A review can work without a score

Scores compress several judgments into a number: craft, surprise, taste, context and durability. The apparent precision makes comparison easy while hiding what mattered.

A more useful review identifies the record's proposal, follows how it is built and names the moments where that design opens or closes. Recommendation can then be specific to a listener.

Removing the score does not remove judgment. It asks the prose to carry it, with evidence and enough context to be useful after release week.

This article is general editorial information, not professional or transaction-specific advice.