II
by Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. Q Magazine
    Feb 8, 2013
    60
    A murkily enveloping record, but one that occasionally misses its predecessor's gonzo sense of fun. [Mar 2013, p.110]
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  2. The Observer (UK)
    Jan 31, 2013
    60
    To impugn such a fundamentally glazed record for losing focus as it nears the out-groove is a little like berating a shark for being snaggle-toothed. But as II unfurls, there are longueurs where Nielson can get a little vague and inward-directed.
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Feb 22, 2013
    50
    While it still has a few standout moments that grab the listener and spark a mood, it’s only occasionally eventful and, ultimately, doesn’t reach the heights of its predecessor.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 39
  3. Negative: 2 out of 39
  1. 2hip2beahipster
    Feb 11, 2013
    8
    This is a good album. A big improvement from their debut for sure. The ideas on this album are more developed and better executed than theyThis is a good album. A big improvement from their debut for sure. The ideas on this album are more developed and better executed than they were on their first release. The album starts off with three gems; "From the Sun" "Swim and Sleep" and "So Good at Being in Trouble" are all great examples of the growth and maturity this band's songwriting has gone through all three songs being examples of great ideas that are executed superbly. The middle of this album, however, does drag. "The Opposite of Afternoon" is a definitely a song that grows on you after a few listen, as is "Monki". The album also ends off strongly with "Faded in the Morning" and "Secret Xtians". Overall I'd say this is a great album, and a step in the right direction for Ruban and the gang. Ruban's songwriting definitely matures here, and boy, let me say, he absolutely shreds on guitar. The production is also perfected as the lo-fi/psych. rock feel is still there but it's a lot smoother and easier to take in right away. This album has just gotten me even more excited about this bands potential and future releases. Overall a pretty good album with a few gems.… Full Review »
  2. turtleseyes
    Jun 10, 2016
    9
    I got my hands in the vinyl version of this album, and must say it is a delightful record, to be listened from beginning to end andI got my hands in the vinyl version of this album, and must say it is a delightful record, to be listened from beginning to end and repeatedly. It is way better than their debut.… Full Review »
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