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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
Body Of Song
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 25 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 13 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Yep Roc
Release Date: 26 July 2005
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Indie, Rock
Summary
The latest solo recording from former Hüsker Dü and Sugar leader Mould echoes back to those bands as well as the various stages of his solo career. His backing band includes Sugar's David Barbe and Fugazi's Brendan Canty.
Also By This Artist: District Line Life And Times Modulate
Also On The Web: Bob Mould @ Yep Roc Boblog
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...
Entertainment Weekly
Alternate title: Bobby--Fully Loaded. [5 Aug 2005, p.67]
Filter
A welcome return. [#16, p.96]
Blender
No new fans need apply here, but those who know and love his sound will find that this self-styled career summation, a nod back to late Husker Du with computerized updates, sprouts horns with repeat listens. [Aug 2005, p.112]
Delusions of Adequacy
Those who enjoy his new approach will like the album, and those who long for his old days of guitar-driven power-pop will find some highlights that prove no matter how old Mould gets, he still is one of the most brilliant musicians and lyricists ever.
Read Full Review >The Onion (A.V. Club)
Body Of Song finds Mould creating familiar-sounding music without simply rehashing fan favorites.
Read Full Review >Under The Radar
Body of Song is the sound of an older, more mature Bob Mould. [#10, p.116]
Stylus Magazine
Rehashed Bob Mould still beats most of what’s out there, though, so the album has its strengths.
Read Full Review >Pitchfork
For the most part, Body of Song offers the expected mix of rock tracks and balladry that one would expect from a Bob Mould solo record.
Read Full Review >The Guardian
Perhaps only he could sound so at peace while exploring so many identities.
Read Full Review >New York Magazine
Marrying his sturdy rock-guitar talents to lively beats, he’s found a comfort zone.
Read Full Review >PopMatters
This is a good, even very good, Bob Mould album, but it doesn't measure up to masterworks like Copper Blue and Zen Arcade.
Read Full Review >All Music Guide
Body of Song ultimately feels more like an attempt by Mould to please both his audience and himself than a coherent and confident effort.
Read Full Review >Mojo
The blend of Moulds old and new is highly successful. [Aug 2005, p.100]
Prefix Magazine
Even though not everything Mould tries on Body of Song works, there are enough gems to make the album a worthwhile destination.
Read Full Review >ShakingThrough.net
Body of Song is patchwork and spotty, dappled with a handful of sparkling additions to Mould’s estimable catalog.
Read Full Review >Spin
Amid the so-so modern rock is one of his most sublimely sincere songs, "(Shine Your) Light Love Hope." [Aug 2005, p.103]
Village Voice
Sure, the electrifying attack of Zen Arcade and New Day Rising is a distant memory. But Body of Song closes with two guitar anthems oversized enough to point back to Mould's best work in Sugar.
Read Full Review >Dusted Magazine
[Mould's trademark] coupling of aggression and tuneful economy is one of the chief attributes sometimes compromised on Body of Song.
Read Full Review >Alternative Press
There's some decent stuff in the second half. [Sep 2005, p.164]
Junkmedia
With his merely efficient playing, Mould never reaches the highs of electric ecstasy he perfected in his heyday.
Read Full Review >Q Magazine
There's little that's newly inspired and, aside from the understated Always Tomorrow, nothing superior to past glories. [Aug 2005, p.132]
Lost At Sea
Body of Song truly falters in its inability to successfully blend two sensibilities.
Read Full Review >Uncut
Much of it seems to bluster without delivering. [Aug 2005, p.87]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 7.8 (out of 10) based on 13 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
dan f. gave it an8:
I love it! A very solid, strong and revealing record from Bob. The more I listen to it, the more I like it, and despite the pasage of time, he still finds a way to remain relevant to the alternative music scene. He's great! I love him!
Blow Me gave it a10:
Anyone who says this is not good needs to have their hearing checked.
Steve O gave it a9:
Not Zen Arcade, not Workbook, not Copper Blue, but is a wonderful survey of all the influences this most perceptive songwriter has at his disposal. One can go song by song and find its place in the impressive Bob catalogue. Quite literally a body of work, not a snapshot of a static moment.
Cosmo Prelog gave it an8:
Way to go Q Magazine! You have managed to snag the award from Uncut for most pointless music mag on Earth. This is a great record by a true legend of rock music. Can't wait for your next Keane cover story! Blow me Q...
TomHM gave it a7:
Not a lot of new ground, but straightforward and deliberate, with his indestructable melodic sense intact.
Barry S gave it an8:
Great playing and ethereal, other worldly production help make this a really outstanding effort for Bob. but, I'm going to have to out him on the disco beats and club mixes on several tunes. Shocking to hear from one of the best, hooky songwriters to rock the 80's and 90's so supremely. But, I'll ignore the few I don't care for too much and relish the rest! And yes, the expanded, double CD version IS worth the extra $$$. It comes in a small black box with some strange photos and stuff w/ the CD's in sleeves & all carefully wrapped in gold felt.
Jeff S gave it a5:
I enjoy his trademark melodic hooks, but it is still too much like Modulate for my tastes.
