Venus
by Joy Williams
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jun 29, 2015
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
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  1. Wael
    Jul 2, 2015
    8
    Joy has been through a lot for the last couple of years: the break-up of one of the finest bands ever 'The Civil Wars', the death of her father, trying to hold her marriage together, and giving birth to her first son, Miles. Throughout every single track of the record, you can feel Joy really singing from the part of her heart that expresses sadness, misery, happiness, and hope. The songsJoy has been through a lot for the last couple of years: the break-up of one of the finest bands ever 'The Civil Wars', the death of her father, trying to hold her marriage together, and giving birth to her first son, Miles. Throughout every single track of the record, you can feel Joy really singing from the part of her heart that expresses sadness, misery, happiness, and hope. The songs are obviously very personal for her, and that's the glue that ties this effort together. On a side note, the alternative sound really suits her voice and her attitude. Standouts for me are "What a Good Woman Does" (which i think is a show-stopper), "Not Good Enough", "Before I Sleep", and "You Loved Me". Keep up the great work, Joy! The great work that has been coming ever since Barton Hallow was released.… Expand
  2. Mmmiiikkkkk
    Jul 4, 2015
    4
    I hope this is the last of the self-important navel-gazing that dominates the new "folk" music movement. Overwrought, overdramatic and overproduced despite a brilliant first single.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. PopMatters
    Jul 22, 2015
    60
    It feels like Williams is trying on a few different costumes to see what she likes, and only landing on material that feels natural maybe half the time. The good news is all of these songs are catchy and singable, and Williams strong vocal performance makes everything work even when a song doesn’t feel quite natural for her.
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  2. AllMusic
    Jul 15, 2015
    80
    It's the sound of someone coming out the other side of personal upheaval, and even if there are a few missteps, Williams connects in a very human way, providing plenty of allure for an album that feels very much like a debut.
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  3. Mojo
    Jul 6, 2015
    60
    Heavy on atmosphere, but candid and brave also. [Aug 2015, p.98]
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