“Despite the flourishes, the singer hasn't gone entirely techno-happy as her indie folk rock and lyrics tackle introspective subject matter—the results from the album are quite poignant and emotional (among the standouts include “Crimes,” “Carrying You,” and “Lucky Life”). The use of electronics on Born at the Disco won’t alienate O'Connor's longtime fans—rather, they add a new wrinkle to her sound.”
Forbes
“Her nimble, soft voice, as pure as ever, proves to be a solid fit for a grunge-rock drone like the stripped-down “Tell the Truth” and the psych-pop harmonies of “Who Can You Kiss.” Traces of straightforward O’Connor numbers exist on Born at the Disco, too, like the stark piano ballad “Crimes” and the driving, guitar-heavy highlight “Less and Less.’”
No Depression
“The homespun feel of the music, all understated guitar solos and steady drum machine grooves held firm by O’Connor’s quietly affecting vocals, never feels like it’s missing anything. Another less confident artist would filll every inch of this canvas with sound. With just a few simple melodic lines, O’Connor creates an entire world.” Paste
Jennifer O’Connor’s first album in five years nods to her childhood love of ‘70s disco and ‘80s New Wave, as she soundtracks her incisive lyrics with drum machines and vintage synths. There’s a novelty to hearing her sing softly over a pulsating dance beat on the title track, but Born At The Disco sounds just as lo-fi, bespoke and intimate as any of her previous guitar-driven albums. The vibe is moody, the arrangements minimalist, but the experiments bring out new aspects of her songwriting, in particular the way she repeats lines and images until they become both more accusatory and more forlorn.” UNCUT