Barbara Barbara, We Face a Shining Future
by Underworld
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 29
  3. Negative: 3 out of 29
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  1. pcossf
    Mar 18, 2016
    9
    Underworld's work is, at the same time, both iconic and underrated. Most people know the British electronica duo as the authors of the 'Trainspotting' theme –a landmark in EDM and rave culture–, but care to see well beyond this particular piece. Outlandish. 'Barbara Barbara, we face a shining future' proves –once again– that the band's talent is unlimited, and adds a whole new set of greatUnderworld's work is, at the same time, both iconic and underrated. Most people know the British electronica duo as the authors of the 'Trainspotting' theme –a landmark in EDM and rave culture–, but care to see well beyond this particular piece. Outlandish. 'Barbara Barbara, we face a shining future' proves –once again– that the band's talent is unlimited, and adds a whole new set of great songs to their repertoire. Songs which prove that, at almost 60 years-old, both Rick Smith and Karl Hyde aren't outdated. No. They are very much alive and up-to-date, despite continuing on with an eclectic formula that started back in 1993, with 'Dubnobasswithmyheadman'. Of course, having aged and survived dark times (check out Consequence of Sound's interview with Karl Hyde), the duo's sound has had a few trade-offs: less raw energy, more focused brilliance (e.g. "If Rah" and "Low Burn"); less boisterous beats, more mellow notes (e.g. "Ova Nova" and "Nylon Strung"). Nonetheless, it is still quintessential Underworld, at its finest. Calling a recent album 'a timeless piece of art that will endure the test of time' may seem a little misplaced, even reckless. This is not the case: 'Barbara Barbara, we face a shining future' will certainly achieve it. See you in ten years!… Expand
  2. Slowave
    Mar 29, 2016
    10
    My real rating is an 8, but I've given a 10 to counteract the rubbish "1" in red that some idiot gave this. This album isn't in the same league as Toughest in the Infants, and and there aren't the same wow-level earworms like Slippy or Pearl's Girl, but it is much better than anything that came afterwards and I can easily see "I Exhale" featured in the opening credits of Danny Boyle'sMy real rating is an 8, but I've given a 10 to counteract the rubbish "1" in red that some idiot gave this. This album isn't in the same league as Toughest in the Infants, and and there aren't the same wow-level earworms like Slippy or Pearl's Girl, but it is much better than anything that came afterwards and I can easily see "I Exhale" featured in the opening credits of Danny Boyle's sequel to Trainspotting. It's coming, and we all know it would be incomplete without an Underworld montage. This album is both immediately satisfying and a grower. EDM needs more "intellectual" artistry, and this carries that torch.… Expand
  3. ClorofilaAzul
    Mar 21, 2016
    6
    Unfortunately Underworld lost their energy. Its a soft album. The thing that fascinated me, which used to be the energy mixed with hypnotic states, is no longer here. A Hundred Days Off was already less powerful. Barking was definitely one step down for me. Too "melodic". I hope they can come back to "the good old days". Still have hope. Despite this, I will listen to Barbara moreUnfortunately Underworld lost their energy. Its a soft album. The thing that fascinated me, which used to be the energy mixed with hypnotic states, is no longer here. A Hundred Days Off was already less powerful. Barking was definitely one step down for me. Too "melodic". I hope they can come back to "the good old days". Still have hope. Despite this, I will listen to Barbara more carefully. I might be wrong...… Expand
  4. MastadonLXIX
    May 30, 2016
    0
    A real disappointment! Each song sounds the same, all in the same dreary tempo. It's amazing that the same band that released Beaucoup fish and other amazing albums has written this sleeper.
  5. zielwolf
    Jul 17, 2016
    9
    This album is beautiful electronica. Each track shimmers and shines with grace and poise. It's awesome that musicians who've been recording this long (35 years if you include Freur) can still come up with such amazing, original, inspiring music.
  6. Tom_Bombadil
    Sep 21, 2016
    8
    Underworld's best release since Beaucoup Fish. Not like it's the most prolific work ever, but (1) every song is different and arresting on its own merits, and (2) Karl Hyde still knows how to build up walls of synthesizers in order to set defined moods. The opener is, for example, a muscular loop of beats and distorted synths that paints a very chaotic, maybe even apocalyptic, scenario,Underworld's best release since Beaucoup Fish. Not like it's the most prolific work ever, but (1) every song is different and arresting on its own merits, and (2) Karl Hyde still knows how to build up walls of synthesizers in order to set defined moods. The opener is, for example, a muscular loop of beats and distorted synths that paints a very chaotic, maybe even apocalyptic, scenario, just to have Hyde later singing very optimistic lines ("Life is a touch/Everything is golden"). Amusing contrast. Underworld isn't running out of ideas. If anything, the opposite may be true.… Expand
  7. Ffaj
    Jun 23, 2022
    9
    Очень хороший альбом, особенно на фоне их прошлых работ. Такой добрый, светлый, хотя и нового тут ничего нет, отдаёт концом 90-х–начале 00-х, но в хорошем смысле/ Ставлю 9, но реальная оценка 8-8.5. Это всё из-за того человека, который поставил этому альбому 0, ты неадекват.Очень хороший альбом, особенно на фоне их прошлых работ. Такой добрый, светлый, хотя и нового тут ничего нет, отдаёт концом 90-х–начале 00-х, но в хорошем смысле/ Ставлю 9, но реальная оценка 8-8.5. Это всё из-за того человека, который поставил этому альбому 0, ты неадекват.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Pretty Much Amazing
    Apr 20, 2016
    91
    These tracks don’t feel futuristic, but they shine with a blinding light, capping one of the most impressive arcs of any album so far this year.
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  2. No Ripcord
    Apr 13, 2016
    80
    From the thumping, industrial charge of I Exhale to the sublimely hypnotic techno of Low Burn, Underworld are in full form, giving meaning and substance to every single minute with hardly a wasted moment.
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  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Apr 4, 2016
    60
    Its purpose is to cement Underworld as elder statesmen of minor-arena-filling, rather than “floor-filling,” amorphously electronic music. It’s not hip, but it’s not square either.
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