Zeitgeist
by The Smashing Pumpkins
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 306 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 234 out of 306
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 306
  3. Negative: 34 out of 306

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  1. bardelby
    Sep 7, 2023
    10
    The forgotten Smashing Pumpkins album. Sad it was taken off though. never got to listen to it
  2. Ricko
    May 15, 2012
    8
    The first post Smashing Pumpkins, Smashing Pumpkins album. This got a very lukewarm reaction from both critics and fans but I think it's a really strong album. For me it's the 5th most enjoyable SP record but I would class the 4 I rate above it as some of the greatest rock albums of all time. Yes it's self-indulgent in parts and the production definitely leaves something to be desired.The first post Smashing Pumpkins, Smashing Pumpkins album. This got a very lukewarm reaction from both critics and fans but I think it's a really strong album. For me it's the 5th most enjoyable SP record but I would class the 4 I rate above it as some of the greatest rock albums of all time. Yes it's self-indulgent in parts and the production definitely leaves something to be desired. There are a few ordinary (Neverlost and Pomp and Circumstances spring to mind immediately) tracks on here that fail to add any value to the album but when you get down to it, more than half of the songs on the record are excellent. The musicianmanship from Corgan and Chamberlain is outstanding. There are a couple of tracks that came out as after Zeitgeist but around the same time that could have replaced the weaker tracks and pushed this record up a notch. Will be interesting to see what it's follow up Oceania will be like due out this year. Especially without the drum sound of Jimmy Chamberlain.… Expand
  3. 7dogguy
    Apr 13, 2012
    7
    this is the worst thing besides tear garden by them the band isnt even all together anymore the band members from back then put the soul of the smashing pumpkins into the smashing pumpkins this album is good however about 60% of the songs are either good or listenable this album is also heavier then most of there stuff its a good album but its lacking feeling that the old albums were about
  4. gruenjr
    May 23, 2011
    9
    A completely underrated album by the press and a lot of fans. "Zeitgeist" was THE perfect title for this album, atleast for this Pumpkins fan because I will remember that time, in part, for feeling plugged in with the band. It was an exciting year to listen to concert bootlegs, especially from their Paris reunion show, and it t all culminated with this album. "Doomsday," "7 Shades,"A completely underrated album by the press and a lot of fans. "Zeitgeist" was THE perfect title for this album, atleast for this Pumpkins fan because I will remember that time, in part, for feeling plugged in with the band. It was an exciting year to listen to concert bootlegs, especially from their Paris reunion show, and it t all culminated with this album. "Doomsday," "7 Shades," "United States," and "Neverlost" are all highlights.… Expand
  5. Vampire25
    Dec 30, 2010
    7
    Definitely not the best thing The Smashing Pumpkins have done. But Zeitgeist is sort of enjoyable. I've been a Smashing Pumpkins fan since forever. They are one of my favorite bands of all time. And Zeitgeist is a good album, but I do have a couple complaints about it. One, Billy Corgan's lyrics have always been nothing short of amazing. Especially in the album Adore. But this album, hisDefinitely not the best thing The Smashing Pumpkins have done. But Zeitgeist is sort of enjoyable. I've been a Smashing Pumpkins fan since forever. They are one of my favorite bands of all time. And Zeitgeist is a good album, but I do have a couple complaints about it. One, Billy Corgan's lyrics have always been nothing short of amazing. Especially in the album Adore. But this album, his lyrics are kind of stupid, I must admit. It sounds like he ran out of ideas so he just put something that rhymed. And two, some songs are just unnecessary. "Bleeding The Orchid", "Starz" and "For God And Country". Those tracks are just plain retarded. And maybe a couple more. But other than that, This is a rock and roll album that goes back to their early work. It sounds like a metal album. It is The Smashing Pumpkins heaviest album. Some great tracks are "United States" (best on the album), "Doomsday Clock" and "That's The Way (My Love Is)". All In All, Not Smashing Pumpkins greatest work by far, but still a worthy entry in their discography. B… Expand
  6. thisname
    Nov 11, 2010
    8
    Some songs are iffy but with the strength of the two powerful singles "Tarantula" and "That's The Way" followed by some great rock songs like "7 shades" and "Doomsday Clock", this album doesn't disappoint!
