Automaton
by Jamiroquai
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. The Independent (UK)
    Apr 5, 2017
    60
    Ironically, though, it’s the more old-school tracks that furnish the highlights.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 3, 2017
    60
    Automaton seems an audacious comeback, to say the least, but also strangely listenable.
  3. Q Magazine
    Mar 30, 2017
    60
    Some may carp at the lyrics, but at 47, Kay retains pole position as pop's most revved-up playboy. [May 2017, p.107]
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  5. Under The Radar
    Apr 5, 2017
    55
    Highlights like "Shake It On" and "Nights Out In the Jungle" introduce a fresh, Random Access Memories-ian electric disco vibe, but too many others--particularly the repetitive "Summer Girl"--feel like tired, recycled outtakes from the band's heyday.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Mar 30, 2017
    50
    Musically, Automaton possesses a freewheeling swagger that's energizing and intensely danceable, and Jamiroquai updates their familiar brand of disco and funk into something that feels fresh and progressive. But unfortunately Kay doesn't have anything new to say, as his views on society, technology, and relationships are trapped in a bygone era.
  7. Clash Music
    Mar 31, 2017
    40
    On Automaton, the band falters under the weight of its previous singles, leaving any possibility for chart success mired in a sound that comes across as tired and unoriginal, and the album listening experience as a monotonous ordeal.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 44
  3. Negative: 4 out of 44
  1. fandangouk
    Apr 1, 2017
    10
    I wouldn't class myself as a long standing Jamiroquai fan, and I didn't have a good time with their last album, but on the strength of theI wouldn't class myself as a long standing Jamiroquai fan, and I didn't have a good time with their last album, but on the strength of the lead single Automaton and Cloud 9 I decided to give it a listen. As each track played I kept waiting for the quality to dip, but it just kept coming. Some tracks obviously appeal to my tastes more than others, but there's no denying the inventiveness and solid quality of the whole album. Haven't been this impressed since La Roux's debut. Simply brilliant.… Full Review »
  2. J-Tag
    Mar 31, 2017
    9
    A great album for first time listeners, a good album for long-time fans. The two singles, "Automaton" and "Cloud 9" are definite highlights.A great album for first time listeners, a good album for long-time fans. The two singles, "Automaton" and "Cloud 9" are definite highlights. "Automaton" is Jamiroquai at their innovative best – a lead single curveball that sounds equal parts Jamiroquai and Daft Punk (a lazy comparison I've read many times, but probably the best way to describe it to the masses). On the flipside, "Cloud 9" is Jay Kay at his hedonistic best, showing everyone who's ever tried to make a smooth funk song just how it's done.

    Even though Jay has described this album as "All killer no filler", there are a couple of okay songs in "Hot Property" and "Nights Out In The Jungle", but they fit in well with the overall atmosphere of the album, so I can see why they were included. However, the highs far outweigh the lows. "Something About You" is a gorgeous, sun-tinged track that will please newcomers and Jami-veterans alike, whilst "Dr Buzz" and "Vitamin" will satisfy the first three album purists due to their retro feel.

    Overall, great album from a band that never disappoints – a truly admirable achievement considering it has been SEVEN years since the last record. It is sure to be my most played album this summer, and I'm sure I won't be the only one. Here's to the hoping the next album doesn't take another seven years.    … Full Review »
  3. shinekta
    Apr 2, 2017
    9
    Знаком с Jamiroquai не очень давно, но точно могу сказать, что в новом альбоме есть нечто от предыдущих работ. Сочетание синтезатора и басЗнаком с Jamiroquai не очень давно, но точно могу сказать, что в новом альбоме есть нечто от предыдущих работ. Сочетание синтезатора и бас гитары в ритме фанка, идеально попадающий в такт песни вокал Кея, каденционное исполнение, переходящее в ненавязчивую танцевальную мелодию. Всё лучшее из творчества группы перенеслось в Automaton. При этом футуристический мотив не позволяет назвать новые песни идентичными предыдущим.
    Джейсон и его группа отлично постарались, 7 лет для них не прошли даром. Для меня это твёрдая девятка.    … Full Review »
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