The Neon Skyline
Details
LP / Format
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CRITIC REVIEWS
100
Written and performed wholly by Shauf, The Neon Skyline is wistful, but also sweet, philosophical, self-deprecating and very relatable.
90
It’s the simplicity of the story and the way that he expresses it that really grabs you as the lyrics reveal themselves more with each listen.
90
The Neon Skyline is a crystallization of everything Shauf has been working meticulously to perfect throughout his rise to international acclaim — his characterization, world-building and ear for arrangements.
81
The Neon Skyline is another pleasant journey lovingly crafted by Shauf.
80
Shauf performed, arranged, and produced every song on The Neon Skyline. Thus, there is a unity to the whole affair—and a tenderness.
80
Neon Skyline is more of the same: delicious song-writing supported by gentle production in which clarinets, played by Shauf himself, are a particular highlight.
80
Shauf further cements himself as one of our more intriguing and effortless songwriters, unafraid to ditch typical conventions in favor of some of the most remarkably vivid imagery in recent memory.
80
The entirety of Neon Skyline is so emotionally direct and engaging that the spoils are best left to discover on your own.
80
The charm of this album is the familiarity of it. If one chose not to listen too closely “The Neon Skyline” could wash over you without appreciating the beauty within.
80
Throughout the record, Shauf’s warm melodies and dry humour make the atmosphere inside The Neon Skyline feel tangible.
80
Even at his most open, there's still this sense that his character-driven songs wouldn't exist without revealing the backstory of his Canadian roots. His sentiments are more palpable and poignant, but his approach is as casual as always.
80
Quite simply, there are precious few indie songwriters who can impress as easily as Andy Shauf, and Neon Skyline is the work of an artist delivering on their significant promise.
79
The Canadian singer-songwriter uses the concept album to recreate the quietly stirring scenes of a dead romance. The Neon Skyline unfolds into a wistful, funny, and heartbreaking world of its own.
70
Shauf has a brilliant ability to create a wholesome narrative that is rich with colourful and complex characters.
"The Neon Skyline" is a beautiful and intriguing little album. Most of the songs are top-notch and the Andy's storytelling, combined with that accented voice, is really great, even funny at times.
Fav Tracks: The Moon, Things I Do, Neon Skyline, Try Again, Dust Kids, Fire Truck
Least Fav Track: Clove Cigarette
Score:
8.8
Exceptional
This album is stunning. A classic tale of love, anguish, and reconciliation to the sounds of lyric driven psychedelic folk.
Early on, some of the instrumentation is so dry that it turns to flakes before it even hits your eardrums. Yet, everything that makes up the instrumentation throughout the entirety of the album varies so much and is blended so beautifully that it really doesn’t matter. When the occasional heavy guitar or electronic beat make their way into the song, they compliment ... read more
The words of Andy Shauf are gentle comets of reflection and self awareness. Through sweet melodies, and engaging vocal performances song for song, Shauf creates a world that we may have all lived through once in our life.
I really think some of the most delicate moments I've ever experienced with music are on here, the more I went down the tracklist, the more engrossed I was in the story, and the more I felt like I was with the narrator in the same rooms, and its a really beautiful, sad and bitter journey, it is really special how such a detailed night, conversations, ideas, and a whole relationship is painted within this album.
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Track List
| 1 | Neon Skyline 3:38 | 76 |
| 2 | Where Are You Judy 3:21 | 80 |
| 3 | Clove Cigarette 2:55 | 75 |
| 4 | Thirteen Hours 2:58 | 65 |
| 5 | Things I Do 2:27 | 70 |
| 6 | Living Room 3:05 | 75 |
| 7 | Dust Kids 2:40 | 85 |
| 8 | The Moon 3:36 | 90 |
| 9 | Try Again 3:48 | 80 |
| 10 | Fire Truck 3:21 | 86 |
| 11 | Changer 3:01 | 75 |
Total Length: 34 minutes
Year End Lists
| #4 | / | The Wild Honey Pie |
| #5 | / | Gothamist |
| #13 | / | Exclaim! |
| #19 | / | Northern Transmissions |
| #24 | / | Far Out Magazine |
| #27 | / | Under the Radar |
| #29 | / | Louder Than War |
| #34 | / | Stereogum |
| #42 | / | No Ripcord |
| #48 | / | Consequence of Sound |
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3y
Well, I know how Claire and what she says play into the story but not the theme. I don’t get why the song matters.
3y
I’ve listened to this album like 5 times in a row now trying to process everything, and the only song that still has me scratching my head is “Living Room.” I understand the song but not its placement on the album. I’m sure it somehow philosophically or metaphorically ties into the main story, but I can’t think of how. Just seems out of place, though I’m sure that’s not the case.
Anyone have any thoughts?
Anyone have any thoughts?
Added on: October 23, 2019