  7. Abe
    Jan 12, 2009
    8
    A Really Good Comeback!
  8. JonathanM.
    Dec 3, 2008
    8
    As good as this album is (by the way, the mixing is shocking), it might be good album, but remember this is the Smashing Pumpkins, not a dingle dangle dongle lets see how this goes album. The expectations of this album were naturally high.........I guess thats for some. The problem is, yes there is not James or Darcy. Well that is the problem. Of course Billy Corgan writes all the songs As good as this album is (by the way, the mixing is shocking), it might be good album, but remember this is the Smashing Pumpkins, not a dingle dangle dongle lets see how this goes album. The expectations of this album were naturally high.........I guess thats for some. The problem is, yes there is not James or Darcy. Well that is the problem. Of course Billy Corgan writes all the songs and records all the parts!! But he's not that guy from Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor) he still needs a band! James Iha contributed alot to the band and its noticable, no matter what the whinging pretentious Billy Corgan might say (and thats coming from a "fan" who understands him) Anyway.......better luck next time, its alright for a listen but after that.… Expand
  9. AmâmdioJ.
    Aug 29, 2008
    9
    This is a great album, I love smashing pumpkins and this has really great songs. Its god to see that Billy doesn't lost is talent. I recommend it.
  10. AntonioL.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    This album was amazing. It rocked as hard as anything they had ever done and was a great comeback. I love it!
  11. RoyO
    Apr 23, 2008
    8
    It's good, not mellon collie or siamese dream good but still.
  12. CorganR.
    Feb 15, 2008
    8
    This album is GREAT, however it still doesn't match up to some of their older albums such as Melloncollie. It's wonderful to see that the Smashing Pumpkins are back however I do wish the whole band came back instead of just Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. Corgan's guitar playing was great in this album. From the creepy sounds of Turantula to the old school metal style in This album is GREAT, however it still doesn't match up to some of their older albums such as Melloncollie. It's wonderful to see that the Smashing Pumpkins are back however I do wish the whole band came back instead of just Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. Corgan's guitar playing was great in this album. From the creepy sounds of Turantula to the old school metal style in Doomsday clock, he really astounded me with his playing. Also Jimmy Chamberlin was amazing on drums in songs such as United States. Basically, this was a really, really good comeback for the Pumpkins and hopefully we will see much more of them in the future!… Expand
  13. f4b
    Feb 3, 2008
    7
    Maybe Corgan is no more trendy for the critics, but this is a nice return with some very high moments. If you doubt Pumpkins are still good, see them live they are awesome!
  14. SlavaP.
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    F*ck the "good old days"... Billy and Jimmy are back - angry and vigorous... Come on... Lets go...!!!
  15. RobertC.
    Dec 15, 2007
    10
    A lot has changed since Billy, James, D'arcy, and Jimmy went their separate ways. But it is great to hear at least two of them back together in the present, playing live shows to bring back the good music of the 90's and early 2000's, but also bringing us something new and fresh to the present. This album was incredible and fresh for the Pumpkins. I can't wait for their next.
  16. MaxM.
    Oct 29, 2007
    8
    I'm a very poor fan of heavy metal, but this is actually a very good album. I really enjoyed the guitar. It's a bit of a change from Smashing Pumpkins previous work.
  17. sdjones
    Oct 13, 2007
    8
    I guess critics are tired of grunge, post-grunge and probably Billy Corgan. I have to admit I was pretty tired of his raspy croak myself. However, Zietgiest rocks and it rocks hard. I was pleasantly impressed by how solid this is!
  18. BrianP.
    Oct 11, 2007
    8
    Zeitgeist has a hypnotic spinning to it that drives me to keep listening for things I might of not caught the first time. It's hard work and hard sound should be considered for bringing Alternative Music back into the late 2000's. It's still the Pumpkins because they are influencing and rule breaking the current lull of cheep money making pop sound today. . .
  19. GeoffW.
    Sep 29, 2007
    10
    Very solid and competent return from the Pumpkins.
