A Bigger Bang
by The Rolling Stones
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Sep 6, 2005
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Austin Chronicle
    40
    At 65 rocky minutes, the Stones' first studio album since 1997's Bridges to Babylon, and rootsiest since '94's Voodoo Lounge, could've been whambangthankyoumam at 40.
  2. Billboard
    40
    16 songs of stalwart Stones riffs that almost compensate for generally embarrassing lyrics. [10 Sep 2005]
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    50
    Unfortunately, by stretching the album to an unnecessarily long 16 tracks, ‘A Bigger Bang’ suffers from its fair share of non-starting filler.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    So 'A Bigger Bang' is no masterpiece. As a loss leader to allow them to continue touring, it's not even as good as 'Don't Believe The Truth'. But it's the best record they were going to make, and a world with the Stones is better than one without them.
  6. Paste Magazine
    40
    The ideas quickly wear thin. [Dec 2005, p.107]
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  7. PopMatters
    60
    Review #1: Perhaps the best thing about the album is that it's the Stones sticking to what they know. [score=70]; Review #2: The riffs are generic, the melodies don't stick, and the lyrics are insipid. [score=50]
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  8. Q Magazine
    60
    It blows hot and cold. [Oct 2005, p.110]
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  9. The Guardian
    60
    There's plenty of spirit here but, sadly, the songwriting runs out of puff long before the performances do, lending a hammy tone to the album's weaker moments.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Most Discussed Album of 2005
24
#24 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 76
  3. Negative: 9 out of 76
  1. StéphanieV
    Apr 11, 2007
    10
    Great album! Definately 1000% STONES, blows your mind! They've done it again the Rolling Stones made a abso-fucking-lutely magnificent Great album! Definately 1000% STONES, blows your mind! They've done it again the Rolling Stones made a abso-fucking-lutely magnificent album once more ! The lyrics sound great - good old Jagger/Richards teamwork :) - and the RIFFS & MUSIC what can I say bold as ever. Every single 21th century band can wrap up, go home and change their nappies 'cos the Rolling Stones are in town again; LEAN & Mean as ever...… Full Review »
  2. jrocker
    Aug 2, 2013
    4
    I dont like this album.I think this is the worst album that rolling stones have ever produced.But a few songs are really good like roughI dont like this album.I think this is the worst album that rolling stones have ever produced.But a few songs are really good like rough justice and for their age the album is good.So it seems to me this is a bad album but a really good effort for their age… Full Review »
  3. JackFlash16
    Mar 9, 2012
    8
    A solid later days Stones album and sure it's no Exile On Main St. or Sticky Fingers but it doesn't need to be. It is a compilation of greatA solid later days Stones album and sure it's no Exile On Main St. or Sticky Fingers but it doesn't need to be. It is a compilation of great songs that make the Stones sound more like themselves than they have since Tattoo You. "Rough Justice" is a great rock track and it probably the best song they've done in twenty years. "Let Me Down Slow" is a great up-tempo ballad and "Rain Fall Down" is a catchy "Miss You" esque dance tune. "Back Of My Hand" is pure blues and it's great to hear the boys going back to their roots with this one. "Oh, No Not You Again" and "Driving Too Fast" round out the great songs on the albums.… Full Review »
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