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Sing The Sorrow
by AFI

AFI reviews
Critic Score
Metascore: 81 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.4 out of 10
based on 11 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 162 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

This is the major-label debut for the Bay Area punk rockers (whose initials stand for "A Fire Inside"), who got their start in Ukiah, Calif. in 1991. Garbage's Butch Vig produces.

LABEL: DreamWorks
RELEASE DATE: 11 March 2003
DISCS: 1 disc
GENRE(S): Punk, Rock, Alternative

NOTES: Also available in a limited edition that includes a book and DVD.


What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
Alternative Press
Sing The Sorrow soars with the kind of melodies hit singles are made of, yet it somehow persists with AFI's esoteric darkness. [Apr 2003, p.69]
91
E! Online
A well-crafted mix of hardcore bluster, determined melody and anthemic grandness that boasts depth and texture rarely heard from the Warped Tour ilk.
Read Full Review
90
Q Magazine
It's terrifically exciting stuff. [Apr 2003, p.101]
83
Spin
As big and slick a rock record as you're likely to hear all year. [Apr 2003, p.101]
80
PopMatters
The songs may have opened up around him, but Havok's lyrics are as pained and sharp as they ever were.
Read Full Review
80
Amazon.com
Longtime fans might take it like a kick to the head, but this band is clearly moving toward bigger things.
Read Full Review
80
Rolling Stone
Sing the Sorrow is not exactly a concept album, but it does have a singleness of dark purpose that builds in momentum as the disc progresses.
Read Full Review
80
All Music Guide
Just when the strings, piano, and rainstorm effects threaten to turn Sing the Sorrow into a My Dying Bride album, there is a burst of hardcore like "Dancing Through Sunday" to recall California pioneers of the genre like Dead Kennedys or SST transplants Husker Du.
Read Full Review
60
Billboard
Well-produced, albeit predictable.
Read Full Review
60
Blender
What's keeping the band from achieving a unique identity are Havok's generic whine and medoicre lyrics. [#15, p.120]
25
Entertainment Weekly
The songs combine the most pretentious and overworked elements of their influences. [21 Mar 2003, p.112]

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this album is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 162 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

James S gave it a10:
An intricate album that manages to captivate even the unknown listner through its use of dark and melodic tones that propel the sound exerted from Hunter's, Adam's and Jade's instruments. In terms of Havok's vocal ability, this is definitely his magnum opus in regard to him exerting power. 10/10 in every regard.

Unknown Person gave it a10:
An album full of songs that will leve you wanting for more. The lyrics of these songs are dark and mysterious. Davey H's voice is AWES0ME.

g k gave it a10:
This albumn captures all my deepest feelings in a way that is both poetic ans stark simultaneously. But it never gets too overdramatic or careless in its presentation. Despite some sharp negative criticism it is AFI's best album.

Niko Day gave it a10:
Hands down, the best album ever made. Its epic, grandeous, deep, and has everything an album needs. A heroic opener, fast upbeat songs, just enough/not overdone screaming, slow sad songs, punk songs, and every kind of song you need on an album. Davey's lyrics are amazing, with words ive never even heard heard of in every song, and his vocals hit places that make you want to melt. Hands down, the guy is a genius. Jade's guitar is flat out incredible, and it blends extremely well with Hunter's intricate basslines. I could go on and on and on but honestly, this is the most amazing album i have ever listened to and for all those old school AFI fans that hate musical maturity and progression, let go- grow up. 11/10 if i could.

Saphira M gave it a10:
My favorite album of all time. AFI takes me places that I never thought possible. Davey Havok's lyrics and Jade Puget's music are nothing less then genius and legendary. The four members of AFI are all brilliant musicians and really have created music that has never been done before...this is new territory and it is exciting. Get the CD as fast as you can if you haven't done so already.

Abel D gave it a10:
This the magnum opus of AFI. The album is focused on one theme and is shown throughout the whole album. AFI's sound keeps in tune with their dark lyrics and focus, making the whole album weaved tightly together to create a musical trip for all the listeners.

Jazza gave it a10:
So damn good!!! Loved every second of it

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