  20. GeraldP.
    Sep 19, 2007
    10
    LOL this album came out in June and hasn't left my car since.. Its a great rock and roll CD. Best album from the pumpkins since adore.
  21. MarkW.
    Sep 18, 2007
    10
    Album of the year.
  22. NickK.
    Sep 8, 2007
    7
    I agree the vocal mixing (and clarity in general) is something of an issue here. Likewise, the lack of diversity which characterized Mellon Collie, Siamese Dream etc. does make this less rewarding listening (maybe I'm getting old, but my ears tired of the same sound/dynamics across the first 11 tracks). Essentially, it sounds to me like a couple of kids who have set up a drum kit and I agree the vocal mixing (and clarity in general) is something of an issue here. Likewise, the lack of diversity which characterized Mellon Collie, Siamese Dream etc. does make this less rewarding listening (maybe I'm getting old, but my ears tired of the same sound/dynamics across the first 11 tracks). Essentially, it sounds to me like a couple of kids who have set up a drum kit and a nasty guitar rig in their garage, and are having a ball rocking out themselves, perhaps at the expense of other listeners. The exception here, and the reason I gave it a 7, was that it's Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlain playing, two of the best rock musicians of the last 20 years, so it still makes impressive listening. It's clearly an album written by a guitarist and a drummer, but very talented ones, so it has its moments.… Expand
  23. CallumR.
    Aug 28, 2007
    10
    They are back and its great to have them! Bleeding The Orchid should change anyones mind who has written them off due to the line up!
  24. MikeL
    Aug 23, 2007
    9
    People are so damn obsessed with who the line-up is and other petty crap, that they forget to listen to the actual album. Can we please for five minutes forget about Iha and Darcy, and just listen to some music? This album is great, and it truly rocks out. No one else is doing this kind of music right now, and it's a refreshing change of pace from both the Pumpkin's previous People are so damn obsessed with who the line-up is and other petty crap, that they forget to listen to the actual album. Can we please for five minutes forget about Iha and Darcy, and just listen to some music? This album is great, and it truly rocks out. No one else is doing this kind of music right now, and it's a refreshing change of pace from both the Pumpkin's previous material and from what their contemporaries are doing. Quit crying and learn to rock.… Expand
  25. MattC
    Aug 22, 2007
    9
    Very, very good album(CD). A smashing Rock rerturn as most of the songs on the CD are Rock driven. I imagine that future efforts will incorporate more of their slower material. If you want some good guitar work and blasting drums, this is a good one for you!
  26. qwertyuiopm
    Aug 17, 2007
    7
    i would have liked it better if they didnt mix it like a high school musical cd. i appreciate every part of a song and it would be nice i i could hear it all as well. on another note, the lyrics are good, and most of the songs are well structured.
  27. honesto
    Aug 16, 2007
    9
    A very welcome comeback. Great guitar riffs. Grabs you by the balls from the opening of Doomsday Clock and just doesn't let up.
  28. scottw
    Aug 15, 2007
    7
    Fun, heavey, fast and very smashing. If your a fane of the old stuff, you are bound to injoy this album.
  29. SethE
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    This ablum stands alone as some of the best work TSP has done yet todate, I hope there is more to come :)
  30. DerekD
    Aug 13, 2007
    8
    I love a lot of tracks on this album, it stays pretty true to the classic smashing pumpkins and with only a couple of bad tracks you can't really complain with this album.
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 29
  3. Negative: 4 out of 29
  1. Amazon.com
    80
    Overall, Corgan's captivating effort to mine both the spirit of these turbulent times and the soul of his defining band is a smashing success.
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  2. Blender
    60
    Zeitgeist’s orgy of avalanche rhythms, cascading riffs and sky-licking guitar is as grandiose as ever (the solo on "Tarantula" sounds like a nuke hitting a Guitar Center), but the bombast is softened as Corgan reaches out for shame-sharing community.
    Read full review
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    It's best treated as a curio in the Smashing Pumpkins' legacy; and for those who grew up on 'Today', '1979' and 'Ava Adore', you're better left with your memories.
    Read full review
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