Richard Barbieri Hauntings
Consensus is still forming across 4 professional reviews. Richard Barbieri's Hauntings unspools as a study in acoustic-electronic fusion and cinematic sound design, where sparse, haunting atmospheres and meticulous synth programming steer the record. Across professional reviews, critics point to texture and mood as the album's primary triumphs, and the consensus suggests the
The best song is notable for its dark synth imagination and delicate acoustic touches, making it a standout among the album's moods.
Shared criticism is still limited across the current review sample.
Best for listeners looking for dark overtones and synth programming, starting with 1890 and Anemoia.
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Full consensus notes
Richard Barbieri's Hauntings unspools as a study in acoustic-electronic fusion and cinematic sound design, where sparse, haunting atmospheres and meticulous synth programming steer the record. Across professional reviews, critics point to texture and mood as the album's primary triumphs, and the consensus suggests the record rewards patient, repeat listening rather than instant hooks. The collection earned a 77.5/100 consensus score across 4 professional reviews, with reviewers consistently praising its ambient textures and instrumental focus.
Reviewers agree that several standout tracks crystallize Barbieri's strengths: “Anemoia” emerges repeatedly for its evocative layering, while “1890” and “Paris Sketch” are highlighted for expansive, cinematic moments; “Snakes & Ladders” also surfaces as a critic favorite for its dark overtones. Critics note a balance between sparse passages and more opulent arrangements, and many single out the collaborative touches - including guest slide guitar on “A New Simulation” - as tasteful accents that deepen the record's emotional register. Professional reviews emphasize Barbieri's imagination and the album's texture-driven standouts when discussing the best songs on Hauntings.
While praise centers on sound design and atmosphere, some reviewers frame Hauntings as an evolution rather than a reinvention, a quietly excellent addition to Barbieri's catalog that will satisfy fans of ambient and synth-forward instrumental work. For readers wondering whether Hauntings is good, the critic consensus and highlighted tracks indicate it is a rewarding, mood-rich listen that cements Barbieri's reputation for meticulous production. Detailed reviews below unpack how these themes play out across the record.
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
1890
1 mention
"Rusty samples of clock chimes, thunder, and radio broadcasts decorate what may be my favorite cut, "1890."— The Needle Drop
Anemoia
2 mentions
"making tracks like "Snakes & Ladders" and "Anemoia" feel like clear highlights"— The Spill Magazine
Paris Sketch
1 mention
"Paris Sketch" is more of a full-blown Paris painting, as one of the most expansive tracks."— The Needle Drop
Rusty samples of clock chimes, thunder, and radio broadcasts decorate what may be my favorite cut, "1890.
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Snakes & Ladders
Anemoia
Victorian Wraith
1890
Artificial Obsession
Paris Sketch
Perfect Toys
Traveler
Reveille
Last Post
A New Simulation
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What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 4 critics who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
Richard Barbieri returns with Hauntings, an album where darker overtones and intricate synth programming take centre stage. The reviewer praises Barbieri's imagination and delicate combination of synths with acoustic instruments, making tracks like “Snakes & Ladders” and “Anemoia” feel like clear highlights. The tone is measured and appreciative, noting that Barbieri's sound has not stood still and that these best tracks on Hauntings reward attentive listening. Overall the record is presented as a quietly excellent reminder of Barbieri's strengths rather than a reinvention.
Key Points
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The best song is notable for its dark synth imagination and delicate acoustic touches, making it a standout among the album's moods.
Themes
Re
Th
Critic's Take
Richard Barbieri's Hauntings is where his meticulous sound design really pays off, and the best tracks on Hauntings - like “Anemoia” and “1890” - make that case plainly. Tyler Roland's tone is admiring and conversational, praising the album's ambient interludes and noting how “Victorian Wraith” drops you into a cloud of sound. He highlights “Paris Sketch” as one of the most expansive pieces and points to “A New Simulation” as a great closing moment with a guest slide guitar. Overall the review steers listeners toward the album's texture-driven standouts when asking about the best songs on Hauntings.
Key Points
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The review singles out "1890" as the emotional and textural standout, decorated with evocative samples.