Moses Sumney - Aromanticism
Critic Score
Based on 16 reviews
2017 Ratings: #116 / 940
Year End Rank: #26
User Score
Based on 668 ratings
2017 Rank: #129
Liked by 53 people
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CRITIC REVIEWS

91
Consequence of Sound

Like a hyper-layered painting that’s simultaneously subdued or a thin piece of literature whose words puncture your heart, Aromanticism overwhelms with its ability to put weary emotions into words and then wring emotion from them once again.

90
AllMusic

Aromanticism may have developed from a peculiar and attention-grabbing concept, but it ultimately triumphs on account of the utterly original and exquisite craft of its productions and performances.

90
The 405

Aromanticism is an album that is heartfelt and heartbreaking, and, from the opening chorals to the closing moments of ‘Self Help Tape’, is an album like no other.

86
Pitchfork

Aromanticism’s quietude and calm sensitivity deliver a musical detoxification from the exhausting stream of information that now constitutes a normal day of news.

85
Northern Transmissions

Aromanticism is the realisation of a promising talent that manages to make a meaningful statement on love, both romantic and platonic.

80
Under the Radar

Throughout, Sumney's gifted voice is a constant source of fascination and pushes the beauty of Aromanticism to triumphant heights.

80
Exclaim!

With Aromanticism, Moses Sumney creates a harmonious world in which he speaks from a position that isn't often recognized. Sumney approaches the complexities of relationships, power structures and an inability to experience romantic love with a quiet, powerful confidence.

80
Clash
Some may argue that ‘Aromanticism’ is style over substance, certainly his sentiments run the risk of evading the listening, such is the beauty of the dreamscape he weaves. Yet as you revisit the record, the case for being ‘aromantic’, has never sounded so fully realised, so complete and so utterly inviting.
80
The Guardian
On a concept album about lovelessness, he creates a cavernous feeling of loneliness using soundscapes similar to those Nigel Godrich explores.
80
The Observer

The choirboy turned soul singer rejects coupledom on his gorgeous, genre-spurning debut.

75
Spectrum Culture
For new fans, this will likely make the record an excellent entry point, but those who have been eagerly watching Sumney grow into his style may have to wait longer still for him to deliver a record where he can truly stretch his legs and expand his rich and murky palette.
70
No Ripcord

Aromanticism is downright beautiful but is also too enamored with its sensual aura, which sometimes exposes his uneven vocal acrobatics. Still, it’s a revealing first taste from an artist who’s been hiding his innate talent for far too long.

70
The Line of Best Fit

Bereft of any shine or polish, Aromanticism is a piercing debut collection of songs of remarkable intensity.

70
Loud and Quiet
Moses Sumney’s debut album for Jagjaguwar comes as close to capturing the transient, longing liminality that is the experience of looking for love in the twenty-first century as anything I’ve ever heard.
70
Crack Magazine

As such, Aromanticism is a pensive journey through dreamlands but also incredibly candid.

depechemode4lif
83

An excellent art pop record that vocally reminded me of Anohni. It was a very consistent record. Great to listen to on a late summer drive. Cant wait to hear the other record as well

MasterCrackfox
98

Ever since this album was released in 2017 I've never stopped returning, never stopped feeling, and never stopped loving the incredible experience of Aromanticism.

Moses Sumney is such a force of nature on this record, with graceful vocal melodies and soulful emotion. From the get go you get the sense that his voice can guide you through any song and there is no limit to the range that he is capable of accomplishing. Whether wistfully breezing through a soft track or bellowing out intense ... read more

aaron
69

I feel this will be the R&B AOTY.

Update:
Nope.

Felix_96
70

7/10

good

Fav tracks: Don't Bother Calling, Plastic, Quarrel, Lonely World, Indulge Me, Self-Helf Tape

82

Moses Sumney especially on this project reminds of a gospel Ecco2k through his light heavenly vocals which whisper through the ambient soul insturmentals. I'm not that big of a fan of the frequent interludes but it feels right on this record. The songs in general are all pretty good, with my favourites being Plastic, Quarrel and Doomed

ease
75

Is this what heaven sounds like ? Cuz if it is I'm dying tomorrow.

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Added on: July 10, 2017