Like a Ribbon

John Glacier released the song "Ocean Steppin'" as a single on 15 January 2025.^[2] She released Like a Ribbon through Young on 14 February 2025.^[3]

Like a Ribbon was executive produced by Kwes Darko. The album contains two guest appearances: musician Eartheater on the track "Money Shows", and singer Sampha on the track "Ocean Steppin'".^[3] The album's structure has been described as split into three parts, representing the different ways a ribbon moves as it unfurls.^[4][5]

More information Aggregate scores, Source ...

Professional ratings

Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	87/100[6]
Review scores
Source	Rating
Clash	9/10[4]
DIY	[3]
The Guardian	[1]
MusicOMH	[7]
Pitchfork	8.2/10[8]
PopMatters	7/10[9]

Close

According to the review aggregator Metacritic, Like a Ribbon received "universal acclaim" based on a weighted average score of 87 out of 100 from 8 critic scores.^[6] The album's content was described by reviewers as personal and reflective;^[4][5] in particular, critics described her lyrics as discussing topics related to her personal and professional growth.^[4][8] Nature, and its contrasts with urban life or the digital world, was also identified by some critics as a recurring theme.^[5][8] The album's lyrics were described as presented in a fragmentary style, which critics compared to "scattered voice memos"^[1] or "faintly sketched daydreams".^[5] Glacier's vocal style on Like a Ribbon was widely noted for its muted character, with several critics describing her delivery as "diaristic",^[5][9] "deadpan",^[5][8] and "stream-of-consciousness".^[1][9] Cameron Lipp of PopMatters also remarked on the recording of Glacier's vocals, describing them as having a "DIY homemade sound".^[9]

Critics identified diverse influences on the instrumentation of Like a Ribbon. Hip-hop, and related genres like grime and UK drill, were described as major genres present on the album; electronic genres, including garage and drum 'n' bass, were also highlighted.^[1][5][9] Shaad D'Souza of Pitchfork characterised Like a Ribbon as incorporating post-punk as well.^[8] The diversity in sounds on the album divided some critics: Alexis Petridis of The Guardian felt that the album being "so packed with ideas" made it rewarding to listen repeatedly and explore thoroughly,^[1] whereas Lipp commented that it led some of Glacier's ideas to be "half-baked".^[9]

The sound of Like a Ribbon was compared by some reviewers to artists such as Dean Blunt^[5][8][9] and King Krule.^[5][8] The guest appearances were praised for being distinctive without "steal[ing] the spotlight".^[3]

Credits adapted from Tidal.^[10] https://tidal.com/album/413347631/credits

• John Glacier – vocals
• Kwes Darko – mixing, engineering (tracks 1–4, 6–11); programming (1, 4, 6–9), drums (1, 4, 6), sampler (7), bass guitar (8), piano (9)
• Flume – mixing (track 5)
• Katie Tavini – mastering
• Andrew Aged – programming (track 2), guitar (8)
• Zack Sekoff – programming (track 2)
• Rada McNally-Marchenkov – vocals (tracks 3, 4)
• Alexandra Drewchin – vocals (track 3)
• Sampha – piano, programming, vocals (track 9)
• Harrison – programming (track 10)
• Evilgiane – programming (track 10)