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. MikeL.
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Incredible effort for their first album in 7 years. I know it's not the same Pumpkins as before (Iha and D'Arcy are missing), but Corgan has always been the heart of the band, and Jimmy is brilliant in his drumming on Zeitgeist. The sound picks up where Machina left off. Its very heavy, but very accessible. Overall, its the best Pumpkins album since Mellon Collie.
  2. DanielK.
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Great Album all around. There are so many layers to Billy's philosophy on life here. Bring the Light is in theory his first song telling us that he's finally found happieness. Musically solid all throughout.
  3. Shinji
    Jul 11, 2007
    1
    I hate to say it, but after all the years of waiting for my beloved Pumpkins to return, Mr. Corgan presents to us a forgettable, uninspired, and dead on arrival husk of the Smashing Pumpkins we once knew and loved. Make no mistake about it dear fans, Zeitgeist fails on many levels, but its greatest shortcoming is that it simply lacks the innovation and life of the past albums. I am sad to I hate to say it, but after all the years of waiting for my beloved Pumpkins to return, Mr. Corgan presents to us a forgettable, uninspired, and dead on arrival husk of the Smashing Pumpkins we once knew and loved. Make no mistake about it dear fans, Zeitgeist fails on many levels, but its greatest shortcoming is that it simply lacks the innovation and life of the past albums. I am sad to say the Pumpkins I adored died in 2001. This travesty just seems like a mid life crisis poured into poorly written music, masquerading under the name of a once beloved band.… Expand
  4. LucasR.
    Jul 11, 2007
    5
    I have been a pumpkins lover (Billy Corgan fan) since I was 13. I am now 26. I bought all the albums, flew from California to Chicago for their last show at United Center. Stood 8 hours at Tower records like the other crazies just to shake the guys hand and tell him that I loved his music. I bought Zwan's Mary of the whatever.... and went to their show. I even went drove to Hollywood I have been a pumpkins lover (Billy Corgan fan) since I was 13. I am now 26. I bought all the albums, flew from California to Chicago for their last show at United Center. Stood 8 hours at Tower records like the other crazies just to shake the guys hand and tell him that I loved his music. I bought Zwan's Mary of the whatever.... and went to their show. I even went drove to Hollywood to get his poetry book signed. Saw his "solo" act, although I relented to buy the album. I did buy Zeitgeist, and I have listened to it all the way through..and all I can say is I'm done, and here is why. Moment of Truth: I have been lying to myself about my undying love for this guys music/talent. Not only has my love for anything this guy (Corgan) does diminished. I can honestly say I can't stand it anymore. When I heard of this reunion I was excited...but as soon as I realized it was not without the other members...I lost all hope in it. Billy Corgan is living up to his own idea of who he should be. However, he has let the press/media dictate and influence everything he has done after Adore...suprisingly that was his last great effort. Machina II should have been the album he released after Adore...but no! We got Zwan and whatever was supposed to come after that. ( to his credit "for your love" was one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard-NOT ON THE ALBUM THOUGH IS IT?) Corgan punishes himself with what he thinks others should think about him and whatever legacy he will leave behind, he wants to write his own history, and as much as he says he could really give a fuck what people say, guess what Corgan!? You do give a fuck. Unfortunately I don't anymore. Cheers P.s. Darcy and James (you are loved wherever you are) I'm gonna go listen to Volta now....… Expand
