Splinter: Songs From a Broken Mind
by Gary Numan
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 14, 2013
    60
    He flirts with past glories on the throbbing ‘I Am Dust’, but Splinter never sounds ahead of the curve he created.
  2. The Guardian
    Oct 10, 2013
    60
    The carapace of violent noise that encases each song needs breaking before you can appreciate how fascinating it is musically.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Dunc437
    Dec 19, 2016
    10
    There isn't one bad track on this album. I normally consider maybe one or two tracks on most albums weaker, therefore fast forwarding to theThere isn't one bad track on this album. I normally consider maybe one or two tracks on most albums weaker, therefore fast forwarding to the best parts. Not on Splinter! Every track is just brilliant. I've played it constantly for 2 weeks now and just can't get enough of the different varieties that each track represent.

    His voice is still the same unmistakable calling, but he has certainly mellowed with the pain and angst that he has encountered over the last 5 years. Some of the tracks are very dark as you might expect, but somehow upbeat. That might sound a bit of an oxymoron, but if you listen carefully you will understand. I did.

    All the tracks have that unmistakable haunting Gary Numan signature beat, but also something very different. The sort of beat and rhythm that gets into your thoughts and conscious that you just can't help singing, playing the drums and instruments with him and remembering just how fabulous and talented he really is.

    I loved this album so much, I had to give a review. I can't really pinpoint one favourite track, that's the measure of the album when all of them are amazing. But as I'm reviewing it for future listeners, the last track My Last Day is awesome. How anyone can give it a negative score?    … Full Review »
  2. Fenham
    May 2, 2014
    9
    Bought yesterday and now on 5th play-through.
    Exceptionally good. The tunes are lovely and melodic in a minor key and they often rock along    Bought yesterday and now on 5th play-through.
    Exceptionally good. The tunes are lovely and melodic in a minor key and they often rock along like a train. Lyrics are dark, black and gloomy much like early period The Cure, which is still my favourite Cure incarnation.
    The musicianship's excellent throughout. Always liked Numan's vocal style and here it's as good as it was in the early 80s.
    First time I've bought any of his more recent stuff and I'm thoroughly impressed and really chuffed with this.
    Going to see him in Melbourne in a couple of weeks so really looking forward to that    … Full Review »
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