Transatlanticism
by Death Cab for Cutie
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Oct 7, 2003
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 190 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 172 out of 190
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 190
  3. Negative: 16 out of 190

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Feb 11, 2022
    5
    It's just comfortable and pleasant enough to convince yourself to stick around - never good enough to be satisfying, nor bad enough to be disappointing.
  2. thatshadowthere
    Oct 10, 2019
    8
    If you're looking for a complicated but luscious and beautifully emotional album, look no further. Awash in melody and dissonance, Transatlanticism strikes an inventive balance between straight-ahead pop songwriting and a more experimental & vulnerable edge. What's beguiling is that the low-level drama is so expertly executed, that the songs each have a way of burrowing into yourIf you're looking for a complicated but luscious and beautifully emotional album, look no further. Awash in melody and dissonance, Transatlanticism strikes an inventive balance between straight-ahead pop songwriting and a more experimental & vulnerable edge. What's beguiling is that the low-level drama is so expertly executed, that the songs each have a way of burrowing into your subconscious by being so rewarding with repeated exposure. This is an album best enjoyed in the crispness of autumn, while feeling the earth cool in anticipation of the winter chill. One of my favourite albums of all time.… Expand
  3. NathanWallace11
    Sep 7, 2016
    10
    Transatlanticism is more than an album. It's a collection of some of the best indie rock songs of all time. With perfect minimalist instrumentation backing outstanding songwriting and vocals, each track tells a compelling story you'll want to listen to. Transatlanticism plays as a journal of lost loves and emotional moments straight from the soul of lead singer Ben Gibbard. It exploresTransatlanticism is more than an album. It's a collection of some of the best indie rock songs of all time. With perfect minimalist instrumentation backing outstanding songwriting and vocals, each track tells a compelling story you'll want to listen to. Transatlanticism plays as a journal of lost loves and emotional moments straight from the soul of lead singer Ben Gibbard. It explores themes of distance and love in a way that no album since has been able to emulate. After 13 years, Transatlanticism remains the indie rock genre's greatest masterpiece.… Expand
  4. Ricko
    May 14, 2015
    7
    For me, "Transatlanticism" marks the peak for this band, having gradually been building towards it over the 3 albums prior. This record sees the band retain their intricate spidery guitar style and delicate vocals but this time around there is a marked focus on the quality of the songwriting. "Transatlanticism" sees their brand of indie rock given a polish. It is a smooth and slickFor me, "Transatlanticism" marks the peak for this band, having gradually been building towards it over the 3 albums prior. This record sees the band retain their intricate spidery guitar style and delicate vocals but this time around there is a marked focus on the quality of the songwriting. "Transatlanticism" sees their brand of indie rock given a polish. It is a smooth and slick offering, laced with melodies. Those who dislike the band won't have their opinion changed by this record - the songs, specifically the vocals, often lack the emotion required to make a song truly connect with a listener. This is a flaw of the band as much as of this album. Ben Gibbards' vocals are an acquired taste and are not for everyone but looking past his vocals, you see some very finely put together indie rock.… Expand
  5. starsbedivided
    Jul 7, 2013
    9
    Transatlanticism is a great record, hands down. Pitchfork (I can't say surprisingly) gave it a slightly mixed review, and while I think it's not as varied than The Photo Album, it's definitely not their worst.
  6. moonman1994
    Dec 15, 2012
    10
    This album is absolutely amazing! It's an album where you really get variety getting a more rock like feel from songs like "We Looked Like Giants" and "The New Year" and a classic Death Cab for Cutie somber feel from songs like "A Lack of Color". Simply a must buy!
  7. KeithG
    Apr 25, 2012
    8
    You can make a case for either Transatlanticism or Plans as the greatest Death Cab for Cutie album. Plans remains more consistent, but Transatlanticism has the highest peaks. "The Sound of Settling" is a perfect pop song and the title track is a precise treatise on bittersweet longing. Those tracks alone make this album worth a listen, but solid nature of the first two thirds of theYou can make a case for either Transatlanticism or Plans as the greatest Death Cab for Cutie album. Plans remains more consistent, but Transatlanticism has the highest peaks. "The Sound of Settling" is a perfect pop song and the title track is a precise treatise on bittersweet longing. Those tracks alone make this album worth a listen, but solid nature of the first two thirds of the album make it one worth buying.… Expand
  8. Obliviousness
    Apr 10, 2012
    10
    Transatlanticism remains, not only as the pivotal work by DCFC, but also as one of the best alternative albums to-date. It was one of the most important and accomplished records of its decade and it is as relevant now as it ever was. The melodic, brooding tones, wistful lyrical expression and often desolate ambiance found throughout the album, makes it one of the most compelling pieces ofTransatlanticism remains, not only as the pivotal work by DCFC, but also as one of the best alternative albums to-date. It was one of the most important and accomplished records of its decade and it is as relevant now as it ever was. The melodic, brooding tones, wistful lyrical expression and often desolate ambiance found throughout the album, makes it one of the most compelling pieces of music you may ever hope to find. It epitomises great song-writing with an honest and emphatic feel that only Death Cab can deliver. Every song bleeds beautifully into the next, and there is a great sense of continuity in each song. Truly a remarkable album.… Expand
  9. LetzTalkMoveez
    Oct 8, 2011
    10
    Probably one of the greatest albums of all time, "Transatlanticism" covers so much ground it hurts. Tracks like "A Lack of Color" and "Tiny Vessels" explore the subtleties of the human connection, while others like "The New Year" and "Transatlanticism" (featuring the greatest lyrics the band has ever written) attempt to summarize entire personalities. It's an album that makes the wordProbably one of the greatest albums of all time, "Transatlanticism" covers so much ground it hurts. Tracks like "A Lack of Color" and "Tiny Vessels" explore the subtleties of the human connection, while others like "The New Year" and "Transatlanticism" (featuring the greatest lyrics the band has ever written) attempt to summarize entire personalities. It's an album that makes the word 'terrific' insufficient in describing its brilliance.… Expand
  10. Vampire25
    May 3, 2011
    10
    Transatlanticism is Death Cab For Cutie's best record to date. It's a joyous listen from start to finish. There are no weak points. Ben Gibbard's sorrowful vocals have never sounded better. He's an amazing lyricist and an even amazing singer. Every song is significant in there own ways and you won't stop singing them for awhile. All In All, Transatlanticism is a perfect record. A
  11. purifycolor
    Apr 22, 2011
    10
    One of my favorite albums ever...this is the absolute perfect collection of angst, full of beautiful lyrics and corresponding instrumental. An instant classic in my opinion, and to this day this is my go to album for any kind of depressive mood.
