com o que foi o anterior, até porque esse é um álbum com músicas descartadas, mas ainda assim é bom.
  52. Evic21
    Feb 18, 2016
    9
    Even though this album wasn't as great as 1000 Forms of Fear, there are some great songs on here and Sia's vocals are on point throughout the album. I think why it was hard to really get into this album was because of the bland beginning. With the exception of Alive and Bird Set Free, tracks 3-5 should have been omitted. Despite that, I loved the playful nature of the album and itsEven though this album wasn't as great as 1000 Forms of Fear, there are some great songs on here and Sia's vocals are on point throughout the album. I think why it was hard to really get into this album was because of the bland beginning. With the exception of Alive and Bird Set Free, tracks 3-5 should have been omitted. Despite that, I loved the playful nature of the album and its production. Sia is still great and loves to experiment which is why she is so much fun to listen to.… Expand
  53. nickjames
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    Bird Set Free: #snatched
    Alive: #multiplatinumsnatchedt
    One Million Bullets: #notsosnatched Move Your Body: #nohairwillevergrowovermyheadanymore Unstoppable: #multiplatinumsnatchedt Cheap Thrills: #multiplatinumsnatchedtcaribbeanstyled Reaper: #snatchedkanyestyled House on Fire: #weaveissafe Footprints: #snatched Sweet Design: #myasswassnatchedt Broken Glass:    Bird Set Free: #snatched
    Alive: #multiplatinumsnatchedt
    One Million Bullets: #notsosnatched
    Move Your Body: #nohairwillevergrowovermyheadanymore
    Unstoppable: #multiplatinumsnatchedt
    Cheap Thrills: #multiplatinumsnatchedtcaribbeanstyled
    Reaper: #snatchedkanyestyled
    House on Fire: #weaveissafe
    Footprints: #snatched
    Sweet Design: #myasswassnatchedt
    Broken Glass: #multiplatinumsnatchedt
    Space Between: #multiplatinumsnatchedt    … Expand
  54. Velvetzz
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    The whole concept of the album is that all songs were rejected by other artists now that surely sounds like a bad idea from the get-go, but Sia manages to make it work. She transforms into all the artist that the songs were sent to yet at the same her personality shines through in all of them. Don't get mistaken by the idea of the album this is a Sia album and a great one at that.
  55. Hinaria
    Oct 5, 2016
    7
    Credit where credit is due. This album is primarily made up of songs Sia has written herself for other artists, who ultimately rejected them. First, brownie points for writing your own material, unlike some performers (I'm looking at you Beyonce). Second, more points for having the vocal talent to perform them on your own without computer assistance (I spotted a few pitchy moments).Credit where credit is due. This album is primarily made up of songs Sia has written herself for other artists, who ultimately rejected them. First, brownie points for writing your own material, unlike some performers (I'm looking at you Beyonce). Second, more points for having the vocal talent to perform them on your own without computer assistance (I spotted a few pitchy moments). Finally, points for giving consideration and care to your non-anthemic pieces. Everyone loved Chandelier and Elastic Heart, myself included, but the real strength of this album isn't in the bangers that will most likely get the air time (Alive), but rather the more nuanced spots like "Reaper," which is my favorite track on this album.… Expand
  56. FedericoBini
    Mar 21, 2016
    9
    A powerful album with strong singles and tracks ("Alive", "Bird Set Free", "Footprints", "Cheap Thrills") that delivers a feeling of empowerment and, at the same time, the sense of letting your weaknesses out through the screams that define most of the chorus of the songs. Sia provided unique yet highly appreciable vocals.
  57. wildheart
    Feb 12, 2016
    6
    Sia Furler has come a long way since her great fifth studio album, "We Are Born", that should have been her big breakthrough. The singer/songwriter had a lot to bring to the pop industry and she proved it more than once on big, yet never quite unique, pop songs she wrote for major artists as Rihanna, Beyoncé or Katy Perry.
    After a very radio-friendly and heartfelt sixth album, "1000 Forms    Sia Furler has come a long way since her great fifth studio album, "We Are Born", that should have been her big breakthrough. The singer/songwriter had a lot to bring to the pop industry and she proved it more than once on big, yet never quite unique, pop songs she wrote for major artists as Rihanna, Beyoncé or Katy Perry.