  5. KevinH.
    Jul 11, 2007
    2
    I know The Smashing Pumpkins, and this isn't it. I am a huge Pumpkins fan, and even I realize Corgan has his head too far up his ass to notice anything. He produced most of the tracks, so of course his voice is double and triple tracked and at the front of the mix. I can barely hear the drums, or any of the other instruments for that matter. His voice has gotten progressively I know The Smashing Pumpkins, and this isn't it. I am a huge Pumpkins fan, and even I realize Corgan has his head too far up his ass to notice anything. He produced most of the tracks, so of course his voice is double and triple tracked and at the front of the mix. I can barely hear the drums, or any of the other instruments for that matter. His voice has gotten progressively downhill since Machina, bad on ZWAN, and terrible on The Future Embrace. Let's not even talk about his poor vocal performance on this one. Stay away from this album, it's not the Pumpkins you and I know and love.… Expand
  6. RT
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    Easily the best actual rock album in years. From start to finish this album delivers. With hints of older Pumpkins, like Siamese Dream, but with a newer updated sound (if the same thing was done over and over it would become dull). Raw, heavy and dynamic - this album was clearly well thought out with a purpose in mind. So to those critics who rated this album low - maybe stick to the Easily the best actual rock album in years. From start to finish this album delivers. With hints of older Pumpkins, like Siamese Dream, but with a newer updated sound (if the same thing was done over and over it would become dull). Raw, heavy and dynamic - this album was clearly well thought out with a purpose in mind. So to those critics who rated this album low - maybe stick to the generic radio rock that you rated highly and has no impact what so ever. Its nice to know that to some of us, rock isn't completely dead.… Expand
  7. GeorgeM.
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    This is truly one of the greatest bands ever. How can these absolute morons say that it lacks orginality. Its mind blowing I waited seven years for this and i am in no way dissapointed, it was definitely worth the wait. And this is a truely hard rocking album (no fairy included). WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  8. CarlW.
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    Fantastic!
  9. CruellaDeVille
    Jul 11, 2007
    8
    I only bought this record because the Pumpkins were one of my favorite bands of the 90s. I expected it to be bad, but I have been pleasantly surprised. It is definitely worth buying.
  10. Dustin
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Upon listening to the live stream promo release of the Smashing Pumpkins new album Zeitgeist, I wasn't very impressed. The definitive Pumpkins sound was in there somewhere, but I thought it was lost in the mix somehow. The vocals were too sharp and high in the mix and the layered vocals bordered on ridiculous in songs like Starz. Moreover, Jimmy Chamberlin's excellent drumming Upon listening to the live stream promo release of the Smashing Pumpkins new album Zeitgeist, I wasn't very impressed. The definitive Pumpkins sound was in there somewhere, but I thought it was lost in the mix somehow. The vocals were too sharp and high in the mix and the layered vocals bordered on ridiculous in songs like Starz. Moreover, Jimmy Chamberlin's excellent drumming was buried in some parts. Perhaps working with Roy Thomas Baker (producer for Queen, The Cars...) was a mistake? Maybe recording the album with Butch Vig (Nevermind, Siamese Dream) would have been a better idea, to help recapture the magic of old? Tonight I received an email telling me I could download my pre-order of Zeitgeist through iTunes (normally I don't buy lossy music but I wanted the code for advance concert ticket orders). After loading it into my iPod I settled in to give the album a proper listen and decide whether my original impression of the album would stand. Firstly, the album version sounds much better than the internet streams and leaks. Anyone who steals this album and thinks is sounds bad needs to take a listen from a CD or official source. It is amazing how much worse a badly compressed file can sound. If the iTunes version sounds this good, then I am getting the CD ASAP to see if it is even better. The production is very clean, and while I would still have liked the vocals to be mixed slightly lower, I feel that I can live with them as the guitars now hold their own and the drums are solid. The album doesn't sound like any other Pumpkins record so comparisons can be thrown out the window but dark and sultry are the closest adjectives I can find to describe the production. Upon pressing play, the album launches into overdrive with tracks, Doomsday Clock and 7 Shades of Black. The buzzing drone of Doomsday Clock channels a more radio friendly version of Bodies from MCIS, and 7 Shades recalls the track Dross from the group's free internet release Machina II, with a little bit of Geek USA and Sabbath thrown in for good measure. Unfortunately, missing is the fast/slow dynamic of earlier Pumpkins songs. Still, very solid tracks. Bleeding