Automaton
by Jamiroquai
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. AllMusic
    Apr 25, 2017
    70
    There are few bands who play classic disco-funk with as much genuine love for the genre and care in the productions as Kay and Jamiroquai. Ultimately, it's that sense of love and good vibes that drives much of Automaton.
  2. Consequence
    Mar 31, 2017
    83
    The return we have all been waiting for, and it does not disappoint. Let’s agree never to part again for so long unless the reunion promises to be just as joyous and refreshing as Automaton.
  3. Exclaim
    Mar 30, 2017
    70
    Weak spots include "Superfresh" and "Hot Property," staid disco-pop ditties offering outdated synth and vocoder machinations. But overall, Automaton is inspired, experimental and timeworn.
  5. Mixmag
    May 11, 2017
    70
    ‘Superfresh’ is less than the sum of its disco parts, though, while the less said about ‘Hot Property’ the better. But it picks up with ‘Something About You’ and ‘Summer Girl’, while ‘Carla’ is an electro-funk classic.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Mar 30, 2017
    86
    Automaton is a pop/funk/acid jazz/disco/proto-house opus that succeeds in discounting the band’s growing pains within the confines of both fame and pop music.
  7. Pitchfork
    Apr 4, 2017
    70
    They’re still figuring it out, but somehow, even their mistakes feel fresh.
  8. PopMatters
    Apr 20, 2017
    80
    They may not find new listeners after a seven-year hiatus, but Automaton by Jamiroquai is a strong return and experimental contribution to popular music from a band too often identified solely for one song and its striking video.
  9. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 31, 2017
    70
    This is a great album, perfect for a retro rave and I am happy to see the band reactivated. Hopefully, it won't take them another 7 years to release the next LP.
  10. The Guardian
    Mar 30, 2017
    80
    Despite some naff phrases, dodgy song titles and a lot of robotic trickery, during times of grim austerity, the return of Jay Kay’s elite, escapist lifestyle--full of fast cars, fast girls and big bulldozing basslines--offers a flash of ostentatious fun.
  11. Uncut
    Mar 30, 2017
    70
    There's nothing quite as genuinely exciting as [the title track's] Aphex-meets-Bee-Gees disco, but its unorthodox elements are sprinkled across the album. [May 2017, p.32]
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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 44
  3. Negative: 4 out of 44
  1. fandangouk
    Apr 1, 2017
    10
    I wouldn't class myself as a long standing Jamiroquai fan, and I didn't have a good time with their last album, but on the strength of theI wouldn't class myself as a long standing Jamiroquai fan, and I didn't have a good time with their last album, but on the strength of the lead single Automaton and Cloud 9 I decided to give it a listen. As each track played I kept waiting for the quality to dip, but it just kept coming. Some tracks obviously appeal to my tastes more than others, but there's no denying the inventiveness and solid quality of the whole album. Haven't been this impressed since La Roux's debut. Simply brilliant.… Full Review »
  2. J-Tag
    Mar 31, 2017
    9
    A great album for first time listeners, a good album for long-time fans. The two singles, "Automaton" and "Cloud 9" are definite highlights.A great album for first time listeners, a good album for long-time fans. The two singles, "Automaton" and "Cloud 9" are definite highlights. "Automaton" is Jamiroquai at their innovative best – a lead single curveball that sounds equal parts Jamiroquai and Daft Punk (a lazy comparison I've read many times, but probably the best way to describe it to the masses). On the flipside, "Cloud 9" is Jay Kay at his hedonistic best, showing everyone who's ever tried to make a smooth funk song just how it's done.

    Even though Jay has described this album as "All killer no filler", there are a couple of okay songs in "Hot Property" and "Nights Out In The Jungle", but they fit in well with the overall atmosphere of the album, so I can see why they were included. However, the highs far outweigh the lows. "Something About You" is a gorgeous, sun-tinged track that will please newcomers and Jami-veterans alike, whilst "Dr Buzz" and "Vitamin" will satisfy the first three album purists due to their retro feel.

    Overall, great album from a band that never disappoints – a truly admirable achievement considering it has been SEVEN years since the last record. It is sure to be my most played album this summer, and I'm sure I won't be the only one. Here's to the hoping the next album doesn't take another seven years.    … Full Review »
  3. shinekta
    Apr 2, 2017
    9
    Знаком с Jamiroquai не очень давно, но точно могу сказать, что в новом альбоме есть нечто от предыдущих работ. Сочетание синтезатора и басЗнаком с Jamiroquai не очень давно, но точно могу сказать, что в новом альбоме есть нечто от предыдущих работ. Сочетание синтезатора и бас гитары в ритме фанка, идеально попадающий в такт песни вокал Кея, каденционное исполнение, переходящее в ненавязчивую танцевальную мелодию. Всё лучшее из творчества группы перенеслось в Automaton. При этом футуристический мотив не позволяет назвать новые песни идентичными предыдущим.
    Джейсон и его группа отлично постарались, 7 лет для них не прошли даром. Для меня это твёрдая девятка.    … Full Review »
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