    After a very radio-friendly and heartfelt sixth album, "1000 Forms Of Fear", good but too polished to be as fascinating as her early works, Sia who is now well-known as an artist, a songwriter but especially as a performer, reveals an album that is worth listening to for his concept : "This Is Acting" is composed by songs Furler has written originally for huge names of the pop industry but that were refused.
    The concept is fascinating, the idea is here and it makes the attention surrounding Sia's recent music worth it. "This Is Acting" is the testimony of an artist who wrote some of the biggest songs of these last few years without being acknowledged. It also highlights the fact that the pop industry hides talented artists (and writers) who will give their material to big names even though they could bring a lot more to the pop landscape than those superstars but they are not supported by their labels.
    "This Is Acting" is an important album. Unfortunately, the music isn't as fascinating as the concept. Sia's performances are truly outstanding, smart and they add a certain rawness to the unsurprising pop songs. The writing is good without being innovative and the production, even though it is sometimes catchy and nice to listen to ("Cheap Thrills", "One Million Bullets, ""Sweet Design" with that unexpected "Thong Song" sample), is pop at his most basic state.
    Saying we can understand why these songs were rejected was because they weren't strong enough would be lying : "Reaper" could have been a great Rihanna's single and "Footprints" would have definitely been a great addition to Beyoncé's recent works. On the other hand, the songs lack of personality (even though it's kind of the point) and consequently the important and interesting concept fall short.
    "This Is Acting" is still not Sia's comeback to her alternative roots, we are far from her innovative and creative pop. Yet, the new album is definitely worth listening to and it will please the massive pop audience expecting another batch of radio hits from Sia.    … Expand
  58. arcanjo
    Feb 2, 2016
    6
    This album is a mainstrean version of Some People Have Real Problems. As much as we have very good song working by themselves, even the dispretentious "Sweet Design", in a whole we have a scaterred album, a lack of sincronie between the tracks.

    On the other hand we see a a different, danceful, a party girl version of Sia, differently from the emotionally-happy We Are Born. Unfortunately    This album is a mainstrean version of Some People Have Real Problems. As much as we have very good song working by themselves, even the dispretentious "Sweet Design", in a whole we have a scaterred album, a lack of sincronie between the tracks.

    On the other hand we see a a different, danceful, a party girl version of Sia, differently from the emotionally-happy We Are Born. Unfortunately the Greg Kurstin production, even though is good dont make justice for the work, sounding like a repeated formula of the unique 1000 forms of fears. As we see a try to make the beats from it happen again and fail in its comparison we see a weak and unfair productio of what could be the most adventorous album ever from her. We can see it by the outsatanding track Reaper produced by Kanye West.

    Sia vocals never dissapoint though, So what we have is a good common pop album, and in a week that Rihanna released her alternative project ANTi, pop music fans can enjoy a record like This Is Acting for the next 12 months and this is enough to make a pop album a good album.    … Expand
  59. ArtRushmer
    Feb 10, 2016
    7
    There are moments where Sia is at her absolute songwriting best, powerful, deep and drawing the listener in to every verse, but ultimately, an album comprised of songs originally meant for other artists is bound to be a bit uneven. I dont think this was ever intended to be an artistic masterpiece, but it sounds like Sia had so much fun recording it. Some beautiful moments, some weakerThere are moments where Sia is at her absolute songwriting best, powerful, deep and drawing the listener in to every verse, but ultimately, an album comprised of songs originally meant for other artists is bound to be a bit uneven. I dont think this was ever intended to be an artistic masterpiece, but it sounds like Sia had so much fun recording it. Some beautiful moments, some weaker tracks, but overall enjoyable.
