AllMusic's Scores

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For 18,310 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 63% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 32% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.5 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 74
Highest review score: 100 The Marshall Mathers LP
Lowest review score: 20 Graffiti
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15,355 out of 18310
  2. Mixed: 2,929 out of 18310
  3. Negative: 26 out of 18310
18310 music reviews
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    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nightbringers
    As displayed on Nightbringers, there's plenty of room left to explore and experiment inside their sound, while expanding its parameters. They've done both to excellent effect here.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tenderness
    Tenderness sounds bigger, bolder, and more sensual than Blue Hawaii's previous work, thanks to the duo's embrace of house, disco, and '90s dance music.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Offering
    Cults give more of themselves on these songs than ever before, and opening themselves to more possibilities pays off with some of their most exciting music.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Tapestry: Live in Hyde Park
    Audio, video, or both, this is a fantastic version of a bona fide classic.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    HEAVN
    HEAVN was expanded and reissued a year later by Jagjaguwar, made available on physical formats with a track list that added six interludes and a thick reprise of "Holy." The interludes, especially the one in which children recite an Assata Shakur quote--inserted as a brilliant setup for "Blk Grl Soldier"--are not extraneous.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Lilies
    A thrumming version of "Afro Blue" excepted, Lilies is a set of originals--one that's enticing and breathtaking in an unconventional, as in almost stifling, sense.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Knowledge
    This warm, soulful undercurrent, along with the wry sense of humor, elevates The Knowledge, turning it into a masterly latter-day work.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    There Is No Love in Fluorescent Light
    If there's any downside, it's a slight excess in length, with a handful of five- and six-minute cuts creating a bit of drag here and there. Still, it's a small grumble from a shockingly reliable ensemble still churning out top-shelf material nearly two decades into its career.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Fantastic Plastic
    Fantastic Plastic isn't going to replace Shake Some Action in anyone's heart or record collection (or Teenage Head, for that matter), but for a first effort after a layoff of more than two decades, it's a truly pleasant surprise and a genuine good time.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Ken
    It dispenses cautionary maxims through passages of heavy guitar distortion and sleeker moments of acoustic guitar and synths. Taken together, his typical existential outlook combined with a heavier presence of New Order-like industrial timbres make this a somewhat darker album, but still delightfully Destroyer.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    All American Made
    Despite some deservedly hard edges, it's this vision of an open-hearted, open-bordered U.S.A. that gives All American Made its lasting power.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Anthology: Movie Themes 1974-1998
    Anthology won't offer any surprises to Carpenter devotees, but the music is undeniably authentic and faithful to his vision, and it sounds fantastic in any case. For anyone who isn't already familiar with Carpenter's films or music, this is a handy way to become acquainted.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Mnestic Pressure
    Mnestic Pressure is a challenging but thoroughly stunning album that finds Gamble significantly pulling his vision more into focus than before.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Adiós Señor Pussycat
    The record may be a step below his best work with the Strands and Shack, but it's not far off and the album is a wonderful slice of modern guitar pop songcraft.
    • 84 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Even a Tree Can Shed Tears: Japanese Folk & Rock 1969-1973
    Ultimately, this is a soundtrack for an era of discovery that reflects the powerful desire of a generation striving to claim an identity of its own.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    SpiderBeetleBee
    If you liked what transpired on Land of Plenty, you'll love the swirling complexity and good-time vibes of SpiderBeetleBee.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Flicker
    One Directioners will no doubt relish every moment of Flicker, but for casual fans potentially wary of the boy band stigma, they can rest assured knowing that Horan has taken a big first step into musical maturity, with his own voice and deep well of emotion.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Reaching for Indigo
    With Reaching for Indigo, Fohr has done a remarkable job at translating a hard-to-define, life-changing event into powerful music.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    III
    It's indie pop with a purpose, full of drama and intention, great songs, and breathtaking performances that put other bands mining similar territory on notice.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Any Other Way
    The performances are vibrant and full of personality, heartbreak, and spirit.
    • 87 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Laila’s Wisdom
    Laila's Wisdom is Evans' lyrically broadest and musically richest work, yet it doesn't have the sprawling quality of the first album.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sab Se Purani Bab
    It is highly electrifying, however, and ranks among the enigmatic, boundlessly exuberant vocalist's most joyous work.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Sketches of Brunswick East
    Working with the Australian wildmen gives Brettin's work an unpredictable nature not found on Mild High Club albums. This mutual benefaction means Sketches of Brunswick East is a collaboration that works wonders for both sides and will also make fans of both groups very happy.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Wild
    If anything, the aptly named LP feels more alive than anything the band has let loose to date, despite having successfully distilled their sound down to its very essence.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone
    The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone provides listeners an exceptionally well-rounded portrait of both the mature writer and the iconic singer.
    • 61 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Rat Film [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]
    Even outside of the film's context, Deacon's score is fascinating, brilliantly showcasing his skill at crafting experimental yet reflective sounds.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Meaning of Life
    Meaning of Life is one of her most satisfying albums: it feels like not just a collection of good tunes, but a statement of purpose.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Nat King Cole & Me
    Romantic, sophisticated, and rich with vocal prowess, Nat "King" Cole & Me lives up to both Cole and Porter's own immense creative reputations.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Face Your Fear
    Face Your Fear ups the ante for Harding, bumping him from promising newcomer to major artist, and if you like good songs played and sung with true conviction, you won't want to sleep on this.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Black Notes From the Deep
    Black Notes from the Deep is a jazz album deeply engaged with classy, 21st century soul, yet it refuses skittering, schizophrenic jumping around. Instead it flows seamlessly; it's smartly, even ingeniously arranged and expertly played and produced. In its sheer quality, it underscores Pine's continuing role as the true boss of British jazz.
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