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All About Chemistry
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All About Chemistry Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

  • Summary: The third full-length from the Minneapolis band.

Top Track

Chemistry
I remember when I found out about chemistry, It was a long, long way from here, I was old enough to want it, But younger than I wanted to... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Q Magazine
    100
    Not big, not clever, not hip, not trendy. Just fantastic.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    More catchy hooks than you'll find in a fisherman's tacklebox. [3/16/2001, p.68]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Launch.com
    90
    Finally, a near-perfect pop disc from Minneapolis's Semisonic. While the band has always hinted it had the right stuff to deliver a truly great record, Chemistry is the first of the band's three releases to make good on the promise.
  4. The A.V. Club
    70
    Semisonic hasn't exactly turned into Emerson, Lake & Palmer, but signs of self-indulgence have crept into the music, as evidenced by the nearly eight-minute running time of "I Wish" and an abundance of strings and fussy production tricks. But [Dan] Wilson hasn't lost his gift for writing memorable, brilliantly crafted pop songs.
  5. Sonicnet
    70
    But if "Chemistry" is a pure-pop sugar rush, much of what follows is equally sour, often falling into the thematic trap that snares so many post-hit albums: lots of songs about how success is really hard on rock stars and their girlfriends.
  6. Wall of Sound
    60
    The results are not bad -- nor are they dynamic. It's shiny and it shimmers, but there's no fizz, no explosion.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    30
    Semisonic are the lambswool jumper pulled over the eyes of people who have an irresistible soft spot for 'classic' songwriting. Fail to give their songs full attention - and God knows, that's easy enough - you could almost believe this is literate radio-friendly pop; just the thing for those blustery rides through an imaginary Santa Monica freeway.

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. BrianaK.
    Jul 6, 2001
    10
    Pure talent when it comes to playing and songwriting!
  2. JohnC
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    Outstanding Pop Album. The songwriting on this album makes me feel really good
  4. PhilipJ
    Dec 11, 2005
    10
    I don't know how anybody can give bad critisism to this album, as there is certainly no room for it.
  5. ranatlas
    Nov 30, 2013
    10
    This was one of my favorite albums of that year (2001), and of that decade (2000s). Excellent songwriting, musicianship and production. I'mThis was one of my favorite albums of that year (2001), and of that decade (2000s). Excellent songwriting, musicianship and production. I'm surprised that the title track never became a mega-hit; it is a pop-rock classic in my book.… Expand
  6. JamesE
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    Simply one of the best albums ever
  7. MatthewS.
    Mar 16, 2002
    7
    Semisonic are an easy target for barb-tounged critics because their music is simple, sweet, and, yes, a little sappy at times. But if you are Semisonic are an easy target for barb-tounged critics because their music is simple, sweet, and, yes, a little sappy at times. But if you are willing to suspend your judgment long enough to enjoy Dan Wilson's gorgeous songwriting and the band's varied sonic textures, you might find something you like on "All About Chemistry."… Expand

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