Atlas
by Real Estate
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2014
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 68 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 68
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 68
  3. Negative: 5 out of 68
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  1. adhamhany
    Mar 19, 2014
    9
    It has a somewhat different style from their previous work, but the change is welcome. The music, along with the lyrics and vocals, work together beautifully, resulting in a mesmerizing album. An album that should be listened to numerous times, because every time you'll appreciate it more.
  2. exodus9237
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    I did heard a change from Days to Atlas, but its subtle and sincerely is only for a good cause. The result is a great production with melodies that are greater than any other Real Estate song. Each instrument sounds like it should, the vocals sound better than ever and the mood of the album, in general, is more fun and transmits much more (specifically joy). Since 'Had to Hear', the bandI did heard a change from Days to Atlas, but its subtle and sincerely is only for a good cause. The result is a great production with melodies that are greater than any other Real Estate song. Each instrument sounds like it should, the vocals sound better than ever and the mood of the album, in general, is more fun and transmits much more (specifically joy). Since 'Had to Hear', the band shows what you're in for, and by the time you reach 'Crime' the only thing you want is for the album to last longer. With easy but seductive songs like 'Primitive' and 'Navigator', you end up with a smile on your face, for sure.… Expand
  3. 2hip2beahipster
    Mar 4, 2014
    9
    The things is with this album is, Real Estate has changed, a lot, but in very subtle ways. One of the most obvious being production. In my opinion the production on this album is amazing. This is exactly how a guitar should sound. The interplay between the two guitars, and even the bass and synth/organ on some of these songs are great. The lyrics are also more mature and surprisinglyThe things is with this album is, Real Estate has changed, a lot, but in very subtle ways. One of the most obvious being production. In my opinion the production on this album is amazing. This is exactly how a guitar should sound. The interplay between the two guitars, and even the bass and synth/organ on some of these songs are great. The lyrics are also more mature and surprisingly clever and smart. This is an album that requires (for me) a few listen through but then at one point, it clicks and you realize how brilliant this album is.… Expand
  4. battlebongs
    Mar 9, 2014
    9
    pretty sexy. i like this album just because it reminds of like the beatles or some shiit. not even the beatles, maybe the... i dunno. not a bad album anyway.
  5. WxJim
    Mar 18, 2014
    9
    Great album. It features some of the best songs Real Estate has ever written in 'Talking Backwards', 'Crime', and my personal favorite 'Had to Hear'; the riff that starts off that song (which also happens to start the album) may be most emotionally impacting bit of music the band has written to date. Atlas is more slow moving and perhaps not as easy to listen to as Real Estate's previousGreat album. It features some of the best songs Real Estate has ever written in 'Talking Backwards', 'Crime', and my personal favorite 'Had to Hear'; the riff that starts off that song (which also happens to start the album) may be most emotionally impacting bit of music the band has written to date. Atlas is more slow moving and perhaps not as easy to listen to as Real Estate's previous albums, and could be said to drag bit at times, but this will likely go down as one of the best albums of 2014.… Expand
  6. anthonylee
    Mar 22, 2014
    8
    I had never gotten into Real Estate before, but the simple yet captivating melodies really did me in (fun songs to learn on guitar!). The songs on this album do start to bleed into each other at a certain point and the lyrics are a bit sobering and bleak for my tastes, but still a great album.
  7. anthonymusiclov
    Jul 2, 2020
    10
    Production goes a long way and Real Estate hit the nail on the head with this one. Their best album by far. One of my all time favorites.
  8. WrittenSarcasm
    Mar 4, 2014
    10
    This went from being my least favorite Real Estate album to my favorite Real Estate album in two days. Atlas will keep drawing you in for more while it grows on you with each listen.
  9. AnthonyMiller18
    Jul 2, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. By far their best input. Smooth sound, great guitar texture, and solid production.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Discussed Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 30, 2014
    89
    Real Estate already evaded the sophomore slump on 2011's impressive Days, now Atlas furthers the catalog.
    Read full review
  2. Blurt Magazine
    Oct 28, 2014
    60
    If anything, Atlas sounds like a fully formed album from another era, complete with woozy harmonies, an assured shimmer and a constant jangle.
    Read full review
  3. cokemachineglow
    May 7, 2014
    80
    The music Real Estate make is so melodic and plentiful that it could capture any feeling it wanted to--Atlas just transposes their sound into the evening.
    Read full review
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