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. 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
  2. alexp
    Jul 9, 2007
    8
    Great effort. listen to the music not whatever concepts of billy or smashing pumpkins you have. you self righteous pricks.
  3. Elliott
    Jul 1, 2007
    8
    I love it!!!! It's not as good as Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie, but it's arguably the best thing they've done since 1995. Welcome back, Pumpkins!
  4. JorgeS
    Jul 19, 2007
    8
    One of the best albums of the year. Zeitgeist contains the best of the smashing pumpkins first era. Enjoyable & necessary for this bad times of music.
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. AlexB
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    Mixed emotions. Rocking but not as good as past efforts. The songs don't quite stay in your mind... Talent and effort is there though... Albeit too much.
  8. NicholasC
    Jul 8, 2007
    8
    Critics are way too harsh. Nice return to form in my opinion.
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. JeffO
    Jul 23, 2007
    8
    I had to listen several times before the hooks caught on and the feeling sunk in. On my first listen I wasnt sure... After a few more listens, my opinion changed dramatically. While this album does contain 2 of the worst songs billy may ever write, it also contains some of the most infectious songs of the year. Worth every penny for Tarantula, Doomsday, Neverlost, Thats the way, and Bring I had to listen several times before the hooks caught on and the feeling sunk in. On my first listen I wasnt sure... After a few more listens, my opinion changed dramatically. While this album does contain 2 of the worst songs billy may ever write, it also contains some of the most infectious songs of the year. Worth every penny for Tarantula, Doomsday, Neverlost, Thats the way, and Bring the Light. However, DO NOT give pomp and Circumstance or United States a 2nd chance they sound aweful every time. WELCOME BACK BILLY AND JIMMY!!!! I MISSED YOU GUYS!!!… Expand
  13. AlphaA
    Jul 8, 2007
    8
    If they were an indie band, critics would have slapped 9's all over. Music critics nowadays are stupid.
  14. jayp
    Jul 8, 2007
    8
    Lets face it. its no S/D or Mellon/c. But serious what will ever be as great as those albums ever. I give it an 8 just because i'm glad they stuck with that they do best.. Rock and Roll. and for all you people that don't like For god and country, i dont know whats wrong with you, its a great song. sometimes you listen to something, you don't like but then after awhile it Lets face it. its no S/D or Mellon/c. But serious what will ever be as great as those albums ever. I give it an 8 just because i'm glad they stuck with that they do best.. Rock and Roll. and for all you people that don't like For god and country, i dont know whats wrong with you, its a great song. sometimes you listen to something, you don't like but then after awhile it grows on you. I think all the songs are tight. i'm not really diggin the last song thou But 4 all you people you should really check out (death from above) its the bonus track. they should of placed that 4 the end song.. Cheers people.… Expand
  15. AaronB
    Aug 1, 2007
    8
    After 7 years Billy Corgan seems to have forgot the formula to making a great music but his lyrics still rock!
  16. 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. . .
  17. 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."
  18. AndyC
    Jul 16, 2007
    8
    Impossible to judge a pumpkins album without listening to it for about 5 years. They all come good in the end. Having said that I've listened through about 3 times and it's still brill.
  19. johnm
    Jul 17, 2007
    8
    Zeitgeist certainly offers a different kind of sound from older Pumpkins music. Nevertheless, Corgan and Chanberlain are quite successful in this new style of music. The more I hear the songs on this album, the more I like it. It's no Melancholy, but the album still rocks.
  20. CodyL
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    Awesome album! Triumphant return of a genre forming band. It's definitely new ground for them. It might be their most accessible album to date, of course having it's ups and downs. No tracks here hold a candlelight to those on Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie, but who needs to compare??
  21. PeterB
    Jul 6, 2007
    8
    While it's not as good as either Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie it's certainly a good album. I don't get all this bullshit about it having no soul and that Corgan is only in it for the money - Wow he's gotta be the first musician ever!... Also the people who complain about Iha and D'arcy missing. What is that about? This was always Corgan's band. Anyway most While it's not as good as either Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie it's certainly a good album. I don't get all this bullshit about it having no soul and that Corgan is only in it for the money - Wow he's gotta be the first musician ever!... Also the people who complain about Iha and D'arcy missing. What is that about? This was always Corgan's band. Anyway most of songs are great and they seem new and fresh and are totally Pumpkins at the same time. The only track I didn't really take to was United States but the rest are great, especially "That's The Way", "Starz", "Tarantula" and "Come On". A great comeback!… Expand
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. RoyO
    Apr 23, 2008
    8
    It's good, not mellon collie or siamese dream good but still.
  25. Abe
    Jan 12, 2009
    8
    A Really Good Comeback!
  26. 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!
  27. Arthur
    Jul 12, 2007
    8
    Don't believe the critics! Zeitgeist is a great album. Don't get me wrong, I'm not just some biased Billy Corgan/Pumpkins fan; I hated his solo album and thought Zwan was a real disappointment.
  28. spfission
    Jul 13, 2007
    8
    Billy once again proves that he does not need to live off his past hits. He continues to evolve as an artist which is very rare in this day. Zeitgeist will prove to be a classic. Solid Album.
  29. EricR.
    Jul 16, 2007
    8
    Better than any album I've hear in a long time. Compared to their previous recordings I would say not as good as Gish, SD, or Mellon Collie, but better than Adore or Machina.
  30. IL
    Jul 16, 2007
    8
    The Pumpkins are right back where they started with Gish, discovering (or rediscovering, as the case is with Zeitgeist) what sound they are trying to create etc. If this turns out to be true, the next Pumpkin album will be great. But maybe I'm just too optimistic ;-)
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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.
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  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.
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