Black Cherry
by Goldfrapp
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: May 6, 2003
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
  1. Neumu.net
    60
    It's spontaneous and weird and, while its initial thumping may turn off those liking their trip-hop controlled, those who are ready to sweat a little will be rewarded by this unique duo's evolving imagination.
  2. Dot Music
    60
    The best songs on this cunning, efficient, frequently daft and fractionally disappointing album are the ones which sound most like the misty reveries of [their] debut.
  3. Pitchfork
    58
    From the title on down, the new CD tries hard to conjure an ambiance of languid sin-- opium, absinthe, vintage porn-- but that aesthetic is just a few steps from your average bachelor pad with a zebra throw and ceiling mirrors. In fact, that's where copies of this album will inevitably spin, a soundtrack to excruciatingly banal seduction.
  5. Almost Cool
    60
    If I didn't know better, I'd say that the duo was jumping on the electro (the trend that keeps on giving) bandwagon, but there are songs on the disc (like the album-titled "Black Cherry") that suggest more of a logical progression in sound, mixing the more breathy sounds of old with a touch of the more electronic-infected sounds of the new release.
  6. AllMusic
    60
    While their artistic risk-taking is commendable, unfortunately the same can't always be said for the results: Black Cherry sounds unbalanced, swinging between delicate, deceptively icy ballads and heavier, dance-inspired numbers without finding much of a happy medium between them.
  7. Urb
    60
    Far from forgettable, Black Cherry falls a bit short of the sum of its parts but is valuable for its more daring numbers. [#104, p.96]
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  8. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    When backbeats disappear, though, boring dirges and space-age Muzak ooze out. [9 May 2003, p.76]
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  9. Magnet
    60
    The perfect soundtrack for winter 1996.... It's icy, robotic and just a little bit behind the Curve. [#58, p.88]
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Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Most Discussed Album of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 39
  3. Negative: 2 out of 39
  1. AlexU
    May 6, 2008
    10
    Really the best of all 4 of their albums released so far, touches of Felt Mountain, mixed with some great dance tracks. Its a shame this is Really the best of all 4 of their albums released so far, touches of Felt Mountain, mixed with some great dance tracks. Its a shame this is the lowest ranked album of theirs that is recorded on metacritic because it really deserves more praise then supernature and seventh tree at the very least.… Full Review »
  2. joethealien
    Sep 25, 2017
    9
    ugh, phenomenal.
    Goldfrapp's second record strays remarkably from the more low-key, primal vibes of the inferior Felt Mountain, and in doing    ugh, phenomenal.
    Goldfrapp's second record strays remarkably from the more low-key, primal vibes of the inferior Felt Mountain, and in doing so brings a soon-to-be massive force in pop music to the forefront. Alison Goldfrapp's soaring soprano pairs masterfully with Will Gregory's inventive and sparkly electronic soundscapes throughout this album, which is filled to the brim with winning moments. standout tracks for me include the stunning trip-hop inspired title track, the grimy electropop stomper Train (which foreshadows much of the rest of this duo's rich discography) and the atmospheric Hairy Trees, which is so fantastic and lush that it could very well have fit on Dummy. a true winner.    … Full Review »
  3. Muddsjr
    Apr 18, 2014
    6
    Black Cherry has its moments, and those are generally when the songs are more active. The more toned down and more sonically spaced out tracksBlack Cherry has its moments, and those are generally when the songs are more active. The more toned down and more sonically spaced out tracks simply make the album a little bit boring.… Full Review »
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