604
by Ladytron
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Mojo
    90
    Despite a shared Giorgio Moroder influence, they are more DAF meets Soft Cell and early Detroit techno than a 21st century Human League.
  2. Launch.com
    80
    Though the steaming electro missives of 604 can sound a bit uniform at times, Ladytron's buzzing bin of automaton female vocals and retro machine accompaniment intoxicates with illicit ease.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Ladytron slide perfectly vacuum-moulded from the Kraftwerk production line, a brand new model of synthesised splendour, power songwriting, and industrial dance shudderings. 'He Took Her To A Movie', 'The Way That I Found You' and 'Jet Age' capture the exotic Teutonic soul of 'Don't You Want Me' or 'The Model' while sounding thrillingly modern.
  5. AllMusic
    80
    Ladytron's most interesting aspect is their mix of retro songwriting with distinctly modern themes.
  6. Magnet
    80
    Simplicity never sounded so sinister. [#49, p.78]
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  7. Alternative Press
    80
    The obvious touchstones here are Gary Numan, Magazine, and Kraftwerk... [March 2001, p.73]
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  8. Splendid
    80
    If Kurt Cobain had been popular in high school, Ronald Reagan had funneled billions of dollars into improving America's inner cities and the Chemical Brothers had found fulfilling positions in video rental management, all albums might sound like 604.
  9. Pitchfork
    70
    Ladytron's musical interests stretch back before MTV, to '70s Bowie, Roxy Music, Kraftwerk and Cluster. They're like an unabridged Encyclopedia of musical Eurotrash with a sharp pop sensibility. And with 604, they've made a fine debut full-length.
  10. Drawer B
    70
    So yes, it has that retro-futuristic edge, but what sets 604 apart is the distinct lack of kitsch.
  11. Urb
    70
    The music is accessible and poppy without dumbing-down the analog arrangements or their coffeehouse terrorist aesthetic. [#84, p.114]
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  12. Wall of Sound
    69
    Unlike fellow retro-futurists Chicks on Speed and Sylvester Boy, Ladytron doesn't completely upend new wave conventions to make a jarring artistic statement, nor are its songs as transcendent as those penned by Stephin Merritt (the Magnetic Fields) for his Future Bible Heroes project. Regardless, "604" is a smart, frisky, and invigorating listen...

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. xuxapreta
    Jan 1, 2021
    10
    Ladytron slide perfectly vacuum-moulded from the Kraftwerk production line, a brand new model of synthesised splendour, power songwriting, andLadytron slide perfectly vacuum-moulded from the Kraftwerk production line, a brand new model of synthesised splendour, power songwriting, and industrial dance shudderings. 'He Took Her To A Movie', 'The Way That I Found You' and 'Jet Age' capture the exotic Teutonic soul of 'Don't You Want Me' or 'The Model' while sounding thrillingly modern.… Full Review »
  2. Klayton1892
    Jan 1, 2021
    10
    Though the steaming electro missives of 604 can sound a bit uniform at times, Ladytron's buzzing bin of automaton female vocals and retroThough the steaming electro missives of 604 can sound a bit uniform at times, Ladytron's buzzing bin of automaton female vocals and retro machine accompaniment intoxicates with illicit ease.… Full Review »
  3. Oneminded
    Apr 5, 2020
    6
    Less refined than light and magic was yet a good introduction for Ladytron. It’s their most synth poppy album to date and still fun to listenLess refined than light and magic was yet a good introduction for Ladytron. It’s their most synth poppy album to date and still fun to listen to.

    But the raw personal touch and more gritty message is not here at all. Nothing grounded is really. It’s like a teenagers dream living in a fantasy happy life made an album of their made up journal entries.

    The track “Playgirl” being the main highlight here still holds up as a silly yet catchy tune that makes you think fondly of Ladytron but also makes realize how much they’ve grown up since this album was produced.

    All in all a fun listen to but doesn’t demand repeated plays and is often overlooked when introducing new listeners to Ladytron overall.    … Full Review »
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