Shiver
by Jónsi
  • Record Label: Krunk
  • Release Date: Oct 2, 2020
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. PopMatters
    Oct 2, 2020
    90
    The combination of Jónsi and Cook may be an unlikely one but it works so well. This, the first release, of their collaboration, has produced an excellent album that is an exciting highlight of 2020 so far.
  2. Consequence
    Oct 5, 2020
    83
    Listening to Shiver, it’s easy to imagine up-tempo tracks getting remixed as sophisticated, otherworldly club bangers. When we are eventually allowed back onto teeming dancefloors, Jónsi’s swings of melancholic euphoria and piercing wordlessness may hit just right.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Sep 28, 2020
    83
    Offers a new kind of glimpse into his private world, singing intimately of desire and raw vulnerability. Maybe that's why Shiver feels as liberated as it does: the sound of an artist in midstream, still discovering how far his voice can go. [Oct 2020, p.95]
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 6, 2020
    80
    More thrilling are the metallic scrape of Swill and Wildeye, the skittish robotic choir on Hold, and Salt Licorice, which features Robyn, synth melodies that appear to be disassembling themselves and lyrics about “Scandinavian pain”. More of this, please: Jónsi suits the shock of the new.
  6. AllMusic
    Oct 5, 2020
    80
    Despite the prominent guest stars and radical musical changes, Shiver's focus is always on Jónsi and his innate gift for expressing pure feeling. As he reinvents what is essential to his music, he delivers some previously unimagined thrills.
  7. Glide Magazine
    Oct 5, 2020
    80
    Where Go stood as a natural outlet for stifled creativity, Shiver extends Jónsi’s prowess even farther. Both may prove to be products of their times, but both serve as deeply singular bodies of work.
  8. Under The Radar
    Sep 28, 2020
    80
    There's a smorgasbord of delights to whet the appetite here. [Aug-Oct 2020, p.86]
  9. Clash Music
    Oct 2, 2020
    70
    The record is unmistakably Jónsi, especially with his ‘Hopelandic’ language making several appearances. ‘Shiver’ provides an enjoyable glimpse into Jónsi’s direction, but struggles to balance the tonal dichotomies of abrasive electronic freak-outs and blissful melancholia central to the album’s appeal.
  10. musicOMH.com
    Oct 1, 2020
    70
    Shiver may be a step out of Jónsi’s comfort zone, but it’s a step that seems to have reinvigorated him.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. Yourmumsbills
    Oct 7, 2020
    2
    i've been a huge Sigur Ros fan for years and i've loved most things Jonsi has been involved with. His previous solo record wasn't great but iti've been a huge Sigur Ros fan for years and i've loved most things Jonsi has been involved with. His previous solo record wasn't great but it was still very good, and the work he did with his partner in Riceboy sleeps had some wonderful highlights. This record sadly, is mostly awful. there are a couple of ok songs here but on the whole It sounds like someone desperately trying to appeal to the millennial generation. The horrible effects and pitch shifted vocals are just painful to listen to, and wholly unnecessary for a man who has such an incredible voice. To be frank this record sounds like every other horrible disposable pop record aimed at the tastes of 13 year old girls.… Full Review »
  2. shoeletariat
    Dec 15, 2020
    10
    Easily one of the best records of 2020. Completely stuffed with incredible songs and production, I have literally no idea what Pitchfork wasEasily one of the best records of 2020. Completely stuffed with incredible songs and production, I have literally no idea what Pitchfork was smoking when they gave this a 5.5. It's honestly offensive. This is emotionally moving and uptempo enough for my boyfriend to listen to, which almost never happens. Ya'll gave good scores to Sufjan's Ascension then ignored this record when it's basically the good version of that record. Get your ears checked, critics.… Full Review »
  3. NickU
    Oct 4, 2020
    10
    One of the 2020 best album if not THE BEST! I love it so much. Jónsi and A.G. Cook's collaboration has worked out so good! would love to seeOne of the 2020 best album if not THE BEST! I love it so much. Jónsi and A.G. Cook's collaboration has worked out so good! would love to see them together in more colabs.… Full Review »
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