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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.

The Argument
by Fugazi


9.4

based on 20 reviews
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based on 20 votes
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Rate this album

Though Washington D.C. hard rockers Fugazi have been together for almost 15 years, this is just their eighth full-length release.

LABEL:	Dischord
RELEASE DATE:	16 October 2001
DISCS:	1 disc
GENRE(S):	Indie, Rock

NOTES: Also available on vinyl.

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.

All Music Guide

Being both ear shattering and spine tingling at once, this is Fugazi at their "musical" best.

Billboard

There are some truly fascinating marriages of old and new happening.... One of the best albums you'll hear this year.

Dot Music

'The Argument' is the sound of a band stretching out and thereby consolidating their position as a unique entity.

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.

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.

Neumu.net

Musically, The Argument represents Fugazi's best collection of songs from their 13-year career.

New Musical Express

Whilst 'The Argument' still sounds unmistakably Like Fugazi, it's the sound of an inspirational band, renewed, at play.

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.

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.

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.

Ink Blot Magazine

This is really a leap forward.

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.

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.

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]

The average user rating for this album is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 20 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

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.

Seth C gave it a10:
Awesome. The world is burning...

manny m gave it a9:
i like that fugazi's worst is still wayyyyyyy better than other bands' best.

Will O. gave it a 9:
Not their best, but it's still an amazing album and, just like the rest of their work, has a unique sound. There's no reason not to like Fugazi.

Mike C gave it a 9:
the fugazi have always been an great band, but with this album they finally put the nail in the coffin of all the people that punk is artless noise. the members of fugazi have made the most complex and musical album of their career. to put in short no matter if you like metal, punk or hard rock the argument is a great album period.

The Argument by Fugazi

The Argument
by Fugazi