What a Time to Be Alive
by Superchunk
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Feb 16, 2018
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. Q Magazine
    Mar 13, 2018
    60
    Despite the slight air of "tell me something I don't know" hanging over proceedings, both musically and lyrically, there is an earworming swagger here. [May 2018, p.112]
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  2. DIY Magazine
    Feb 16, 2018
    60
    It takes no prisoners musically or lyrically. And, despite the exasperation which the album channels, the tracks never feel too dark and this is largely, in part to the warmth which hides below the rage in Mac McCaughan’s delivery, along with the guitars which remain defiantly loud.
  3. Record Collector
    Feb 7, 2018
    60
    This album bristles with anger, desperation and disbelief. Hopeful resilience is occasionally brought to the fore as well, and guest backing vocalists from acts including The Magnetic Fields are on hand to help Superchunk feel less adrift and alone.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. NeutralMilkH
    Feb 19, 2018
    9
    My apologies for offending the person who didn't like this album, they probably thought it was weird, and I guess I should say this albumMy apologies for offending the person who didn't like this album, they probably thought it was weird, and I guess I should say this album comes from a genre in rock music that's more eccentric than normal. With that being said, here's my track-by-track review of this album.
    What a Time to Be Alive: Solid track. Solid singing... it's basically just solid all-around. Some of the feedback that buzzes throughout the song may be quite annoying for a bit, but it eventually adds to the charm of the song. I also wish that the drums were a bit more pulsing, although the drum-playing itself is quite excellent, I just wish it were a little bit louder in parts. Despite my criticisms, this is still a very good opening track. Lovely fade at the end as well (9/10)
    Lost My Brain: A short song with a simple message. This song is very exciting, but I feel as if it could've been developed more. However, what is in this song is quite electric, and the last fifteen seconds at least help the brevity of the song feel justified. (8/10)
    Break the Glass: The quiet moments of this song help amplify the atmosphere during it's loudest moments. It can be a bit repetitive at points, but there are so many things going on in this song that it's hard to even notice that, and the guitar solo and vocal harmonies that occur elevate the song past that. (9.25/10)
    Bad Choices: Relies on a low guitar progression and quiet-yet-thundering drums. It's a lot calmer than the other tracks so far, but it doesn't relish in this fact as much as it should because the vocals still manage to get a bit drowned out at points. Still a solid, if somewhat forgettable track. (8.25/10)
    Dead Photographers: Don't question it. It's just that insane. (10/10)
    Erasure: One of the better-produced and more melodic tracks of this album... I don't have any qualms with it. I think it's just all about taste when it comes to this one. (10/10)
    I Got Cut: This track wears its influences on its sleeve like many of the other "cuts" on this album (I hate myself for making that pun) but once it gets past the post-punk intro, it does become its own song. The chorus is also very catchy, albeit this song is a little bit basic lyrically, at least in my opinion... as always, the guitars in this song shine. (8.75/10)
    Reagan Youth: The intro of this song... wow... I do feel as if the chorus to this song should've been higher in pitch rather than lower, but that's just me. (9.5/10)
    Cloud of Hate: Nevermind about the last one's intro, this one takes the **** cake, holy **** The chorus in this one is also much better in my opinion and quite frankly... this track is just explosive in every aspect, even the background vocals add to the intensity of this track... and it's unforgettable despite how short it is. (10/10)
    All for You: This song slows the album down (if slightly) to deliver a simple rock anthem with great vocals and great guitar progressions... also, I just finally noticed that the bassist was even a musician on this album, lol... Good breaks and quiet bits... sorry, my mind is melting a little bit from the volume, I really need to turn it down. (9.5/10)
    Black Thread: Well, it's a good enough send-off... "and it's stitched into your heart, and it's wrapped around your head" are good lyrics... I didn't give this song a good rating because it's impossible to hear the bassist... to be fair, I rarely hear a bassist on most rock albums, lol. When background vocals are in this track, they are surprisingly angelic, which is a nice contrast to everything that's going on in this track. (9.75/10)
    Album Rating: 102/110 or 9.27/10... or a 9 by Metacritic standards...

    This album is one of the best rock trips of the year (so far... it's only February) so I reckon it's worth checking out. It manages to make the most out of a brief running time and will probably leave you feeling exhilarated afterwards.    … Full Review »
  2. charliequaker
    Feb 23, 2019
    9
    On their 11th album since 1990, these North Carolina indie rock icons sound as fresh & motivated as they did on the legendary “Slack ****On their 11th album since 1990, these North Carolina indie rock icons sound as fresh & motivated as they did on the legendary “Slack **** single, attacking the songs with the vitality of teenage exhuberance. These are short, sweet and succinct rockers; raucous & raw pop/punk melodies with infectious hooks. Contributions come from members of magnetic Fields, Waxahatchee, A Giant Dog. Members have played with Seam, Portastatic, The Mountain Goats. Recalls bands like Redd Kross, Archers Of Loaf, Weezer, Nada Surf, Jeff The Brotherhood, Scrawl, GRMLN. The songs punch you in the face with rockin’, pertinent messages of politics, love and the mess we’ve made of humankind. “What A Time To Be Alive” finds Superchunk back at the top of their game, churning out quick bursts of indie rock that’s both fun and meaningful. Recommended.… Full Review »
  3. jakfromrva
    Sep 1, 2018
    8
    Strong lyrics carry this 90's punk throwback. Bites quite a bit more than Majesty Shredding and I Hate Music, which are also good in their ownStrong lyrics carry this 90's punk throwback. Bites quite a bit more than Majesty Shredding and I Hate Music, which are also good in their own right. They can't seem to make a poor record even after 25 years after their start… Full Review »
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