    My Top Tracks: Unstoppable, Broken Glass, Space Between    … Expand
  60. adeeperkasa
    Feb 4, 2016
    10
    For me, critic is the way to make an artist boost up and can continue their journey and become a better person every step of the way. Music is supposed to be relieving, have soul and deep or hidden meaning, and this album describe all of that. So, it doesn't important if this song is rejected by other artists, it's not because Sia not good at writes, it because Sia writing another one. SiaFor me, critic is the way to make an artist boost up and can continue their journey and become a better person every step of the way. Music is supposed to be relieving, have soul and deep or hidden meaning, and this album describe all of that. So, it doesn't important if this song is rejected by other artists, it's not because Sia not good at writes, it because Sia writing another one. Sia still co wrote Flashlight despite of Bird Set Free that didn't released to those film.… Expand
  61. The_Cloud_Box
    Feb 7, 2016
    8
    "This is Acting" takes an interesting concept (That of using songs written for different artist) and turns it in to a beautifully constructed album, with some of Sia's bet work to date. Since these where written for different artist, it gives Sia some experimenting into different styles of music. "Cheap Thrills" or "Reaper" where originally written for Rhianna, and you can tell due to"This is Acting" takes an interesting concept (That of using songs written for different artist) and turns it in to a beautifully constructed album, with some of Sia's bet work to date. Since these where written for different artist, it gives Sia some experimenting into different styles of music. "Cheap Thrills" or "Reaper" where originally written for Rhianna, and you can tell due to their up-beat production and lyrics but, since Sia is doing the Singing, we see a "Happy-Go-Lucky" side to her that we haven't seen in a long time. And it works...really well actually! Sia has always been a strong vocalist but here, she brings her voice to some new limits, and even breaks those limits sometimes, such as in "Alive" and yet, it feels empowering instead of irritating, something that can be very hard to due. The production is also very experimental with songs like "Reaper" or "Move Your Body" and, for the most part, it works really well. These song have so many different small details to them, that it adds up to an interesting listen! All that said there are bad songs on the album like "Unstoppable", which is just tiring to listen to, or "Sweet Design", which try's to paint Sia as seductive mistress with a "Sweet Design" for an ass, but fails miserably. But even with that, "This is Acting" proves to be an experimental done right, with great work from everyone involved.… Expand
  62. WillJonesM
    Feb 9, 2016
    6
    I like it. But do not sound different from the others works by Sia. The lyrics do not vary as formatting and some musics are very tedious. Some songs are very powerful like "Alive" and "Bird set free".
  63. ViktorMaloedov
    Feb 13, 2016
    10
    WOW! This is Sia, kids! It's best album of the January! Oh my God, I love it! My favorite songs - Alive(for Adele), Bird Set Free(for Adele or Rihanna), Move Your Body(for Shakira), House On Fire(for ?), Sweet Design(for Beyoncè), Reaper(for Rihanna), Cheap Thrills(for Rihanna), Unstopteble(for Demi Lovato or Katy Perry). Thank you, Sia!
  64. IndianaJo
    Feb 20, 2016
    10
    Sure, it may be a bit more pop than her last album, but her voice is so robust and unique that I can't help but enjoy every minute of it. If any other musician made an album this great, the reviews would be through the roof...the reason for the bad reviews are because so many people expected another 1000 Forms of Fear. I like her new and old music alike! She still sings with more passionSure, it may be a bit more pop than her last album, but her voice is so robust and unique that I can't help but enjoy every minute of it. If any other musician made an album this great, the reviews would be through the roof...the reason for the bad reviews are because so many people expected another 1000 Forms of Fear. I like her new and old music alike! She still sings with more passion and soul than a lot of artists out there, not to mention she pens most of the music she sings.… Expand
  65. Noisyparker
    Feb 21, 2016
    9
    I heard this album because my partner insisted on playing this constantly for three days. Sia undoubtly proves that she not only has an impressive voice but shows her outstanding ability for writing songs. I loved this album but was distracted all the way through it, wondering who she was acting for. In summary it is a brilliant album but something's missing. Maybe it's the artists?
  66. Julia1d
    Mar 8, 2016
    6
    Potencial incrível! Me apaixonei nos primeiros singles, batida das musicas inconfundíveis como Sia faz, adorei seu novo trabalho. Legal de sua parte montar um álbum com todas as suas musicas rejeitadas por artistas mais atuais. 1000 Forms of Fear não passa a mesma prosperidade desse álbum.
