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Bachelor No. 2 (or, the last remains of the dodo) Image
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

  • Summary: The third solo release from the former 'Til Tuesday leader finally made it to record stores in May 2000, after a long journey that saw Interscope refuse to release the album and Mann issue it on her own SuperEgo label (after selling it through mail order and at her live performances). All'sThe third solo release from the former 'Til Tuesday leader finally made it to record stores in May 2000, after a long journey that saw Interscope refuse to release the album and Mann issue it on her own SuperEgo label (after selling it through mail order and at her live performances). All's well that ends well, though, as Mann gained widespread acclaim for her soundtrack to P.T. Anderson's film "Magnolia" and even better reviews for this album, which contains four of the tracks from the soundtrack as well as nine additional songs. Collapse
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. A genuinely winning collection of sublime, old-school pop.
  2. Bachelor No. 2 makes good on the promise hinted at by Mann's work on the Magnolia soundtrack. In her mastery of sophisticated melodies and sly turns-of-phrase, Mann brings to mind a number of heralded composers.
  3. To call Bachelor No. 2 a masterpiece may be overstating the matter somewhat, since an album this intimate and unassuming (but not unconfident) doesn't call attention to itself the way self-styled masterpieces do. However, it isn't hyperbole to call it the finest record Mann has made to date.
  4. The only complaint to be lodged against Bachelor No. 2, other than its partially duplicated track listing, is the mid-tempo groove from which Mann rarely extricates herself.
  5. 80
    A soundtrack nuanced enough for the rippling wit of Mann's lyrics.... These songs are layered and soft-spoken, to be sure, but also confident and rewarding of multiple listens. They are the sound of Aimee Mann growing as a songwriter. Yet the album also features the sound of Aimee Mann grousing about being a songwriter.
  6. It's an album of tuneful, intimate pop-rock songs...
  7. Yet again, Mann's songs concentrate on life gone wrong - but this is timeless stuff.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. RoyL.
    Jul 19, 2004
    10
    One of my fave albums in a looong time. Never tire of it... love to sing along... just like Elvis Costello... mostly the pre-1986 work, that is....!
  2. MikeT
    Jul 9, 2004
    10
    Played it to death, rated it my favourite album for some time. Never tire of hearing it even now, 4 years later.
  3. shaneequaj
    Jun 27, 2007
    10
    It's just a brilliant pop album. Hands down.
  4. MichelleS.
    Dec 30, 2004
    10
    A classic. Even though some of the songs on this album overlap the "Magnolia" soundtrack, I recommend buying both to fully appreciate the A classic. Even though some of the songs on this album overlap the "Magnolia" soundtrack, I recommend buying both to fully appreciate the works of both Mann and Jon Brion. Expand
  5. rg
    Jun 12, 2005
    10
    A gem. Truly a classic. Highly recommended.
  6. SamD
    Nov 26, 2005
    10
    more pop than i would have liked, but most of the songs are incredible and aimee puts forth above average lyrics yet again
  7. levvy
    Jul 8, 2005
    9
    A fantastic album. Fave track: Backfire/You Do

See all 10 User Reviews

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