Pollinator
by Blondie
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
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  1. Drowned In Sound
    May 9, 2017
    60
    What Pollinator does confirm is that there’s plenty left in the tank from Harry and Stein; next time, they might better realise that surrounding yourself with bright young things can often be the same as surrounding yourselves with your fans--and that they might well try too hard to please you.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    May 9, 2017
    60
    Despite the divergent inputs, Pollinator still has the feel of a coherent album that’s enjoyable, if hardly essential.
  3. NOW Magazine
    May 4, 2017
    60
    It’s far from a perfect record, but it’s their best in years.
  5. AllMusic
    May 4, 2017
    60
    There's almost a charm in the way Blondie push so hard: it's hard to think of another legacy act so determined to play a part of the modern musical dialogue without losing their identity. If they're not always successful, there's nevertheless something ingratiating about the ambition.
  6. Mojo
    Apr 25, 2017
    60
    Miraculously, the whole thing is given a neat completness by John Congleton's slick, electro-rock production. [Jun 2017, p.92]
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  7. The Independent (UK)
    May 4, 2017
    40
    They just sound like desperate grasps for something--anything--before the latter stages of the album slump into terminal dullness.

Awards & Rankings

99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 61 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 61
  3. Negative: 3 out of 61
  1. rmmateus
    May 5, 2017
    10
    This is Blondie's best album yet. Sure there's Parallel Lines and Eat to the Beat to think about, but there isn't a single track on PollinatorThis is Blondie's best album yet. Sure there's Parallel Lines and Eat to the Beat to think about, but there isn't a single track on Pollinator I would skip lightly, whereas on PL and ETTB there are two or three. Pollinator is so reminiscent of other Blondie. Doom or Destiny sounds like "screw everything, just rock on." Long Time, Gravity, Fun, Already Naked, and Best Day Ever show Debbie's awesome 71 year old voice. Fragments is possibly the best closing track on a Blondie album. This really couldn't be any better. Congrats, Blondie.… Full Review »
  2. Meximike
    May 6, 2017
    10
    WOW, this was a HUGE surprise for me. I am a huge Blondie and Deborah fan, but the last CD "Ghosts of Download" was my least favorite BlondieWOW, this was a HUGE surprise for me. I am a huge Blondie and Deborah fan, but the last CD "Ghosts of Download" was my least favorite Blondie album. To be honest, I thought the Debbie's voice was not showcased on the last album because it was fading. Pollinator sure proved me wrong. The (still) incredible range of her voice shines on the track "When I Gave Up On You." One thing is for sure, Deborah Harry is the coolest 71 year old on planet Earth. Blondie is the best pop-rock band in the world. The leave Rolling Stones, U2, Areosmith, and the hand full of other bands that have been together for 3 or more decades, in the dust. This album is cool and if you did not know anything about Blondie, it would still be cool. Not since Parrell Lines have Blondie put out an album that has this much pop-sensibility and synergy. I wish Blondie the best with this because they are the hardest working rock band in existence. Great job Blondie. You have one of the best drummers in rock history Clem Burke; the super intelligent conceptionalist, song writer and guitarist Chris Stein; the best guitarist alive Tommy Kessler (watch his YouTube videos, he plays Metallica and Van Halen guitar solos effortlessly and better than the originals), and of course, the living legend Deborah Harry. Great band, great album.i… Full Review »
  3. xicoszs
    May 12, 2021
    10
    Debbie and Chris are the best thing that happened in the world. I love pollinator, it gives me some nostalgia all these 4 years since theDebbie and Chris are the best thing that happened in the world. I love pollinator, it gives me some nostalgia all these 4 years since the release. Blondie is forever, and no one can deny it.… Full Review »
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