the Orchid is a dark, undulating track that continues the dark tone of the album, and sounds like a long lost b-side from Gish. This track is the first to make apparent the trend of vocal layering used throughout the album, for good or bad. In a wash of warm faded guitars, Thats the Way (My Love Is) reminds of a Zwan take on Stand Inside Your Love. "Of course I love you baby/'cause i'm alive" sings Billy, and one can't help but wonder if he is speaking to former lover Courtney Love. Before listening to Tarantula, it is apparent that the lyrics of Zeitgeist are pseudo-political from lines like "in whitewashed halls/their jackals lick their paws...", but after listening to Tarantula it becomes apparent what the title Zeitgeist (The Spirit of the times) means. If the lyrics "don't let me say this/but you're no worse than me/its crazy/we are the real/if real ever was/and just because/we are the real/they feel we have enough" aren't enough to interpret Billy's motives, the not too subtle single cover with Paris Hilton standing in front of a mushroom cloud with a Blackberry in hand completely gives them away. The concept of the album centers around America's apathy and languorous attitude concerning the political and social climate produced by our leaders and felt by people around the world. Indeed, the climate of bloggers and MySpace has led to a public more interested in Britney's Spears' haircut than more serious subjects. Although Billy admits, Paris and his listeners are no worse than him, as we are all "Starz". Someone, (the internet, paparazzi, corporations?) gave us sound. Starz is a repetitive, David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust homage with more vocal layering which reaffirms the earlier thematic elements discussed. After Starz, the album reaches it's climax with the rollicking 9:51 minute track United States. This track is indulgent, but it is nevertheless impressive and obviously meant to be a live jam track with warbled guitars and Billy exclaiming "revolution!/what will they do to you?". The bombastic United States is followed by a 1979 inspired track Neverlost with marimbas in the background. Although many will skip this track while listening to the album, it is important because it sets the tone for the second half of the album which turns from dark and brooding to hopeful. "Lets kill these hours/and fill desire" Billy croons in this love song. Bring the Light, is the newest sounding song on the album, and although repetitive, it sounds like a radio single with its catchy lyrics and Brian May/Ava Adore guitar solo. (Come On), Lets Go! is Pop-Grunge (oxymoron?) at its finest and is somehow eerily similar to Today. Billy sings about escaping "c'mon lets go/beyond the great unknown/beyond their punched-up skulls/to die upon this road". C'mon Billy, any Grunge fan knows it's not a great unknown it's a "Superunknown". The final two songs sound very much out of place. Billy slips back into dark and brooding mode with "God and Country" which sounds like a b-side from Adore or Machina with its synth-pop mechanics. However, it would never fit on those albums with its political message. Pomp and Circumstance is difficult to describe but if you have seen movies like 1492: Conquest of Paradise, or other period exploration movies you will recognize the influence. The Tribal Island sounds remind of perhaps The Thin Red Line? The song is hopeful. So thematically, it fits the arch of sounds Billy has created, but still somehow it still doesn't seem to fit. Zeitgeist judged against other Pumpkins works isn't their best and isn't their worst. As noted in many web forums, Jame Iha and D'arcy Wretsky had very little to do with the recording of the classic Pumpkins records so it is difficult to say if their influence is missed here. The Smashing Pumpkins are an ever changing sound imagined by Billy Corgan and made possible by the remarkable rhythms produced by Jimmy Chamberlin. Each Pumpkins album is different and meant to be appreciated on its own, and on its own Zeitgeist is great. Highlights for me are: 7 Shades, Bring the Light, Tarantula, Starz, Bleeding the Orchid, and (Come On).… Expand
  11. mullethead
    Jul 10, 2007
    8
    Billy Corgan like all smart musicians understands his strengths and plays to them. The same clash of gloomy and uplifting, of heavy guitars and melodic vocals that made The Smashing Pumpkins take off in the first place is still evident here and it still sounds good
  12. nico-
    Jul 10, 2007
    0
    barf. good music ? 10,000 days!
  13. aaronm
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    Critics have been bashing the pumpkins since siamese dream and its crap. This cd is absolutely stellar. There best? Of course not, but its hard rocking very solid cd and i was expecting something softer, more akin to his solo stuff or zwan. so so SO happy with this..critics are douchebags
  14. AdamE
    Jul 10, 2007
    8
    It is unfortunate that critics have almost uniformly decided to measure this album against the highest achievements of the band. When assessed independently of the Pumpkins oeuvre, Zeitgeist proves to be a forceful and fun contribution to rock music. If any other band put out this record, it would be on all the critical year-end lists that matter.
  15. Mike
    Jul 10, 2007
    7
    It is what it is. D'Arcy and James were fine, but the band was always Jimmy's jazz and Billy's metal. Lest not we remind the crying fans that Siamese Dream was recorded exactly the same way; Billy playing bass, guitars and vocals and Jimmy on drums. The album is solidly produced with some decent songs. Its the best effort since Mellon Collie. Don't take it for shame, It is what it is. D'Arcy and James were fine, but the band was always Jimmy's jazz and Billy's metal. Lest not we remind the crying fans that Siamese Dream was recorded exactly the same way; Billy playing bass, guitars and vocals and Jimmy on drums. The album is solidly produced with some decent songs. Its the best effort since Mellon Collie. Don't take it for shame, it is undeniable that the Pumpkins have changed, but it seems as though they took highlights from all their albums and put an agressively concise and impactful message out for the public. If you don't agree with the politics, fine- I know I don't. But take a look around, they may have a point.… Expand
  16. GaryC
    Jul 10, 2007
    8
    What's with the production...I can't get over how strange the mix is...the over layerd vocals sound wierd in some places and Billy's voice lacks the shrill bite that I'm used to. Again, in comparison to what else is out there...this album beats the crap out of it. All the new rockers could take a lesson from this stuff, but for S.Pumpkins status it's just okay. What's with the production...I can't get over how strange the mix is...the over layerd vocals sound wierd in some places and Billy's voice lacks the shrill bite that I'm used to. Again, in comparison to what else is out there...this album beats the crap out of it. All the new rockers could take a lesson from this stuff, but for S.Pumpkins status it's just okay. Well, it's really good, very creative, strong melodies...but the punch isn't all quite there. There are moments when the music sounds intensely beautiful, or intensely dark...but the moments are far between. At least the Pumpkins have turned from the mainstream mush they seemed destined for with they're last two albums. Maybe the new lineup is a benefit in that sense...in all I'm impressed that the two remaining members can still push the band to these levels. A little more TLC on these songs might have been welcome.… Expand
  17. Pumpkinsboy
    Jul 10, 2007
    5
    As a huge Pumpkins fan, I can't say I was overly hopeful for this album, based on Corgan's solo output and the debacle that was Zwan. However, I was pleasantly surprised by `Doomsday Clock`, which launches the album with a crunching riff and catchy chorus. I also found myself nodding away to `7 Shades of Black` and the crisp guitars of `Bleeding the Orchid` were evocative of the As a huge Pumpkins fan, I can't say I was overly hopeful for this album, based on Corgan's solo output and the debacle that was Zwan. However, I was pleasantly surprised by `Doomsday Clock`, which launches the album with a crunching riff and catchy chorus. I also found myself nodding away to `7 Shades of Black` and the crisp guitars of `Bleeding the Orchid` were evocative of the Siamese Dream era. A fantastic opening threesome. However, as I listened further, I had a sinking feeling...the spectre of Zwan loomed large in most of the tracks, which are too poppy, and when an attempt is made to reconnect with the classic Pumpkins sound, we get a meandering dirge called `United States` which is possibly the most boring song the Pumpkins have ever recorded. The album is roughly on the same level as `Machina`, although without a song as rocking as `Everlasting Gaze` or beautiful as `Stand Inside Your Love`, you would probably have to say it's weaker, and, as such, is the worst album the Pumpkins have yet recorded.… Expand
  18. JonN.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Grrreeeaat!
  19. MattD.
    Jul 10, 2007
    8
    This is their best CD since Mellon Collie. It's a no take prisoners, aggressive CD. I see it as a perfection of the metallic edge that they showed before. Only problem is, sometimes the fuzz goes on for too long without a change. There are some little quirks to be found, though, like the blues rhythm in "For God And Country."
  20. DanieleA.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Better than Machina I & II. Good point of start, the future is great!Sorry my english!!!
