Collections from the Whiteout
by Ben Howard
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Mar 26, 2021
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Mojo
    Mar 25, 2021
    80
    He delivers another strange and beautiful record, retooling is soporific folk sound with synths and experimental soundscapes. [Apr 2021, p.81]
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  2. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 25, 2021
    80
    Instead of a too-many-cooks situation, which this easily could’ve been, Dessner and Howard find cozy nooks for everyone. The singer’s reedy voice is the drawstring that ties it all together.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Mar 25, 2021
    80
    Melancholy, meticulous and achingly grand, it extends his artistic narrative in resplendent form.
  5. Beats Per Minute
    Mar 31, 2021
    73
    Collections From The Whiteout excels in storytelling and lyrics but doesn’t always prove the easiest experience. However, this is an album that becomes more comfortable with each progressive listen, unwinding in the listener’s consciousness like the sung stories themselves.
  6. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 25, 2021
    70
    The album as a whole is a sure-fire sonic adventure. Allowing creativity to take the reins, Howard has reinvented himself with his latest installment through a blend of storytelling and evocative sonic fillers. Now, he is one of the UK’s most naturally talented songwriters, with an added sense of style.
  7. Pitchfork
    Mar 25, 2021
    69
    Whiteout doesn’t always sound like a revelation, but it allows Howard to open up, letting in new lyrical and musical ideas that complement his own without overwhelming them.
  8. PopMatters
    May 17, 2021
    60
    If Whiteout is an imperfect album, it is one that also evinces Howard’s refusal to stay in a single musical lane.
  9. musicOMH.com
    Apr 8, 2021
    60
    There’s certainly a lot to take in on Ben Howard’s fourth album – not all the ideas work in fairness, and there’s a few too many moments which feel like half-sketched ideas. Yet Dessner makes a decent foil for him and for those who have joined Howard on his career journey to date will be more than happy to continue travelling with him.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 25, 2021
    60
    Ben Howard’s fourth record sees the artist move beyond his usual methods and proves, if anything, that he has too many good ideas to stay focused. Of all the problems to have, it’s a pretty good one.
  11. Uncut
    Mar 25, 2021
    50
    More often than not, it seems like the Technicolor electronic sheen is masking tepid songwriting. [Apr 2021, p.30]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Tango80
    Aug 12, 2021
    8
    Didn't blow me away first but I just couldn't stop listening to it. I think I was driven on by my obsession with 'What a Day' and from thereDidn't blow me away first but I just couldn't stop listening to it. I think I was driven on by my obsession with 'What a Day' and from there the album just started to work. Not perfect but another solid release from Mr Howard.… Full Review »
  2. SamJamesHunt
    May 22, 2021
    10
    Ben for me is part of a very small list of artists I’ve listened to that makes me want to be a better person. His music has always captivatedBen for me is part of a very small list of artists I’ve listened to that makes me want to be a better person. His music has always captivated me on a level that encourages self reflection. I can’t describe this feeling but it’s a pretty special one. I’d recommend this album to anyone who likes Father John Misty, Jamie Woon, Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver.… Full Review »
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