Exclaim's Scores

  • Music
For 5,096 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 57% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 38% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 75
Highest review score: 100 Vol.II
Lowest review score: 10 California Son
Score distribution:
5096 music reviews
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Lucky 7 is at its best when Statik Selektah delves deep into his jazzier side as a producer, as tracks like "Beautiful Life" and "All I Need" affirm.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Some of album's more pedestrian elements slide by — bouncy, sing-song verses that Pitts can obviously write in his sleep and which come off as a bit insubstantial sometimes, the whole thing threatening to blow away with the faintest breeze. Carefree Theatre is certainly pleasant enough to get swept up in however, and a good capstone to a decade's work.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    This is the closest thing you'll get to an aural Scandinavian spa.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While the album's emergence is wholly indicative of frontman Joseph Mount's supposed "need to feed his children," in Metronomy Forever, the band have nonetheless blessed the world with at least a handful of tracks worthy of even the snobbiest dance floors.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Yes, on the surface Feels Like Home is a makeover aimed at the parents of every Taylor Swift fan, but the essence of Crow's sound remains intact, and irresistible.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While Lynn's aesthetic development occasionally results in the project reaching pop-heights not in its reach before, it also blurs the line between this and Fohr's other projects.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    All Visible Objects is a welcome addition and one that offers a little bit of everything to everyone.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Invitation can be a tough record to puncture. The shadowy soundscapes--thick layers of keys and strings with, oftentimes, thunderous percussion additions-- sometimes overpower Broderick's soft vocals.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The record does play a bit like a return trip through familiar terrain, but for the most part, Love You to Death finds Tegan and Sara offering another solid soundtrack for summer romances and road-trips alike.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Despite the underwhelming musicality of Total Freedom, many of these songs still pack some undeniable emotional force, especially the more joyful tracks like "Who Rescued Who" — a charming ode from Edwards to her dog. In her songcraft, Edwards remains dependable and enjoyable.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    On Dawnbreaker, ten tracks elegantly come together to tell the story of a person at the crossroads of their life, and a quiet struggle towards contentment.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Simply put, Bully knows how to make music for feeling young and utterly confused, sometimes hopeless, and ultimately, completely alive.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    GØGGS is great, but if this band plans on growing and not just putting out another "let's bring back '80s punk, shall we?" record (not that there's anything wrong with that), they'll have to get a little weirder and wilder on their next release.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    For those not moved by this more unhinged side of the band, MYBH may prove disappointing. ... Still, MYBH makes the case that the field recording that plays out album closer "Laughter and Silence" is now as integral a part of the Sumac sound as any other. If you're willing to consider a musical choice like that to be just as "heavy" as a lurching dirge or a colossal chug, then May You Be Held will prove a rewarding and expansive listen.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The clashing of stoner and smart post-hardcore works wonders, while the crashing, booming production keeps things just clean enough for an extremely satisfying listen.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Although many tribute albums have a tendency to come across as disposable, Red Hot + Fela stands with the best Red Hot has to offer.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Musically, this might not be post-anything, but it is a postscript to an already impressive musical résumé.
    • 69 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Olympians don't break the mould here, but they deliver robust soul with tight compositions, florid instrumentation and that trademark Daptone sound that feels authentic and earned.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    I Predict a Graceful Expulsion is not the great record some would have you believe it is, but it is a very good one.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If nothing else, White Reaper Does it Again offers up a heady, enjoyable dose of nostalgia.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Letters Home gives something to write home about, bringing to mind Have Heart's swansong, Songs to Scream at the Sun, while simultaneously containing Defeater's best material to date.
    • 73 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Weber's creative theoretical and instrumental approach is unique, but the abrasive and connotative tonal qualities of the carillon often overshadow the colourful subtleties of the finer details of his delicate arrangements.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Anything in Return functions as an all-in-one summary of Bundick's talents, giving the impression of a maturing songwriter who has found his wheelhouse.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Whether or not this search is of genuine desire or some gesture toward a gaudy ecclesiastic aesthetic, Hayter's most recent attempt at salvation manifests in arguably the most afflicted and disconcerting peak into her head and heart yet.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    While Brain Candy does lose creative steam towards the back end, there's still plenty here on offer for those looking for a reprieve from the oppressive reality of day-to-day life in 2020.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A fine balance of naiveté and stirring wisdom.
    • 63 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Rubberband has been executed with genuine respect for the artist. There's enough greatness here to justify the effort. Even if we hope this doesn't launch a new kind of re-bop craze, it's still great to press play on another Miles Davis album.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    If the Muffs were a drink they'd be cream soda, and while I'd typically prefer it spiked, that would be contrary to the point; the band's aim is to deliver a simple, somewhat fizzy sound marked by prominent vocal melodies and choppy yet clean chords.
    • 75 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The lyrics are still full of cutting observations and social critiques (take the anti-capitalism slant of "Corporate Elect," for example), but the urgency driving 2010's Absolute Dissent has shifted into something more akin to a sense of anticipation.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The subject matter isn't new, but the trio's knack for delivering humorous one-liners, tasteful adlibs and memorable hooks in impressively technical fashion remains a winning formula here.