Achilles Heel
by Pedro the Lion
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Alternative Press
    100
    A heartbreakingly brilliant album that unravels itself slowly if you just stop and listen. [Jul 2004, p.132]
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  2. AllMusic
    90
    A hallmark for the band, a culmination of their previous work, and -- upon its release -- their best album to date.
  3. PopMatters
    80
    Ultimately, Bazan continues to sound more like a distillation of Wilco's Jeff Tweedy and The Counting Crows' Adam Duritz than the latest flavor of pop star.
  5. Logo
    80
    Bazan will never sound truly happy on record, but here he’s as content as anyone could have hoped for, and all the healthier for it.
  6. Splendid
    80
    Write good songs. Record them simply. Don't preach. There's a concept that works.
  7. The A.V. Club
    70
    Achilles Heel may not cohere as well as its predecessors, but its best moments still chill the blood in wise and winning ways.
  8. No Ripcord
    70
    Although it’s good stuff, there are few innovations here, and while the simplicity is welcome, you may not always notice that there’s an album playing.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. [Anonymous]
    Oct 4, 2004
    10
    Devastatingly Beautiful!!!! Spend a few listens alone with this album, and it will take you over...
  2. BenjaminBunny
    Sep 17, 2004
    5
    The Lion's poorest album in the sense that it's the most forgettable. There are no standout tracks, no real stinkers either...just The Lion's poorest album in the sense that it's the most forgettable. There are no standout tracks, no real stinkers either...just a blase collection of mid-tempo numbers without real choruses that blend together seamlessly because they all sound the same. Check out the folksy "It's Hard To Find A Friend" or the more rock-oriented "Control" if you're interested in hearing prime Pedro; "Achilees Heel" is for completists only.… Full Review »
  3. dorisd
    Jun 11, 2004
    9
    I've already listened to it more times then Bazan's other albums combined. A few of these songs are perfect; the rest are merely I've already listened to it more times then Bazan's other albums combined. A few of these songs are perfect; the rest are merely really good. Fine, two of them suck. But overall it's exceptional.… Full Review »
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