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CRITIC REVIEWS
100
What's most impressive is there's not a moment wasted in these twelve satisfying tracks, beginning and ending the narrative with a contemplation that also achieves the difficult task of feeling complete.
1mo
90
Within its kind aura is a sinister true-crime-inspired fictional story. A tragic tale of misunderstanding the meaning of love and coincidence and how an unnamed victim pays the ultimate price for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
1mo
90
All of Shauf’s love was not wasted in the making of this album, something worthy of deep consideration and multiple re-listens. Andy Shauf has done it again.
1mo
90
On Norm, Shauf is inviting an active listener to play the role of armchair investigator, judge and jury.
1mo
80
Andy Shauf returns with Norm, moving away from the clear long-form storytelling of Neon Skyline to produce twelve vignettes of everyday life after a chance encounter.
1mo
80
If God is a metaphor as much as a spiritual presence in Norm, Shauf thinks his dilemma is as real and as worthy of serious thought as that of the human beings sharing the stage, and it's the strength of the songwriting that makes this audacious premise work.
1mo
80
Despite the impressive musical skill on show, though, there’s a sleepy quality to much of the album which makes it undoubtedly pretty but very much a record for those soft chill-out vibes on a cold night – but y’know what, we can all do with a bit of that on a bleak winter night. Lovely stuff.
1mo
80
There’s no sense of resolution by the end of the record. Its characters could be equally pitiful as they are decent. Still, Andy Shauf’s talent for playing god to these little dioramas is as consistent as ever.
1mo
80
What could have been merely clever becomes soulful and poignant thanks to Shauf's understated vocals, his eye for mundane details and flourishes.
2mo
80
Little is what it seems on Norm, and Shauf shines in delivering a tale that enthrals and disturbs, without ever fully revealing its hand.
1mo
80
Andy Schauf’s Norm offers journeys down sonic trails that start in the same hallway but change from room to room as he ponders the big topic of love.
1mo
80
A stunning showcase of Andy Shauf’s musical imagination and exceptional storytelling skills, ‘Norm’ is anything but average.
1mo
77
The artist’s stories work as not-quite-parables, with no message tumbling through and pushing everything along, but certainly asking the listener to spend time with whatever part of themselves they see in the twists and turns. And even when it’s hard, Shauf’s music makes self-reflection a temptation too inviting to resist.
1mo
76
The Canadian musician’s latest album is his most ambitious yet: a lush, cryptic, and creepy suite that questions the very concept of love.
1mo
75
Shauf is asking bigger questions here—about love, about the divine, about culture’s view of both—and yet he doesn’t sacrifice his typically intimate mode. The storytelling is tight and riveting as ever, each song serving the greater narrative in its unique way.
1mo
75
If you want a story with a clearer ending, go listen to a murder podcast. This is what separates Shauf from many other songwriters in his field: he understands that sometimes, a little bit of opacity can help make a good story great.
1mo
74
Norm plays with our emotions more than Wilds or The Neon Skyline did because Shauf’s writing from perspective of what could be considered a villain, and his impeccable storytelling takes liberties where others dare not tread.
1mo
60
What follows is a quietly substantive if still somewhat pallid, meditation on faith and death.
2mo
I’m already tired, and this album almost put me to sleep. I don’t mean that in a boring way, I mean it in a soothing, chill sort of way. Sure, it by no means stands out compared to other albums so far, but for what it is, I enjoy it, and might come back to it when I’m looking for some nice vibes. My favourite song is Paradise Cinema.
That album cover is the color of my blood
Andy Shauf on his new record presents a pleasant sound palette along with some nice indie tunes. Vocals are nice, instrumentation is pretty. So why don’t I like it a bit more? Overtime, these songs kinda lose their individuality, and become a little more monotonous. That being said, it’s still a nice listen while it’s on.
Wasted On You - 7.5
Catch Your Eye - 7
Telephone - 7.5
You Didn’t See - 7.5
Paradise Cinema - 6
Norm - ... read more
Andy Shauf has really impressed me with on his previous album with his narratively details lyrics and easy going vibe and that continued enjoyment carries over to his latest release Norm. Shauf’s music has always had it’s sleepier qualities and here they definitely lean heavily in that direction, with a great deal being much calmer, tranquil and have his singing in a softened vocal. Good examples of this are found on early tracks “Catch Your Eye”, ... read more
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Track List
| 1 | Wasted on You 3:36 | 81 |
| 2 | Catch Your Eye 2:42 | 76 |
| 3 | Telephone 3:42 | 77 |
| 4 | You Didn't See 2:01 | 72 |
| 5 | Paradise Cinema 3:11 | 74 |
| 6 | Norm 3:09 | 75 |
| 7 | Halloween Store 2:59 | 76 |
| 8 | Sunset 3:23 | 73 |
| 9 | Daylight Dreaming 3:02 | 75 |
| 10 | Long Throw 3:24 | 71 |
| 11 | Don't Let It Get to You 3:26 | 70 |
| 12 | All of My Love 1:41 | 68 |
Total Length: 36 minutes
By Dalton
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Added on: November 14, 2022