• Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: Jul 26, 2005
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Alternate title: Bobby--Fully Loaded. [5 Aug 2005, p.67]
  2. Filter
    84
    A welcome return. [#16, p.96]
  3. Blender
    80
    No new fans need apply here, but those who know and love his sound will find that this self-styled career summation, a nod back to late Husker Du with computerized updates, sprouts horns with repeat listens. [Aug 2005, p.112]
  4. Those who enjoy his new approach will like the album, and those who long for his old days of guitar-driven power-pop will find some highlights that prove no matter how old Mould gets, he still is one of the most brilliant musicians and lyricists ever.
  5. Body of Song is a record that plays like a book.
  6. Body Of Song finds Mould creating familiar-sounding music without simply rehashing fan favorites.
  7. Under The Radar
    80
    Body of Song is the sound of an older, more mature Bob Mould. [#10, p.116]
  8. Rehashed Bob Mould still beats most of what’s out there, though, so the album has its strengths.
  9. For the most part, Body of Song offers the expected mix of rock tracks and balladry that one would expect from a Bob Mould solo record.
  10. Perhaps only he could sound so at peace while exploring so many identities.
  11. [A] return... to more familiar territory.
  12. Marrying his sturdy rock-guitar talents to lively beats, he’s found a comfort zone.
  13. This is a good, even very good, Bob Mould album, but it doesn't measure up to masterworks like Copper Blue and Zen Arcade.
  14. Even though not everything Mould tries on Body of Song works, there are enough gems to make the album a worthwhile destination.
  15. Mojo
    70
    The blend of Moulds old and new is highly successful. [Aug 2005, p.100]
  16. Body of Song ultimately feels more like an attempt by Mould to please both his audience and himself than a coherent and confident effort.
  17. Body of Song is patchwork and spotty, dappled with a handful of sparkling additions to Mould’s estimable catalog.
  18. Spin
    67
    Amid the so-so modern rock is one of his most sublimely sincere songs, "(Shine Your) Light Love Hope." [Aug 2005, p.103]
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. danf.
    Feb 11, 2006
    8
    I love it! A very solid, strong and revealing record from Bob. The more I listen to it, the more I like it, and despite the pasage of time, I love it! A very solid, strong and revealing record from Bob. The more I listen to it, the more I like it, and despite the pasage of time, he still finds a way to remain relevant to the alternative music scene. He's great! I love him! Full Review »
  2. BlowMe
    Aug 18, 2005
    10
    Anyone who says this is not good needs to have their hearing checked.
  3. SteveO
    Aug 14, 2005
    9
    Not Zen Arcade, not Workbook, not Copper Blue, but is a wonderful survey of all the influences this most perceptive songwriter has at his Not Zen Arcade, not Workbook, not Copper Blue, but is a wonderful survey of all the influences this most perceptive songwriter has at his disposal. One can go song by song and find its place in the impressive Bob catalogue. Quite literally a body of work, not a snapshot of a static moment. Full Review »