Primal Heart

by 
AlbumApr 20 / 201812 songs, 44m 32s
Synthpop Electropop Art Pop Alt-Pop
Popular

The Kiwi singer/songwriter who achieved worldwide fame on Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” moves confidently into the spotlight on her third studio album. Producer John Congleton (St. Vincent) makes Kimbra’s voice the star, creating a glittering electro-pop playground with tasty chill-out spaces. She flexes over a simple drum kit on “Past Love,” while “Right Direction” and “Like They Do on the TV” are endearing, ear-pleasing homages to ’80s synth-pop. And Skrillex adds tribal rhythms and vocal layers that sound like a didgeridoo on “Top of the World.” Hidden below the surface are tales of vulnerability and strength—“Version of Me” is a showstopping moment of introspection, and “Everybody Knows” bravely addresses domestic violence.

5.9 / 10

The New Zealand musician’s third album is a collision of hard electronics with a touch of R&B. Though it contains moments of great power, it sounds like a work that’s stuck between two places.

7 / 10

Kimbra is back with her third album 'Primal Heart', and it's a cohesive triumph. Her latest release proves she's a force to be reckoned with.

In this week's roundup, Tim Burgess' new album proves impulsively replayable, while Alexis Taylor makes a statement in human authenticity

Discover Primal Heart by Kimbra released in 2018. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.

(Warner)

8.0 / 10

'Primal Heart' by Kimbra: Kimbra starts strong but can't keep things consistent in our review of 'Primal Heart'