Boxer - The National
Boxer Image
Metascore
86 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 241 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: Sufjan Stevens is among the guests on the Brooklyn band's follow-up to their acclaimed 2005 release 'Alligator.'

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. musicOMH.com
    100
    The National were worried that they wouldn't be able to follow up Alligator, that fans would be disappointed. Boxer proves their fears ungrounded - and that Alligator was no one classic wonder.
  2. Slant Magazine
    100
    Boxer works best as a mood piece; it's also the first National release to work as a whole, and it's the best album I've heard so far this year.
  3. Dot Music
    80
    It gathers momentum slowly, making for a brew so quietly potent and pulsating with repressed energy you're almost afraid to leave the room while it's playing in case it explodes messily all over the walls.
  4. Playlouder
    60
    A patchy, flawed effort.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 123 out of 137
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 137
  3. Negative: 8 out of 137
  1. JonB.
    10
    Yes, I like this album even more than Radiohead's Rainbows. Best album of the year.
  2. MBond1810
    8
    Far better than its predecessor in terms of arrangements: these songs are truly flawless.
  3. BrissaR
    7
    Alligator was more upbeat and there was a greater variety of songs/tempos. Boxer is more contemplated and the songs drift into each other, i.e., it's more monotonous. If you are a fan of the National than you should buy Boxer but don't get your hopes up too high.… Expand
  4. ChrisK
    4
    Their previous album: Alligator was the band's pinnacle. I found the album quite monotonous. Definitely over-rated, and a step back if you know their earlier work.… Expand

See all 137 User Reviews

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