  67. FrankDiaz
    Jul 2, 2017
    8
    Una de las mejores compositoras de la actualidad, el disco muestra la capacidad vocal de Sia. Es uno de los mejores discos pop en cuanto a desempeno vocal se refiere
  68. Iconic_Needle
    Oct 23, 2016
    8
    Sia's This is Acting is a lyrical mess but it's heaven because of how good it sounds. The deluxe version of the song is very amazing because the 3 new tracks SOUNDS like Sia and FEELS like Sia but since we are talking about the whole album, it feels very weird for Sia to do this. Still, it was Sia's best album by far (according to some critics), for us Sia fans, we want another 1000FOF andSia's This is Acting is a lyrical mess but it's heaven because of how good it sounds. The deluxe version of the song is very amazing because the 3 new tracks SOUNDS like Sia and FEELS like Sia but since we are talking about the whole album, it feels very weird for Sia to do this. Still, it was Sia's best album by far (according to some critics), for us Sia fans, we want another 1000FOF and I hope This is Acting won't be everyone 's first thoughts when they hear Sia.… Expand
  69. Juan12353
    Jul 12, 2016
    9
    1. Bird Set Free 9.8/10
    2. Alive 10/10
    3. One Million Bullets 8.6/10
    4. Move Your Body 10/10
    5. Unstoppable 9.7/10
    6. Cheap Thrills 10/10
    7. Reaper 8.1/10
    8. House On Fire 8.8
    9. Footprints 8.1
    10. Sweet Design 9/10
    11. Broken Glass 9.6/10
    12. Space Between 10/10
    13. Fist Fighting A Sandstorm 9.9/10
    14. Summer Rain 10/10
  70. WhyNotASinger
    Sep 9, 2016
    8
    Sia proves once again what an amazing songwriter she is! This songs were rejected by other artists she wrote them for but they still sound great. "Alive" is a masterpiece (you can really feel the Adele vibe here), "Cheap thrills" is catchy as hell (better without Sean Paul in my opinion), "Move your body" is a banger, "Bird set free" is empowering...in other words the album really standsSia proves once again what an amazing songwriter she is! This songs were rejected by other artists she wrote them for but they still sound great. "Alive" is a masterpiece (you can really feel the Adele vibe here), "Cheap thrills" is catchy as hell (better without Sean Paul in my opinion), "Move your body" is a banger, "Bird set free" is empowering...in other words the album really stands out! Great job, Sia!… Expand
  71. Rz23
    Oct 5, 2016
    9
    All though This is Acting is not Sia's strongest album she is able to express the album's concept loud and clear. The album is purely pop through and through and it is clear that the album highlight Sia as a songwriter. Some highlight tracks are Move your body, Bird Set Free, and Space Between.
  72. diogosferreirav
    Oct 18, 2016
    10
    sia always amazing! the album is wonderful. more I feel a little lack of feeling in it. (Discarded songs of other artists). It's the album you listen to all the songs without stopping. What makes this work is so amazing is that the songs really says something, it's not like the album that many artists do.
  73. barretox
    Oct 23, 2016
    7
    É um bom trabalho mas não tem tantas músicas memoráveis como o último, porém algumas se destacam de uma forma boa. Sia é incrível nos vocais, composição e a sonoridade é boa.
  74. ultimatemusic
    Jun 6, 2017
    7
    For me, this doesn’t take reign from We Are Born or 1000 Forms of Fear whereas I thought it would have done; however I wouldn’t say it was a let down or left me disappointed in anyway because as a whole, it’s actually a good album. With this album it was very much “expect the unexpected.” There were a few songs that maybe I could have guessed were written by Sia if they ever did end up inFor me, this doesn’t take reign from We Are Born or 1000 Forms of Fear whereas I thought it would have done; however I wouldn’t say it was a let down or left me disappointed in anyway because as a whole, it’s actually a good album. With this album it was very much “expect the unexpected.” There were a few songs that maybe I could have guessed were written by Sia if they ever did end up in the hands of other artists but there were songs on there also that actually had me second guessing whether it was Sia I was listening to (just because of the style of song, not because of voice. Obviously I did know it was Sia singing, it was just a mere compliment if you didn’t get it).… Expand
  75. CatoEmma
    Jun 9, 2017
    10
    It's amazing what Sia can do with recycled artist songs that rejected them and make a worldwide hit!! And it is also very versatile, has cheerful songs and also deep cancones.
    I just love it!!!
  76. phidelcedeno
    Jul 20, 2017
    10
    'This Is Acting' brings together what is necessary to make an album with a good quality, it is certainly an excellent example of making a letter go hand in hand with sound. The composition is the soul of this album and the production of its body, mixed with the strength of beautiful vowels. An ecstasy from the beginning to the end, congratulations to Sia.
  77. Stefffan
    Aug 8, 2017
    10
    Great vocals are there. Catchy and quality songs are there. This is her best album so far and THEEEEEEEEE best album of 2016. Glad she keeps these songs.
  78. Dsros96
    Oct 29, 2018
    8
    Better than the previous album, here we can listen to Sia takes some risks and experiment with different sounds than the ones she is used to.
  79. JeremySpears
    Feb 25, 2020
    5
    I really like Sia. Her songwriting is so good and she has her own style. Her voice is so beautiful and unique. This album was...a choice. The concept is just lazy as hell and doesn’t work at all. She recorded all the songs she wrote for other artists and the result is a messy, generic and inconsistent mess. The album does have a few good moments but there are so many boring songs. It’s notI really like Sia. Her songwriting is so good and she has her own style. Her voice is so beautiful and unique. This album was...a choice. The concept is just lazy as hell and doesn’t work at all. She recorded all the songs she wrote for other artists and the result is a messy, generic and inconsistent mess. The album does have a few good moments but there are so many boring songs. It’s not a boring album but like more than half of the 16 songs sound like fillers that were recorded last minute. Try to sit through that for an hour. Favorites: The Greatest, Alive, Bird Set Free, Cheap Thrills, Unstoppable, Jesus Wept & Midnight Decisions… Expand
  80. Italobato
    May 29, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Um dos melhores álbuns pop que já ouvi. Sia sabe como fazer tudo dar certo.… Expand
  81. Axl454
    Jun 2, 2020
    10
    En lo personal el álbum está lleno de canciones que hacen que te sientas bien y mal , pero lleva consigo un mensaje positivo y alegre
  82. JCCD
    Jun 4, 2020
    10
    This album is literally action. We know that some songs were intended for other artists, but when listening to this album you realize that the best option was for Sia to save the songs for the creation of this gem. This makes you dance! and at the same time it gives you the empowerment you need in your life. this is definitely a great album.
  83. Resenhane
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Uma boa amostra de potenciais hits e boas composições que Sia tem a oferecer
  84. Xbil2Hope
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    An icon icon i can't say anything negative about this album All the tracks are masterpiece
  85. andrewfelipe123
    Aug 31, 2020
    10
    Amazing!! Es un álbum lleno de ánimo, para bailar, disfrutar. Me encanta. Es genial
  86. Brayanfurler
    Sep 29, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Álbum artístico compuesto de hits para otros artistas, el oyente puede identificarse con todas las canciones y sentir diferentes emociones.… Expand
  87. Victor1269
    Mar 19, 2021
    10
    Um dos mais talentosos alguns da história. Sia não poderia vender essas músicas que tanto combinam com ela.
  88. iambrno
    Mar 20, 2021
    10
    This album is a MASTERPIECE. Thank you, Sia, for saving my life with your songs.
  89. Furlericonic
    Dec 13, 2021
    10
    This is Sia's best album, going from emotional songs like space between and ending with move your body feels like a happily ever after
  90. Milad_rzsh
    Jul 31, 2022
    10
    She is amazing. Sia is really the greatest songwriter of the world. Her voice is heavenly.
  91. Sousaitallo
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Amo a sonoridade desse álbum e como as músicas me emocionam e fazem me sentir nas nuvens,melhor ainda é saber como ela reuniu todas essas músicas para o álbum!… Expand
  92. patp
    Apr 16, 2023
    7
    Great album, incredibles vocals an is very cohesive overall. As we all know Sia has great songwritting skills and the album shows it.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2016
59
#59 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. No Ripcord
    Feb 16, 2016
    70
    Every track is a potential hit, and Sia’s use of pure pop hooks, coupled with an astounding control over her rampant voice, makes this a very good record.
    Read full review
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 8, 2016
    50
    There are only so many times you can key into someone’s heart before they change the code, and after about 20 listens, the veneer crumbles a bit, and it’s a little too easy to see the gears turning underneath. But that’s not the most frustrating thing about the record; the most frustrating thing is that Sia has so much access to us and just doesn’t do much with it.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    Feb 4, 2016
    60
    One can't shake the feeling that This Is Acting was compromised from the start. [Mar 2016, p.114]
See all critic reviews »