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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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All Music Guide

[A] fine collection of city-weary poetry.

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Splendid

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

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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.

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Alternative Press

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

New Musical Express (NME)

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.

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Dusted Magazine

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

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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)

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 70 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Jonny R. gave it a9:
The National decided to leave three of their best songs off Alligator: 'Warm Singing Whores', 'The Thrilling of Claire', and the exceptional 'Driver, Surprise Me' were all scrapped. However, ‘Looking For Astronauts’, ‘Friend of Mine’, and ‘Val Jester’ unfortunately made the final cut. Still, it’s a remarkable album and nearly flawless, but I would recommend seeking out the b-sides that didn’t make it, because they’re just as good, if not better, than many of the songs that made the album.

David R. gave it a10:
A lot appears to have been made about this guys lyrics, with one review dedicated entirely to ripping them for being cold and dispassionate. Talk to any creative person and they will tell you art normally flows from sadness and misery. These songs are not uplifting nor are they meant to be. The album is great because it's a perfect expression of someone who admits to his patchy failures, marginal successes, and ultimately the women whom he has used to get through life. Most of the songs sound like they are written on a hungover a few days after breaking up his girlfriend. The songs are deceptively straightforward and beautifully layered, and his lyrics are thought provoking and emotionally delivered. This album truly deserves a 10 and is their best.

Steve C gave it a10:
Simple - One of the best albums of all time.

Mark M. gave it a10:
Best album of 2007 (and 2005). Found out about this album through reviews of "The Boxer" (a great album in its own right) and cannot stop listening. Reminiscent of Interpol's first album with more obtuse lyrics and slightly less gloom. Along with Spoon, one of the few rock bands making great R&R music.

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.

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Alligator

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