Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 18
  2. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Long stretches of #1 sound like the synth-pop soundtrack to a vintage video game: thin and static.
  2. The group's live shows are the stuff of legend--perhaps that's why the act's debut album, #1, seems a bit disappointing without the corresponding over-the-top visuals.
  3. Uncut
    60
    The album's polished sheen and lack of emotional focus may disappoint electro-trash devotees accustomed to low-rent sleaze and punky rawness. [Jun 2002, p.118]
  4. Q Magazine
    60
    The future of pop? Only if you've read too many fashion magazines. [June 2002, p.111]
  5. Blender
    60
    Sometimes the music can feel as cold and clinical as Kraftwerk, but even then, the lyrics emote wildly. [Jun/Jul 2002, p.106]
  6. While there's no denying the hedonistic charm of "Emerge" or "Turn On", it's also obvious that the album slips easily into a beat-happy rut, never quite pulling off the total and complete transfixion it was so obviously designed to achieve.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    It's both impressive and pointless. [28 Feb 2003, p.79]
  8. It is not groundbreaking, or particularly clever.
  9. Basically disco with a new-wave spin, it's nothing you haven't heard before--in 1983.
  10. With every nuance filtered through as much electronic buggery as conceivable, #1 is often irresistibly catchy and simultaneously disposable.
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Jun 9, 2015
    7
    An album with great synth-pop and techno tracks. Some tracks doesn't have any sense, they seem made by someone playing around with a software,An album with great synth-pop and techno tracks. Some tracks doesn't have any sense, they seem made by someone playing around with a software, not knowing anything of electronic music. You can hear a strong eighties influence and the mood is a mixture of Kraftwerk and Prodigy. Full Review »
  2. AnalogueB.
    Sep 29, 2007
    9
    I originally bought this back in 2003 after hearing the superb 'Emerge'. On first listen, I was a little disappointed and convinced I originally bought this back in 2003 after hearing the superb 'Emerge'. On first listen, I was a little disappointed and convinced it would get no more than a couple of playthroughs before being added to my ever growing pile of "regrettable purchases". How wrong I was! 4 years later, I'm still giving this album regular rotation. Electro at its best. Hugely recommended. Just be sure not to give up on it after a single listen. Full Review »
  3. JamesK
    Jan 4, 2007
    9
    I would say 3/4 of this cd is the best electro-pop ever produced-emerge being the highlight.The remainder falls a bit flat compared to the I would say 3/4 of this cd is the best electro-pop ever produced-emerge being the highlight.The remainder falls a bit flat compared to the dizzy heights of emerge & the like but still an awe-inspiring debut and highly recommended!! Full Review »