In Space
by Big Star
  • Record Label: Rykodisc
  • Release Date: Sep 27, 2005
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Billboard
    70
    There is enough of the original DNA in the mix to make this a worthy listen for fans. [1 Oct 2005]
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  2. Mojo
    70
    Mercifully, the venerable Big Star franchise emerges pretty much unsullied. [Oct 2005, p.108]
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  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    It's not perfect--but no Big Star album ever was. [24 Sep 2005, p.47]
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  5. PopMatters
    70
    The songs are well-written and produced, but overall the disc is lightweight compared to what the group used to be.
  6. Rolling Stone
    70
    In Space is no #1 Record, but at its brightest, it is Big Star in every way.
  7. Splendid
    70
    This isn't really one of those cases where bands like Wire or Mission of Burma or Vashti Bunyan come back years later with stuff that ranks among their best, but it isn't bad, either -- not bad at all.
  8. Stylus Magazine
    67
    A fairly enjoyable album as long as one doesn’t saddle it with expectations of being the next Sister Lovers.
  9. Uncut
    80
    A cohesive album that is simultaneously Big Star-ish (but not slavishly so) and Chilton-like (but not depressingly so). [Oct 2005, p.98]
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  10. Under The Radar
    70
    Mostly fantastic. [#11, p.109]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Mark
    Nov 13, 2005
    8
    The album gets better with every listen, with the admitted exceptions of 'Love Revolution' and 'Make Over', which I do The album gets better with every listen, with the admitted exceptions of 'Love Revolution' and 'Make Over', which I do not get at all. Yes , there is a sense of humor about it, as alluded by Stephens in the pre-release and Auer at the time of release. This is also a journey through the genres and groups that have influenced Big Star. Keep listening, and you'll realize how good most of this album really is.… Full Review »
  2. wx
    Oct 28, 2005
    4
    This record will make you cry. Maybe. The Star has fallen from atop the Christmas tree, but it's late January, and the whole thing This record will make you cry. Maybe. The Star has fallen from atop the Christmas tree, but it's late January, and the whole thing should have been put away long ago. Get a broom.… Full Review »
  3. MichaelK
    Oct 11, 2005
    10
    Like most great albums, this one takes more than one listening to get it. It seems funny how some poeple don't think this sounds like Like most great albums, this one takes more than one listening to get it. It seems funny how some poeple don't think this sounds like Big Star but say how good they think 3rd is, which sounds less like Big Star than In Space. If only every reunited band could sound this good.… Full Review »
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