Quiet Exit

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Aftenposten	[6]
Dagbladet	[7]
Verdens Gang	[8]

The album's lead single, "Love I Can't Defend", released in late 2005, was a success, peaking at No. 3 on the Norwegian airplay chart,^[1] making Quiet Exit one of the most anticipated albums of 2006. At the release concert, Nikolaisen said: "Quiet Exit is a result of many years of passionate work."^[9] The album was released on 6 March 2006, the same day as another much anticipated debut album, Marit Larsen's Under the Surface.^[10] An article in Verdens Gang written by Thomas Talseth described the simultaneous release as the peak of a "girl war", referring to the large number of Norwegian female artists making their record debuts in early 2006.^[11] The article sparked some controversy. Several music journalists and artists criticized Talseth for his use of the term "girl war".^[10][12][13] However, Talseth later defended his use of the term, calling it a "nice tabloid angle".^[12]

The album was well received by critics. In his review for Verdens Gang, Talseth gave it 5 out of 6. Dagbladet's reviewer also gave it 5/6, calling the album "comfortable and beautiful music that deserves many listeners", characterizing Nikolaisen as a "female crooner".^[7] Another reviewer praised Nikolaisen for her "soulful voice".^[6] The album went straight to the No. 2 spot on the Norwegian album chart, only beaten by David Gilmour's On an Island,^[14] and remained on the list for 34 consecutive weeks.

The album's second single, "Egypt Song", was also successful, capturing the top spot on the Norwegian airplay chart.^[1] Per 29 June 2007, it was the second most played song on NRK P1, Norway's largest radio station.^[15] The song spent 18 consecutive weeks on the Norwegian singles chart, peaking at No. 6.^[16]

Nikolaisen received three Spelemann-nominations for the album: "Best Female Artist", "Newcomer of the Year", and "Hit of the Year" (for "Love I Can't Defend").