13
by Blur
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 78 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 85
  3. Negative: 2 out of 85

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. MoonNGloom
    Mar 27, 2019
    10
    A beautiful, heartbreaking, strange, yet ever so endearing masterpiece of it's kind. Definitely the peak of Albarn and Coxon's musicianship, as well as the peak of their emotional toxicity, giving this album a strong sense of a bitter heart beaming with tons of passion and despondency.
  2. rextree
    Feb 19, 2019
    10
    A beautiful, underrated masterpiece. This is what ear-candy sounds like. "Trimm Trabb" is the highlight out of this one.
  3. MCRR
    Jan 25, 2015
    8
    Blur and Albarn's resume' consists of quality recordings that forever seek to explore new sounds and genres. Blur have never been afraid to experiment and appear to have the knack for substance retention instead of self indulgent dissemination. 13 is indeed a part of this continuity, providing a solid album with a number of fresh, energetic, sweet and catchy tunes. A mature, high qualityBlur and Albarn's resume' consists of quality recordings that forever seek to explore new sounds and genres. Blur have never been afraid to experiment and appear to have the knack for substance retention instead of self indulgent dissemination. 13 is indeed a part of this continuity, providing a solid album with a number of fresh, energetic, sweet and catchy tunes. A mature, high quality album that will sit comfortably in any aficionado's collection.… Expand
  4. Ricko
    Sep 20, 2014
    8
    Arguably the band's most consistent and best album. The predecessor to 13, Blur's eponymous 5th album saw the band begin to move away from their Britpop roots and while it was still unmistakably Blur in parts, the band showed some serious vision and creativity and best of all Albarn began to lose his cockney accent on the songs. 13 shows progress from the good work done on "Blur" and opensArguably the band's most consistent and best album. The predecessor to 13, Blur's eponymous 5th album saw the band begin to move away from their Britpop roots and while it was still unmistakably Blur in parts, the band showed some serious vision and creativity and best of all Albarn began to lose his cockney accent on the songs. 13 shows progress from the good work done on "Blur" and opens with probably my favourite Blur track, the soothing, gospel influenced "Tender". One of the best songs of the 90s hands down and Blur's boldest single to date. The other big singles from this record "Coffee & TV" and "No Distance Left To Run" have Graham Coxon's mark all over them and gives us a glimpse of how good he can be when he's focused. More often than on any other Blur record things seem to come together just right on 13, they get the blend of experimentation and melody bang on and the production fits the record like a glove. Like all Blur albums for me, there are a couple too many average album tracks that prevent it from being a set in stone classic album but it's one worth checking out for sure. One of the better records of the later 90's and one that could convert those who don't think they like Blur.… Expand
  5. Dan_Abnormal_
    Sep 8, 2013
    8
    Is a surprise by Blur, they had another change of direction, from the lo-fi of his predecessor to alternative rock, but in a Baroque style, which is very interesting and very successful
  6. OhRly
    Aug 9, 2012
    10
    Brilliant album, I ignored Blur, but heard how good 13 was supposed to be, and it was love at the first listen. One of the most tender albums I've heard, though Trailer Park is a weak track.
  7. j30
    Dec 7, 2011
    8
    The artistic 13 is blur's most ambitious album to date. Despite 13's flaws, it's hard not to recommend this record when there's so much soul and risk involved.
  8. Marcin
    Jul 9, 2009
    10
    I've just listened to this album for the first time. Absolutely fantastic work of art! It sounds like the best records by Pink Floyd, David Bowie, King Krimson, and Air.
  9. PabloL
    Jun 13, 2009
    10
    I'm surprised people didn't rate this higher. I love this album a lot!
  10. joec
    Dec 28, 2007
    7
    Very experimental album by blur but with a lot of good songs, but suffers from 2 or 3 bad songs and some of the songs dragging too much. still a very good listen, and it took the experimental nature of 13 to build the amazing Think Tank.
  11. Raza
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    a beautiful sonic mess. takes time to sort through the fuzz though. highlights include "coffee & tv" "mellow song" "trim trabb" and "1992"
  12. LeonardoF
    Sep 4, 2005
    10
    their best album yet.
  13. demad
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    absolutely mindblowing...
  14. DanielC
    May 12, 2005
    10
    best album ever...
  15. Joris
    Dec 10, 2004
    8
    Caramel is probably one of their most beautiful songs (next to Out Of Time), this record is an emotional masterpiece about breaking-up with your love. Optigan 1, Bugman, Trimm Trabb, Trailerpark... Great Stuff!
  16. PaulF
    Oct 13, 2004
    9
    The best blur album to date. The originality and experimentalism just takes them into a league on their own - superb!
  17. PaulT
    Jun 13, 2004
    0
    What a Bore
  18. BenjaminBunny
    Apr 16, 2004
    8
    In my opinion, much better than the previous self-titled disc in its willingness to experiment with sound textures and song structures. When some people criticize this for being a mess, I can't blame them--it is a mess. But a damn beautiful one.
  19. JonathanH
    Apr 13, 2004
    5
    I found myself bored throughout much of it, but there are a handful of really good songs, but a over all disappointment
  20. brandenb
    Jun 3, 2003
    8
    listen to this a couple, no, a lot of times and you will see i how good it really is. Like a fat girl that gives good head. A little weed also helps.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 1999
4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 1999
5
#5 Most Shared Album of 1999

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Q Magazine
    80
    A dense, fascinating, idiosyncratic and accomplished art rock album.
    Read full review
  2. Pitchfork
    91
    Blur have finally found a sound to match their name.
    Read full review
  3. Almost Cool
    80
    If you're a fan of the old Blur material, this disc may not be your thing.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »