London Zoo
by The Bug
User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 84
  3. Negative: 24 out of 84

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  1. clem666
    Jun 1, 2021
    3
    On which planet were we in 2008 in order to make a bunch of journalists erect this project as the best of the year? I'll quote the track 'Insane': 'what's wrong with the world? This is looking insane'. That should be the one and only relevant line on this whole mess.

    Vocals are bad, overly gritty and annoying, lyrics are trash and are not used to deliver any decent message, not a single    On which planet were we in 2008 in order to make a bunch of journalists erect this project as the best of the year? I'll quote the track 'Insane': 'what's wrong with the world? This is looking insane'. That should be the one and only relevant line on this whole mess.

    Vocals are bad, overly gritty and annoying, lyrics are trash and are not used to deliver any decent message, not a single interesting content. Production varies between total garbage like on 'Jah War' and almost cool as on 'Poison Dart', but always remains in an unattractive side. Many songs sound like reggaeton. I would easily say the best part was these four minutes of silence during the last track 'The Judgement'. In conclusion, 'London Zoo' surely is energic and may sound like a strong and convincing invitation to dance to some people but according to me it is all about an englishman called Kevin Martin trying to craft Central American music with a bunch of self-centered and noisy MC's. Stay away if you don't want to lose brain cells, and shame on you, 'music journalists'.    … Expand
  2. JaneMetascore
    Dec 18, 2019
    4
    Avoid shows by the Bug, they're awful. There's not any meaning to the many colors in this music, like any real abstraction is lost. When the Bug clicks away that is good night to Irene, and others, and it just sounds awful. When the Bug grinds what does it matter any more? The Bug's music completely lacks eloquence of any kind.
  3. aetra
    May 2, 2011
    10
    An absolute masterpiece. The songs are innovative and interesting, but most of all, they contain a whole f**kload of energy. And I mean ALL of them. Some, like "Angry", are energizing in just a plain agressive, let-it-all-out style, while others, like "Skeng" or "Poison Dart" (which is, by the way, one of the very few true diamonds in this music style, in my opinion), are sophisticated andAn absolute masterpiece. The songs are innovative and interesting, but most of all, they contain a whole f**kload of energy. And I mean ALL of them. Some, like "Angry", are energizing in just a plain agressive, let-it-all-out style, while others, like "Skeng" or "Poison Dart" (which is, by the way, one of the very few true diamonds in this music style, in my opinion), are sophisticated and complicated compositions, not only appealing to the wild parts of our natures, but also the more civilized ones.
    And, of course, if you want to upset your neighbours just enough to move to a different country, buy yourself a decent sub to go with the record.    … Expand
  4. michaelR
    Aug 1, 2009
    9
    The songs on this album have an amazing abilty to pump me up. It helps me in the gym.
  5. BC
    May 19, 2009
    2
    I cannot believe this is rated 90...I saw them live with Nine Inch Nails and all the singer could do was touch herself and scream HARDCORE. Live: the singing sucked, but the dj was awesome so it gets a bit better then 1 for me.
  6. KirkVN
    Apr 19, 2009
    0
    How this one is called good music is beyond my comprehension. Strange ideas + electronic = utter bullsh*t.
  7. TImA
    Apr 17, 2009
    5
    I am a big fan of Ninja Tunes (the label this was released on) and have an incredibly broad taste in music so consider myself open minded to most stuff. I am also from London and therefore not unfamiliar with the style of vocals that are used here. That all said however this album is horrendously over rated where the critics got the ratings from I will never know. It is essentially some I am a big fan of Ninja Tunes (the label this was released on) and have an incredibly broad taste in music so consider myself open minded to most stuff. I am also from London and therefore not unfamiliar with the style of vocals that are used here. That all said however this album is horrendously over rated where the critics got the ratings from I will never know. It is essentially some decent (and only decent) dub-step style tracks with reggae/Rasta vocals over it. The vocals do not work at all … Expand
  8. RaeR
    Apr 12, 2009
    1
    There was a time when I believed Lou Reed's 'Metal Machine Music' was the worst album ever recorded. I've revisited my opinion and have come to the conclusion that it is the second worst album ever recorded. Poo-poo to all those arty poseurs who actually see artisitic merit in this shite DVD.
  9. OllieH
    Mar 11, 2009
    9
    Outstanding. The production is second to none and the vocals are innovative. I have to warn anyone listening to this though, it isn't easy listening; the production is very bass-heavy and the vocalists' performances are very obnoxious at times (in terms of ego, tone and swagger). It's successful for the same reasons Wu-Tang Clan's 36 Chambers was: they're both Outstanding. The production is second to none and the vocals are innovative. I have to warn anyone listening to this though, it isn't easy listening; the production is very bass-heavy and the vocalists' performances are very obnoxious at times (in terms of ego, tone and swagger). It's successful for the same reasons Wu-Tang Clan's 36 Chambers was: they're both intentionally gritty, have amazing production, and are driven by strong and diverse vocalists. Skeng and Poison Dart are the two best tracks.… Expand
  10. JodieL
    Dec 10, 2008
    2
    I couldn't even give this album away for free, BEWARE. I actually might listen to it again if it had a companion disc of just the music, minus the vocals, the vocals are just terrible, one of the worst albums I've ever listened to. It's not entirely surprising to see that the highest rating albums each year are only reviewed by a select few places (this one only ten, I couldn't even give this album away for free, BEWARE. I actually might listen to it again if it had a companion disc of just the music, minus the vocals, the vocals are just terrible, one of the worst albums I've ever listened to. It's not entirely surprising to see that the highest rating albums each year are only reviewed by a select few places (this one only ten, whereas Radiohead was reviewed by 42 different places, last year).… Expand
