Andorra
by Caribou
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2007
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40

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  1. WesM.
    Aug 15, 2008
    10
    Elliott Smith's '60s sensibility/melancholia meets Four Tet experimental/electronica that somehow results in a synthesis both listenable and re-listenable.
  2. PaulH.
    Jun 16, 2008
    10
    Extremely original sound by Dan Snaith...sophisticated harmonies, electronics and blend of vibrant sounds. Caribou gets stronger with every album.
  3. BenM.
    Oct 30, 2007
    7
    "Melody Day" is definitely one of my favorite songs of the year, but after track one, I just kind of lose interest. There's a few more good songs on here, but I thought this was finally going to be the album where I fully came around on Caribou. I still respect the guy and his production skills very much, and his albums all sound really great...but I'll have to try again next time.
  4. FrançoisH
    Oct 30, 2007
    8
    So peaceful. One of my best pop album of the year.
  5. SamH
    Oct 18, 2007
    10
    This is an amazing, lush recording full of majestic psychedelia. Seeing them play live for this tour also changed my life. Can't stop listening to "After Hours."
  6. stevec.
    Oct 18, 2007
    7
    unusual combination of dreamy 60s vocals and some electronica... must say i probably the more elctro modern styles of the 2nd half - worth getting.
  7. SophieM.
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    Beautiful album! Can't get it out of my head.
  8. CarlS.
    Oct 14, 2007
    9
    A beautiful and compelling listening experience.
  9. Lassem
    Sep 19, 2007
    10
    A sublime listen.
  10. Apple.
    Sep 16, 2007
    7
    A nice album...but its no 'Up In Flames'.
  11. JordanK
    Sep 10, 2007
    10
    This album convinced me to see Caribou live (on the night before my birthday). Anyway, what I'm trying to express is the fact that the music in this album excites me with every listen. It's both cool (as in easy to listen to) and contemplative. Trying to listen for every part of a song in Andorra is like trying to paint the Mona Lisa with Tetris pieces (minus the frustration). This album convinced me to see Caribou live (on the night before my birthday). Anyway, what I'm trying to express is the fact that the music in this album excites me with every listen. It's both cool (as in easy to listen to) and contemplative. Trying to listen for every part of a song in Andorra is like trying to paint the Mona Lisa with Tetris pieces (minus the frustration). It can be done, but it takes an intimate familiarity with the tune as well as a meticulous amount of care in hearing each part make its way. It may work better just to lose yourself in the music and grasp any particular sound your ear fancies; this should last an inordinate amount of listens as far as re-playability goes. What a fabulous album.… Expand
  12. RickW
    Sep 10, 2007
    9
    This is awesome. I love this album. Some absolutely sublime tracks.
  13. SeanP.
    Sep 1, 2007
    10
    I think the Onion review puts it the best. The first half of the album have traditional song structures (well, for Caribou), but gradually the tracks get more abstract and experimental. That isn't to say the first half is ordinary; far from it. The entire album is unique and trippy and wholly original. One of the best of 2007. Oh, and it begs repeat listens. I didn't love it I think the Onion review puts it the best. The first half of the album have traditional song structures (well, for Caribou), but gradually the tracks get more abstract and experimental. That isn't to say the first half is ordinary; far from it. The entire album is unique and trippy and wholly original. One of the best of 2007. Oh, and it begs repeat listens. I didn't love it fully until probably the 3rd spin.… Expand
  14. johnh.
    Sep 1, 2007
    10
    This is quite simply one of the best albums i have heard this year. The overall mood of the album is mesmerizing and psychedelic. Each melody is buried in a beautiful and lush atmosphere of strange sounds. Despite the wide arrange of sounds used, the production never becomes over the top or melodramatic. All in all, this is the best Caribou album yet.
  15. zeegee
    Aug 30, 2007
    5
    Seems like most 'reviewers' haven't listened to the record. Melody Day, Sandy, Desiree, etc. do all have a verse-chorus structure, so clearly this is what Snaith is tryining to do now. She's the One couldn't be more of an attempt at radio play. Nothing wrong with that though. But is anyone really suprised? All 'electronic' artists who have crossover Seems like most 'reviewers' haven't listened to the record. Melody Day, Sandy, Desiree, etc. do all have a verse-chorus structure, so clearly this is what Snaith is tryining to do now. She's the One couldn't be more of an attempt at radio play. Nothing wrong with that though. But is anyone really suprised? All 'electronic' artists who have crossover desires eventually do rock. North America is rock. Notice how they are marketing M.I.A. as 'alternative'?. Anyway I've listened to Andorra many times trying to get my money's worth, but I am still ambivalent about it. Oh and by slagging someone else's review you kinda look like culty.… Expand
  16. JRME
    Aug 28, 2007
    8
    Hey AD D, you want verse/chorus/verse/chorus? listen to the radio. That's not what Caribou does.
  17. Casey
    Aug 27, 2007
    9
    I know we all know this by reading ADD's overtly retarded review but I just wanted to state for the record that hes also a fucking musical idiot. But as I said we all knew that. Fantastic new record from my absolute favorite musical artist for over two years. Snaith never disappoints.
  18. JasonP.
    Aug 27, 2007
    9
    A great album.
  19. ADD
    Aug 22, 2007
    4
    hmm. wanted to like it-- absolutely loved the Four Tet remix of Melody Day; but the full Andorra cd shows how a talent for sound production does not translate into being able to write a good verse/chorus style song, structurally or lyrically. very weak. Also I'm tired of Manitoba/Caribou CDs having one good track at the beginning and then lots of bad ones that noodle along. So hmm. wanted to like it-- absolutely loved the Four Tet remix of Melody Day; but the full Andorra cd shows how a talent for sound production does not translate into being able to write a good verse/chorus style song, structurally or lyrically. very weak. Also I'm tired of Manitoba/Caribou CDs having one good track at the beginning and then lots of bad ones that noodle along. So don't get Andorra, just get that Four Tet remix of Melody Day, and the very first tracks from his last couple releases.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. AllMusic
    90
    Andorra may be a bedroom record, but it certainly doesn't sound like a bedroom record; it has the energy and intensity of group participation, and that makes it Snaith's best yet.
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  2. Billboard
    80
    Consumed in a busy lounge or with a pair of headphones, this set is a safe bet for any listener.
    Read full review
  3. cokemachineglow
    60
    As a Caribou album, this is mediocre. Not bad, but it's not much of a Caribou album anyway.
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