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...

Entertainment Weekly

While not as unhinged as his 1997 solo debut, this is highly eccentric. [2/16/2001, p.98]

Billboard

Frusciante channels his creative spirits through a homegrown hybrid of early '80s new wave and late '60s acid rock that sounds a lot better than it reads on paper.

Read Full Review >

New Musical Express

The record is both labour of love and exorcism - Frusciante plays every instrument himself and every song is, without exception, pointedly self-analytical and emotionally probing. This, combined with Frusciante's ropey but breath-catchingly fraught voice, can make for uncomfortable listening. Nevertheless, there remains an underlying optimism and fondness for unapologetically pretty melodies that imparts a redeeming and lasting warmth.

Read Full Review >

Dot Music

The formula here is for Frusciante to carve tunes out of loose, cyclical riffs, a few basic samples and drum programmes and his own parched voice. Sometimes, as on 'Remain', the effect is slightly uncomfortable... Tough that out, and get used to the demo quality throughout, and there are some decent songs on 'To Record Only Water,' endearing for their rawness and honesty.

Read Full Review >

Rolling Stone

To Record lacks the flashes of experimental brilliance found on Frusciante's earlier albums, but it quietly reaffirms the promise of a songwriter who can be simultaneously impenetrable, strange and oddly magnificent.

Read Full Review >

Wall of Sound

Occasionally, it all works, coalescing into something with passion and imagination... In other spots, however, Frusciante's amateur (and sometimes listless) singing proves to be a major letdown, even with souped-up reverbs and megaphonic EQ-ing.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 9.7 (out of 10) based on 12 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Mexicola2 gave it a10:
This album is fantastic!! I love it!! Anuway, John Frusciante couldn't make a bad album if he tried...He is GOD!

PSM gave it a10:
This album is amazing, just like his other albums that are also amazin'!

Goran gave it a9:
A lovely album. Feels very intimate and emotional and in no little part due to the simple lo-fi electronics which are used very effectivelly. I can't say enough good things about it. It's not for everyone though.

M W gave it a9:
This record is unreal. It takes a little while to crack open but beleive me, it is well worth it. This is music in its most sincere and bare form. True "emo".

Douglas L gave it a 10:
A wonderful album, dedication to life itself. John Frusciante knows what he´s talking about and does it with stile.

Allen G gave it a 9:
A much more focused effort than his first two (and especially second) albums. Frusciante cleverly ties together drum beats with acoustic and electric guitars to a dazzling effect (esp. Ramparts) His singing which is not for everyone, has a wholesome quality and make the tracks sound very sincere. Lyrically the album is somewhat hard to decipher...but giving in to the whole mood of finding ones self and recognizing all around you make it near genius in it intimacy...He just gets better and better...

Music

Upcoming &Recent Releases

To Record Only Water For Ten Days

Album Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases