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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
Bachelor No. 2 (or, the last remains of the dodo)

Universal acclaim
Based on 13 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 19 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: SuperEgo
Release Date: 02 May 2000
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Rock, Pop, Alternative
Summary
The third solo release from the former 'Til Tuesday leader finally made it to record stores in May 2000, after a long journey that saw Interscope refuse to release the album and Mann issue it on her own SuperEgo label (after selling it through mail order and at her live performances). All's well that ends well, though, as Mann gained widespread acclaim for her soundtrack to P.T. Anderson's film "Magnolia" and even better reviews for this album, which contains four of the tracks from the soundtrack as well as nine additional songs.
Also By This Artist: @#%&*! Smilers Lost In Space The Forgotten Arm
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...
All Music Guide
To call Bachelor No. 2 a masterpiece may be overstating the matter somewhat, since an album this intimate and unassuming (but not unconfident) doesn't call attention to itself the way self-styled masterpieces do. However, it isn't hyperbole to call it the finest record Mann has made to date.
Read Full Review >Wall of Sound
Bachelor No. 2 makes good on the promise hinted at by Mann's work on the Magnolia soundtrack. In her mastery of sophisticated melodies and sly turns-of-phrase, Mann brings to mind a number of heralded composers.
Read Full Review >Mojo
Choosing favourites is almost futile with so much scintillating brilliance on offer.
Read Full Review >Sonicnet
On the evidence of her work here, one would have to say there really isn't any pop-rock composer writing more sophisticated material these days than Mann.
Read Full Review >Trouser Press
The only complaint to be lodged against Bachelor No. 2, other than its partially duplicated track listing, is the mid-tempo groove from which Mann rarely extricates herself.
Read Full Review >Q Magazine
Yet again, Mann's songs concentrate on life gone wrong - but this is timeless stuff.
Read Full Review >Spin
A soundtrack nuanced enough for the rippling wit of Mann's lyrics.... These songs are layered and soft-spoken, to be sure, but also confident and rewarding of multiple listens. They are the sound of Aimee Mann growing as a songwriter. Yet the album also features the sound of Aimee Mann grousing about being a songwriter.
Read Full Review >Nude As The News
She retains her unique quality to marry upbeat, elegant melodies to witty lyrics that exhibit a disenchanted but honest take on life and love.
Read Full Review >CDNow
What dignifies her from the pack is her ability to blend accessible and likeable arrangements with messages that are simultaneously straightforward and enigmatic, jovial and pained.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 9.4 (out of 10) based on 19 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
shaneequa j gave it a10:
It's just a brilliant pop album. Hands down.
Sam D gave it a10:
more pop than i would have liked, but most of the songs are incredible and aimee puts forth above average lyrics yet again
levvy gave it a9:
A fantastic album. Fave track: Backfire/You Do
rg gave it a10:
A gem. Truly a classic. Highly recommended.
Austin A gave it a10:
Perfect in every way imaginable.
Adam K gave it a10:
Nobody does it better than Mrs. Mann. Her pop craftsmanship is startingly beautiful and honest.
Michelle S. gave it a10:
A classic. Even though some of the songs on this album overlap the "Magnolia" soundtrack, I recommend buying both to fully appreciate the works of both Mann and Jon Brion.