  11. MattH
    Nov 24, 2008
    10
    Brilliant, unrelentingly dark and - somehow - fun. "London Zoo" is a masterpiece of menacing beats, gloomy atmospherics and talented guest vocalists.
  12. AdamP
    Nov 18, 2008
    2
    Overall, good beats/instrumentation do not a great album make. Take a listen to "Dear Science" by TVotR if you want a similar album with original music but the worst lyrics you've ever heard. Things that make me angry: -Musicians who think they know what they're talking about but really get their lyrics from Cynthia McKinney quotes on CNN -When people complain about tragedies, Overall, good beats/instrumentation do not a great album make. Take a listen to "Dear Science" by TVotR if you want a similar album with original music but the worst lyrics you've ever heard. Things that make me angry: -Musicians who think they know what they're talking about but really get their lyrics from Cynthia McKinney quotes on CNN -When people complain about tragedies, place the blame on those who aren't at fault, and then *do nothing about it!… Expand
  13. Tyler
    Nov 16, 2008
    3
    It's incredibly annoying.
  14. PitchforkmediaR
    Oct 30, 2008
    0
    "Angry" is the worst song of all time, truly horrendous music. Sounds like reggaeton, avoid at all cost.
  15. kilas99
    Oct 29, 2008
    4
    Really hard on the ears. I think if the pace and tempo was quicker I could handle it, but after several listens I still hear abrasive MC's over very, very grime-y beats that never really take off. Really depends on what you're looking for from electronic/hip-hop/producer etc.
  16. AaronB.
    Oct 12, 2008
    10
    Masterpiece. Incredibly creative.
  17. MikeG
    Oct 3, 2008
    10
    I put this album on to read to, but immediately had an urge to dance. Solid sounds from start to finish.
  18. AndreaD.
    Sep 25, 2008
    8
    I've listen for the first time the dubstep and this genre has impresse me very positively! Basses are incredible on all the cd! Skeng, Angry, Judgment get 10/10, Warning , Fuckaz, Jah War 8/10, all the others 7/10..then... all the cd get an 8.. A particular mantion to the song Skang.. the rap on this song is amazing!
  19. OlaoluJ.
    Sep 24, 2008
    9
    People will call it overrated and employ as much hyperbole as those they decry simply because it's hip to do so. Ultimately, London Zoo still remains an excellent entry into the dubstep (or whatever sub-genre you want to place it in) genre, with its great mix of lyricism and bass-heavy energy. It's personally the only album released this year that I've had this much fun People will call it overrated and employ as much hyperbole as those they decry simply because it's hip to do so. Ultimately, London Zoo still remains an excellent entry into the dubstep (or whatever sub-genre you want to place it in) genre, with its great mix of lyricism and bass-heavy energy. It's personally the only album released this year that I've had this much fun listening to. If you don't like dubstep at all then why bother reviewing this album?… Expand
  20. GuyH
    Sep 22, 2008
    8
    This is the grower of the year for me so far. At first it sounds like a collection of stand alone tracks but give it time and you suddenly realise that it is a very scary document to the current state of urban insanity that surrounds many of us. There is something undeniably seductive about the feeling you get in your gut of impending danger, violence and chaos and 'The Bug' This is the grower of the year for me so far. At first it sounds like a collection of stand alone tracks but give it time and you suddenly realise that it is a very scary document to the current state of urban insanity that surrounds many of us. There is something undeniably seductive about the feeling you get in your gut of impending danger, violence and chaos and 'The Bug' taps into that. You almost welcome the apocalypse - bring it on!… Expand
  21. JamesM.
    Sep 20, 2008
    0
    This album is awful. I could no listen to it more then once.
  22. [Anonymous]
    Sep 14, 2008
    2
    Overrated, of course.
  23. ElliottM
    Sep 13, 2008
    9
    Ditto Eric C.
  24. AnthonyC.
    Sep 13, 2008
    8
    Slightly overrated. still excellent, though.
  25. CailyD.
    Sep 11, 2008
    10
    Judging from what they play in clubs these days, I'd say this album is tremendously underrated. I've never felt more like dancing than when this album is on. I can't explain it.
  26. FilmoreH.
    Sep 10, 2008
    10
    Makes No Doubt's "Rock Steady" look like the banal pop turd it is. The Bug owns 2008.
  27. AlanR.
    Sep 10, 2008
    10
    Totally underrated. More!
  28. TomP.
    Sep 9, 2008
    5
    As I said in regards to DragonForce, that many critics just can't ball up to without sounding biased and losing their jobs. Is that a great album, in a garbage genre, is still garbage. Nuff said.
  29. MrA
    Sep 8, 2008
    9
    The energy of this album is fantastic, I get lost in the textures, awesome!
  30. WesM.
    Sep 3, 2008
    8
    Uniformly strong if not consistently groundbreaking dancehall.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2008
50
#50 Most Discussed Album of 2008
47
#47 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Drowned In Sound
    90
    The cumulative effect--somewhere around being lifted into the heavens by sunrays--is at odds with the continuous black clouds that come before. Yet it’s a necessary chink of light to conclude a journey so oppressive you may just forget to breathe through its duration.
    Read full review
  2. Dusted Magazine
    90
    Considering the host of absolutely killer tracks, London Zoo might just be Kevin Martin's finest album, which is astounding considering the man has been making music for two decades.
    Read full review
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    London Zoo provides the perfect showcase for its colourful menagerie of MCs and singers. And the Bug's no-nonsense clank and grind production fosters a rare intensity of focus on this album's higher purpose, which is to take the eloquence of Linton Kwesi Johnson and Michael Smith's Eighties dub-poetry, and blast it into digital hyperspace.
    Read full review
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