Systems/Layers
by Rachel's
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Neumu.net
    60
    It seems distinct from the discography that came before it (in both a good and a bad way), with intermittent moments definitely treading foreign waters, for both the band and its devoted followers.

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. jbertsch
    Apr 9, 2012
    10
    It's been about 9 years since this album came out, and it still speaks to me in ways almost no other music ever has. I can only think of oneIt's been about 9 years since this album came out, and it still speaks to me in ways almost no other music ever has. I can only think of one other album that I'd equate its powers to... that album, and Systems/Layers, are my two favorite albums ever. However, they aren't the first two albums I'd claim to be classics when having a conversation with friends about seminal/classic albums in music history, because Rachel's are mine. They're not for everyone. This album hits nerves of mine with precision...nerves that I've always thought to be my idiosyncricies. Systems/Layers may not be what the world wants, but it's what I want. It's gracious beauty is comforting, mysterious, reflective, and so simple. If you think you're interested in Rachel's, you may find System/Layers as rewarding as I have. Give it a shot.… Full Review »
  2. Ben
    Mar 17, 2008
    10
    When this album came out, it went almost un-noticed, but this CD demands listening. Imagine the ambient/chamber-group version of OK Computer. When this album came out, it went almost un-noticed, but this CD demands listening. Imagine the ambient/chamber-group version of OK Computer. It's subtle, nuanced, with perfectly set string arrangements, and all gorgeously recorded. This is not only a wonderful work of musical composition; the work put into systems/layers in the studio is just astounding. Worth it all the way.… Full Review »
  3. [Anonymous]
    Feb 20, 2005
    7
    Every thing they do is consistently good.This is not quite as good as The Sea and Bells or Music for Egon Schiele.
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