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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
The Argument
Universal acclaim
Based on 20 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 21 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Dischord
Release Date: 16 October 2001
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Indie, Rock
Summary
Though Washington D.C. hard rockers Fugazi have been together for almost 15 years, this is just their eighth full-length release.
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...
The Onion (A.V. Club)
Where each successive album seemed like a new page, The Argument feels like a brilliant new chapter.
Read Full Review >All Music Guide
Being both ear shattering and spine tingling at once, this is Fugazi at their "musical" best.
Read Full Review >Billboard
There are some truly fascinating marriages of old and new happening.... One of the best albums you'll hear this year.
Read Full Review >Dot Music
'The Argument' is the sound of a band stretching out and thereby consolidating their position as a unique entity.
Read Full Review >Splendid
While The Argument may not be as bracing as their groundbreaking work from a decade ago, it crystallizes the strengths of four musicians hitting every mark.
Read Full Review >Magnet
The members of Fugazi exercise a controlled intensity that exudes grace, their concise-yet complex songs experimenting wisely. [#52, p.87]
Spin
It's still the best mix of fury and fluency since phony Beatlemania bit the dust. [Jan 2002, p.107]
Pitchfork
Yet another leap forward for a band that has constantly pushed itself in new directions.
Read Full Review >Neumu.net
Musically, The Argument represents Fugazi's best collection of songs from their 13-year career.
Read Full Review >New Musical Express
Whilst 'The Argument' still sounds unmistakably Like Fugazi, it's the sound of an inspirational band, renewed, at play.
Read Full Review >Playlouder
With 'The Argument' arriving awash in the unmistakably sinewy and elliptic post-hardcore sound Fugazi have made their own (sonically at least) this is more or less business as usual.
Read Full Review >Mojo
Instrumentally complex and inventive. [Nov 2001, p.98]
Rolling Stone
In every skewed guitar note and crackling drum beat, every cello stroke and modulation of MacKaye's malleable voice, there's a passion for rigor - intellectual, political and musical.
Read Full Review >Q Magazine
Where recent albums have felt more like protracted jam sessions -- impressive, if not actually exciting -- this has renewed sparkle, raiding indie-pop territory with harmonies, hand-claps and even the odd acoustic guitar.
Read Full Review >Alternative Press
The Argument is quieter, slinkier and even slower to develop than 1997's tortoise-paced End Hits. [Dec 2001, p.82]
L.A. Weekly
The Argument provides a rough blueprint for Fugazi’s current music: more melodic, fascinated as much with miniatures as grand anthems, more tensed, better prepared for the inevitable explosions.
Read Full Review >Uncut
The Argument showcases a band of uncommon power grappling with subtler shades as well as their quiet/loud, dub-influenced trademark sound. [Dec 2001, p.102]
Austin Chronicle
The Argument is the first outing for the Dischord flagship band since '98's End Hits, and offers substantial improvement over that LP's uneven sonic experimentation.
Read Full Review >Entertainment Weekly
Somewhat less focused and intense than much of their earlier work, their latest falters when it reaches for subtle musical textures. [9 Nov 2001, p.110]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 21 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Eric S gave it a10:
If you thought Red Medicine was a major leap forward, then you will be blown away by the Argument. Fugazi, more than almost any other band, has always shown an incredible ability to keep pace (perhaps even keep ahead of) the times while simultaneously retaining a distinctive style. Fugazi are as relevant as any band of the moment. The Argument is simply the latest in a parade of amazing albums. When's the next one coming out?
Brandon M gave it a10:
The epitome of matching creativity with melody. This is music on a truly artistic level, yet it is still imminently approachable- no small feat.
Teddy R gave it a9:
Terrific album. It somehow still sounds relevant even while still sounding like old-school Fugazi.
David F gave it a9:
We should consider ourselves lucky that they made this record. Glorious.
Bob Swan gave it a10:
Fantastic - their best work to date
Mike M gave it a9:
A really good album, as good as anything they've ever done. This one gets better every time i listen to it
Andrew W gave it a10:
Quite possibly the most important album of the last ten years. If you don't love it, there's something wrong with you.