  12. StJimofSuburbia
    Feb 22, 2011
    10
    Death Cab For Cutie delivers one of the most beautiful albums ever recorded. Each and every song on this album is great. The title track is long, but it is so beautiful you don't notice the length. Ben Gibbard's voice is so beautiful that on the vicious "Tiny Vessels" you barely realize he is breaking up with a girl he utterly despises. The album starts of strong with "The New Year" andDeath Cab For Cutie delivers one of the most beautiful albums ever recorded. Each and every song on this album is great. The title track is long, but it is so beautiful you don't notice the length. Ben Gibbard's voice is so beautiful that on the vicious "Tiny Vessels" you barely realize he is breaking up with a girl he utterly despises. The album starts of strong with "The New Year" and and ends with the tender acoustic ballad "A Lack of Color". Other highlights include "Title and Registration" and "Passenger Seat". This album perfectly show the spectrum that DCFC is able to cover with even the "rock" songs on the album sounding soft because of the bands excellent playing and Gibbard's heavenly voice.… Expand
  13. jimmck9
    Oct 20, 2010
    10
    Brilliant album. It really is flawless, each song flows to the next so nicely. This album got me into death cab and they are now one of my favorites. I love driving at night to this album it takes you to another place
  14. MichielM
    Aug 30, 2009
    9
    long time since an album cost me more than 10 times to discover and appreciate. That says enough for me. Drums are so creative and full of suspense. And oh, someone mentioned COLDPLAY as a reference, but i truly hate them, WORST and MOST BORING music ever, blegh.
  15. MichaelHalse
    Aug 19, 2009
    9
    By far Death Cab for Cutie's best album, Transatlanticism makes an emotional plee to our emotions, and in a world full of emotions it hits the spot, bringing out tears and whelming emotions of happiness and loneliness in it's lsiteners. By far one of the more moving albums by the band and those in this genre of music.
  16. GuillaumeF
    Mar 25, 2009
    10
    Best album ever, that's all I can say about Transatlanticism.
  17. SamW.
    Oct 3, 2008
    10
    By far one of the most compelling albums ever to be released
  18. ColinB
    Aug 28, 2008
    10
    So far, the best album of the decade.
  19. PaulM
    Jun 26, 2008
    10
    Definitely the bands masterpiece. So many standout tracks.
  20. milesm
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    Just one of those albums where every track is unique.
  21. yoface
    May 11, 2008
    10
    If you like indie rock, you will love this album. It'll be all you can listen to for at least a week. I will admit that DCFC may be a bit of an acquired taste--but once you have it, or if you already do, you will swallow song after song after song. The music and Gibbard's voice are so perfectly juxtaposed in each song so that each song brings about a certain mood. The ideas in If you like indie rock, you will love this album. It'll be all you can listen to for at least a week. I will admit that DCFC may be a bit of an acquired taste--but once you have it, or if you already do, you will swallow song after song after song. The music and Gibbard's voice are so perfectly juxtaposed in each song so that each song brings about a certain mood. The ideas in each song are so beautifully said, making the lyrics something out of this world. I can't stop listening to this album; the beauty of these songs have yet to dry up for me.… Expand
  22. WhitneyH
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    I adore this CD, I listen to it at least once a day. All the lyrics are captivating, and you feel as if you're there with the band. When I listen to this CD, I am spun into this world where no one can touch me, it's the best CD in the world. If you have never listened to this CD, you haven't lived.
  23. KayD
    Feb 12, 2008
    10
    If my heart could write songs, They'd sound like these.
  24. ChrisR
    Oct 6, 2007
    8
    Surprisingly enjoyable!
  25. alexf
    Jul 25, 2007
    10
    I love every song on this album!
  26. andiev
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    This album is the definition of alternative. its beautifully sad and well thought out, they are the best band apart from coldplay.
  27. IanB
    Jan 12, 2007
    10
    Death Cab's most complete album - can't believe someone said there's some filler on it - there absolutely isn't and there are about 9 contenders for best track.
  28. CarlosC
    Dec 29, 2006
    10
    Great Album, great lyris, great sound.
  29. philn
    Sep 23, 2006
    9
    Transaltlanticism totally kicks the crap out of plans.
  30. Zach
    Aug 29, 2006
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. One listen from this album, and you are instantly amazed. Songs like"A Lack of Color" are so great, they are almost as amazing as any of what The Beatles did.
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Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Album of 2003
22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2003
22
#22 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Billboard
    90
    Retaining the naked simplicity of 2000's "We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes" while continuing to hone the more lush, hi-fi sound found on 2001's "The Photo Album," the fantastic "Transatlanticism" is full of the lovely melancholy for which Death Cab is known.
    Read full review
  2. E! Online
    100
    Ben Gibbard has a knack for painting scenes of such intimate detail they come off as universal.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    90
    It's their best yet, and that's saying something. [#5, p.100]
See all critic reviews »