  21. FrankA.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    While it isn't a masterpiece like Siamese Dream, its artistic, heavy and inspiring all in one. Do yourself a favor, get some good speakers (bose), pop in the CD, crank it and listen to Doomsday Clock........if you don't get goosebumps within the first minute, check your pulse. I've been seeing bad reviews all day about this album and its not shocking, great art is not While it isn't a masterpiece like Siamese Dream, its artistic, heavy and inspiring all in one. Do yourself a favor, get some good speakers (bose), pop in the CD, crank it and listen to Doomsday Clock........if you don't get goosebumps within the first minute, check your pulse. I've been seeing bad reviews all day about this album and its not shocking, great art is not understood by all. I think classic fans and new fans of the pumpkins will be very happy with the album.… Expand
  22. MattS.
    Jul 10, 2007
    7
    I'm sick of people panning this album because they think Billy Corgan's a jerk. That has little if anything to do with the music. And if Billy Corgan is only interested in the money, then why oh why did he release an LP and 3 EPs for FREE in 2000 (Machina II) and why did he perform a tour where he donated almost all of the proceeds to charity? Ginger and Jeff are better I'm sick of people panning this album because they think Billy Corgan's a jerk. That has little if anything to do with the music. And if Billy Corgan is only interested in the money, then why oh why did he release an LP and 3 EPs for FREE in 2000 (Machina II) and why did he perform a tour where he donated almost all of the proceeds to charity? Ginger and Jeff are better instrumentalists than D'arcy and James, but it matters very little since Corgan almost never allows anyone but Jimmy and him to record tracks for albums (this goes back as far as Siamese Dream). Also, this records sounds nothing like Top 40 metal, emo, or hard rock, and the people who are claiming it does obviously haven't listened to the album at all, or are hoping they can make their mark on the world by trying to derail an album by bitching about it online. If you think this album is simple and trashy, try analyzing it with music theory and see for yourself that its not as simplistic as you may think. This is a good Pumpkins album, better than Machina and probably better than Adore to most part-time Pumpkins fans. Yes, the mixing has some bizarre choices, but the selection of songs is far from sub-par. Give this album an chance and check out the Pumpkins in concert (they put on a great show!).… Expand
  23. KG
    Jul 10, 2007
    3
    Billy Corgan, do us all a favor and retire.
  24. OttoH.
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    I am a pumpkin fan of the 1st order and i can say I really like this album! It is really diverse! i like especially 'Bleeding the orchid', 'Bring the light' and Come on let's go. But also Tarantula and United States rock!. Maybe some tunes are 'easy', but so?? they do rock deeply :-) What i find intriguing is that the especially the people that criticize I am a pumpkin fan of the 1st order and i can say I really like this album! It is really diverse! i like especially 'Bleeding the orchid', 'Bring the light' and Come on let's go. But also Tarantula and United States rock!. Maybe some tunes are 'easy', but so?? they do rock deeply :-) What i find intriguing is that the especially the people that criticize this album almost all do cherry some songs on the album, but they do not seem to agree which are the good one and which are the bad ones. One thing for sure 'Pomp and Cirumstances' is not the best song of the album. :-)… Expand
  25. MarcosS.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    The Best álbum since Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness!
  26. jamie
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    awesome. bleeding the orchid might just be my new favourite sp song. so much more entertaining then the current rip off rock bands bloating the market today
  27. EdmondL
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    An excellent album, has some good rockers. Give it time to sink in, you might not like it at first. Definitely worth buying, the bonus tracks are great as well.
  28. RobertoR.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Smashing Pumpkins're back. No zwan, no billy corgan solo album. They rock as the past. chamberlain is fantastic.
  29. Frans
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    Good album
  30. WilliamO.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    After the 1st listen or 2 I was wondering how much I actually liked it. After 3 or 4 listenings with headphones (A MUSH FOR THIS ALBUM) it really grew on me. Then I added the 3 "bonus" tracks: Stellar, Death From Above, and Zeitgeist to make the album 15 songs and I must say it is excellent. Very hard to compare to their previous CDs, because it has a little from each in it. Please do After the 1st listen or 2 I was wondering how much I actually liked it. After 3 or 4 listenings with headphones (A MUSH FOR THIS ALBUM) it really grew on me. Then I added the 3 "bonus" tracks: Stellar, Death From Above, and Zeitgeist to make the album 15 songs and I must say it is excellent. Very hard to compare to their previous CDs, because it has a little from each in it. Please do yourself the favor of listening to this at least 3 times with decent headphones and add the 3 bonus tracks before you make a judgement. Trust me, you will love it. These idiot critics I am sure listened to it once and hate Billy Corgan anyway (all most talk about is the band's history, not the album itself). SP IS BACK!!!!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

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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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