PJ Harvey's acclaimed album Let England Shake has crowned a triumphant year for the British singer/songwriter after it was named the best record of 2011 by music critics.
Harvey's state-of-the-nation address scooped the prestigious Mercury Prize in September (11) and topped the end-of-year charts in several British publications including Uncut, Mojo, and NME magazines.
And it's now been named UK music critics' album of 2011 in a major poll by record retailer Hmv.
More than 30 media outlets were polled for their favourite discs of the last 12 months, and Let England Shake was the runaway winner, beating Bon Iver's self-titled album and Fleet Foxes' Helplessness Blues into second and third places respectively. The top five was rounded out by Radiohead's The King of Limbs and Whokill by Tune-Yards.
Harvey says, "I am very grateful to receive this accolade for Let England Shake. The response to this album has heartened me, and given me great hope for the future."