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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.

Alligator
by The National


9.3

based on 21 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 65 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

This is the third LP for the Brooklyn five-piece fronted by deep-voiced Matt Berninger.

LABEL:	Beggars Banquet
RELEASE DATE:	12 April 2005
DISCS:	1 disc
GENRE(S):	Indie, Rock

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...

100

Billboard

"Alligator" is easily the National's best effort and quite possibly one of this year's finest records.

100

Uncut

It's their first masterpiece. [Album of the Month, May 2005, p.94]

100

E! Online

It is the sound of Interpol as reinterpreted by Tom Waits--a breathtaking album with bite.

Stylus Magazine

The National are able to pack as much power into the songs on Alligator as any of the more heralded indie-rock bands working right now, only The National have taken the common influences and grafted them into something altogether fresh and remarkable.

Entertainment Weekly

The twilit melodies and Matt Berninger's gossamer vocals will haunt your troubled dreams. [22 Apr 2005, p.64]

Filter

Berninger sounds smart and witty; but above all else, he sounds like he really went for it this time. [#15, p.105]

Mojo

Walks the same Cold War-era Bowery streets as Interpol but is not more than a half step away from lysergic brilliance. [May 2005, p.108]

Delusions of Adequacy

The National seems to have settled into a fine balance between the hungover brooding of Leonard Cohen and the more mellifluous tendencies of Joy Division and Echo and the Bunnymen.

cokemachineglow

Tonally and lyrically somewhere between L. Cohen, Aidan Moffett and David Berman, Berringer’s cynical, world-worn love-letters and resigned croon work perfectly with the band’s rock steady rhythm-section.

Lost At Sea

While Sad Songs was immediately arresting, able to knock the wind clean from those who found it, Alligator conjures the same black magic on a broader scale, readying itself to be known beyond those small circles.

Village Voice

The rest of the band plays straight man, setting up Berninger's punchlines and peeling him off the floor at the end of the night.

Q Magazine

Like R.E.M. when they were good, [The National's] superficially simple songs have a real depth and resonance. [May 2005, p.114]

Junkmedia

Part of the problem with Alligator is that it echoes so many other records, but part of its satisfaction is that it sets itself apart so well.

All Music Guide

[A] fine collection of city-weary poetry.

Splendid

Painstakingly crafted, casually baroque music for people who get off a little bit on feeling blue.

Pitchfork

Massed vocals and backing harmonies are two of the few things the National have added to their sound since their last album, and though Alligator is satisfying and engaging, it's not quite as bracing as their stellar sophomore outing, 2003's Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers.

Alternative Press

Packed with timeless rock songs. [May 2005, p.174]

New Musical Express

It's music for downhearted cattle rustlers to mournfully skin steers to. [9 Apr 2005, p.58]

Rolling Stone

Depressed guitar poetry that's both elegantly wasted and kinda murky.

Dusted Magazine

Alligator’s biggest missteps are the moments when the music joins in the apprehension, rendering the coyness in Berninger’s lyrics unreadable.

PopMatters

REVIEW#1: Over 13 doing-nothing tracks, Matt Berninger bumbles out useless lyrics that he doesn't have the guts to put across. (Score=20); REVIEW#2: Alligator is one of those albums that slowly dawns on you. Given half a chance, it's ultimately a very rewarding listening experience that I predict will continue to grow in stature as time passes. (Score=70)

The average user rating for this album is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 65 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Sean O. gave it a10:
I listen to an awful lot of music and this is one of the most wonderful albums I've come across in a long long time. Wonderful subtle and quirky lyrics, great voice and excellent music. "Just say something perfect, something I can steal Say, look at me Baby, we'll be fine All we've gotta do is be brave and be kind".

Kyle gave it a9:
All the National do is make great albums.

Frank gave it a4:
very overrated and boring. Nothing really amazing here, it just isn't memorable.

Joshua K gave it a10:
One of the very best albums in recent memory. The sometimes absurd lyrics add character and a touch of humour to the consistently great songs.

Erik V gave it a10:
Having wriiten this review on 2nd March 2007, I do not think many people will take this in account. Not many pople are interested in an album nearly 2 years old. Well, they are utterly wrong. I have bought this album when it came out (some 2 years ago). Since day one, I knew this one was a masterpiece! 2 years on, I am not changing my view one bit. I was, am and will be overwhelmed for the rest of my life. As a 40-year-old, most of my favourite albums go back to the time when I was young, handsome, smart and funny (I used to be in the arms of cheerleaders). Well this album stands firm next to the most compelling music i took with me over the years. This is a brilliant albums!

Andrew W gave it a10:
The best album of 2005. Berninger's affecting croon sweeps you along, and the only failings here are the sequencing of the tracks (too many slow-burners from track 4 to track 9), and the slightly dull Val Jester. But with songs such as All the Wine, Lit Up, Mr. November and The Geese of Beverly Road, this album is as good as ANYTHING I own.

Patrick F gave it a10:
I can't believe how good this album is. I mean seriously. I had heard "All the Wine" and thought it was a great song, but never had a thought of buying the album. I figured they were a one-hit-wonder. Wow, could I have been more wrong? There is not a weak track on this album. Not one. Do yourself a favor and get this album. Like others have mentioned, give two or three listens and then be amazed.

Alligator by The National

Alligator
by The National