Better Nature
by Silversun Pickups
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Oct 1, 2015
    85
    At the very least, Better Nature represents 10 more (well, 9 if you don’t count “Ragamuffin”) well-crafted and heartfelt songs to listen to for the next 2-3 years before they put out another unbelievably consistent record.
  2. Magnet
    Oct 14, 2015
    80
    Engaging and alluring as this fresh coat of cool on an easily recognizable sonic vehicle maybe, Better Nature nonetheless remains an album destined to placate--not trip out--fans. [No. 125, p.61]
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  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Feb 19, 2016
    70
    It’s Silversun Pickups rolling up their blazer sleeves, plumping their shoulderpads and cruising out of Silver Lake, LA with a fourth album that buzzes like pink neon and rolls like convertible wheels on steaming tarmac.
  5. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Oct 15, 2015
    70
    Better Nature tows the fine line between artistic and product and walks the right side quite well.
  6. AllMusic
    Sep 29, 2015
    70
    Better Nature suggests Silversun Pickups have an interesting future ahead of them as their sound evolves, and as for Billy Corgan--hey, buck up, buddy, you and the Pickups had a good run for a while.
  7. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 29, 2015
    70
    What Silversun Pickups have done is settle into a sweet spot. It might not sit well with everyone involved, but it takes nothing away from what this is: a gorgeous if slightly safe album that proves this band hasn’t lost their edge when it comes to making captivating music.
  8. Under The Radar
    Sep 29, 2015
    65
    In the end, Silversun Pickups don't seem too interested in proselytizing anyone on Better Nature. It's a release for the already convinced; if new converts come on board, it's a bonus.
  9. Consequence
    Sep 29, 2015
    42
    Lee may be an expert when it comes to lush atmospherics, but he’s simply not interested in pursuing the small mistakes that give a song its personality.
  10. Q Magazine
    Feb 19, 2016
    40
    Sadly, Better Nature is the sound of a band barricading themselves into their own comfort zones. [Apr 2016, p.115]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. KriticalChaos
    Sep 29, 2015
    8
    A highly enjoyable album. I am always amazed by how much creativity Silversun Pickups put into their music. The nature theme resonates with meA highly enjoyable album. I am always amazed by how much creativity Silversun Pickups put into their music. The nature theme resonates with me and Aubert's voice still brings chills. While the tempo holds steady throughout the album, the diversity in songwriting is surprising to me. As long as they have that signature sort of dark groove I've come to love, I'll stick around.
    Favorites: Connection, Nightlight, Ragamuffin.    … Full Review »
  2. Cobweb
    Dec 19, 2015
    10
    A fantastic album that continues the electronic/industrial touches in Neck of the Woods. It continues NOTW's destruction of the idea that SSPUA fantastic album that continues the electronic/industrial touches in Neck of the Woods. It continues NOTW's destruction of the idea that SSPU need to sound anything like the Smashing Pumpkins/My Bloody Valentine hybrid they first became known as, and makes a real case for them as one of the best and most underrated indie rock bands out there. They refuse to become stagnant, instead perpetually moving forward and trying new things. And they succeed with flying colors here. Highlights include "Cradle (Better Nature)," "Tapedeck," "Latchkey Kids," and "The Wild Kind."… Full Review »
  3. dawixson
    Dec 4, 2015
    10
    10/27/2015: After 25 listens, it still grows on you and better each time!
    Update 11/10/2015: Still listening everyday! And now my favorite    10/27/2015: After 25 listens, it still grows on you and better each time!
    Update 11/10/2015: Still listening everyday! And now my favorite song is Ragamuffin, previously were Circadian Rhythm (Last Dance) and Nightlight. Connection, Pins And Needles, Tapedeck and Latchkey Kids are solid and growing on me as well. I've been listening to SSPUs since finding Kissing Families on the Dangerbird website in 2005. My other favorite bands are; Blue October, Radiohead, The National, U2, Muse, AC/DC...    … Full Review »
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