Boxer
by The National
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 348 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 313 out of 348
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 348
  3. Negative: 21 out of 348

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  1. gigis
    May 24, 2007
    8
    Una piacevole scoperta , album che non si stanca mai di ascoltare.
  2. PraC
    May 24, 2007
    10
    This album has set the bar for all releases in 2007. Not only is it the best album of this year, it's one of the best this decade. A brilliant work from one of the best and undoubtedly the most underrated band in the world.
  3. JasonS
    May 24, 2007
    10
    Album of the year so far. It takes courage to make an album so different from a breakthrough like Alligator, but the National pull it off. This is their best album yet.
  4. toddw
    May 24, 2007
    4
    I saw these guys at the Pitchfork Music Festival last summer, and just as quickly turned away to visit the recycled music tent and the bad art kiosks. And now you tell me that the Sally Field of rock, Sufjan Stevens, is somehow connected to this effort? Jeez, I guess I'm going to have to rethink my initial impulse and double-quick time it past the "N" section of the local mass music I saw these guys at the Pitchfork Music Festival last summer, and just as quickly turned away to visit the recycled music tent and the bad art kiosks. And now you tell me that the Sally Field of rock, Sufjan Stevens, is somehow connected to this effort? Jeez, I guess I'm going to have to rethink my initial impulse and double-quick time it past the "N" section of the local mass music store. Another group whose music is fine, I guess, but nothing that I'll give a second spin to or remember in a year's time.… Expand
  5. DaveM
    May 24, 2007
    9
    Another fine release from The National, proving indeed that they are America's finest band.
  6. MusicMaven
    May 24, 2007
    9
    They've bulit on the progress of their excellent previous album 'Alligator' to the point where every song is a multi-layered gem. Most are mid-tempo numbers that aren't quite rockers or ballads, driven by inventive drum patterns and framed with expressive guitars. These provide a sympathetic backing for Matt Berninger's deep, evocative lyrics. The album grows They've bulit on the progress of their excellent previous album 'Alligator' to the point where every song is a multi-layered gem. Most are mid-tempo numbers that aren't quite rockers or ballads, driven by inventive drum patterns and framed with expressive guitars. These provide a sympathetic backing for Matt Berninger's deep, evocative lyrics. The album grows stronger with each listen, and is surely one of the finest of 2007.… Expand
  7. TrekD
    May 23, 2007
    3
    A huge crushing dissapointment after the amazing "Alligator" LP.
  8. Roco
    May 23, 2007
    5
    Average, nothing spectacular. Doesn't deserve such a high rating on this website.
  9. JohnK
    May 23, 2007
    10
    Just amazing!
  10. MatthewH
    May 23, 2007
    10
    An album that keeps unfolding to reveal more more layers and greater depth on repeated listens. This is the type of album that made me fall in love with music in the first place.
  11. Busted...
    May 23, 2007
    6
    No matter how well produced, this record lacks originality. All the sounds combine to produce a band that has nothing to offer.
  12. GillG
    May 23, 2007
    6
    Nothing great, but some decent tracks to to check out. The lead singer has a very strong, confident voice but other than that there's nothing that really blows me away, it's just alright. I recommend other better NY bands like Interpol and TV on the Radio who are amazing. Anyway, a 6 from me.
  13. DamienD
    May 23, 2007
    2
    Not my cup of tea. There aren't really any memorable songs. Too bad cause I really wanted to like this album.
  14. Blake
    May 23, 2007
    0
    Very overated.
  15. KyleM
    May 23, 2007
    9
    album of the year so far, easily
  16. sachep
    May 23, 2007
    10
    stunning.
  17. DudeAsInCool
    May 23, 2007
    9
    The more you play it, the more you like it - I give it a 9.5
  18. feriatus
    May 23, 2007
    10
    Riveting.
  19. JeffS
    May 22, 2007
    10
    This band just keeps getting better every album.. AND every album gets better with every listen. Definitely a top album of the year.
  20. AdamB
    May 22, 2007
    9
    Not quite as good as Alligator, but still amazing. One of the best of the year for sure.
  21. AaronS
    May 22, 2007
    7
    A slow burner of an album. Perhaps a bit overrated, but quite pleasant. Much better than 'Alligator'. May not be one of the best records of the year, but worth a listen or two.
  22. pau
    May 22, 2007
    9
    mellower, but definitely as good as alligator. feels more cohesive. easily in my top 3 albums of the year along with of montreal and whatever else comes along...
  23. PerG
    May 22, 2007
    10
    A grower for sure. Keep listening to this album and you'll keep it close for life.
  24. XooX
    May 22, 2007
    0
    This band, and album, sucks.
  25. kdevilh
    May 22, 2007
    9
    I listen to it on the train - it's the perfect accompaniment to lonely moments, exactly what they intended.
  26. EdLeisurewear
    May 21, 2007
    10
    I haven't even heard this yet and it still gets 10 - The National are that good.
  27. Kyle
    May 21, 2007
    10
    Track to Track, a calming and wonderful listen. Great album!
  28. matta
    May 21, 2007
    10
    It's hard to really justify giving an album a 10, but (and I think the critic of Popmatters should take this advice), if you can reasonably come to the conclusion that this is most likely going to be your favorite album of the year (or in my case, on the best I've ever heard), I think you're okay giving it a 10. For some reason it seems like critics are scared of giving a It's hard to really justify giving an album a 10, but (and I think the critic of Popmatters should take this advice), if you can reasonably come to the conclusion that this is most likely going to be your favorite album of the year (or in my case, on the best I've ever heard), I think you're okay giving it a 10. For some reason it seems like critics are scared of giving a perfect score, but some albums justify it. This is one of those. Alligator started off at #5 on my best of 2005 list when I first heard it in early November of that year. By the end of the year when I made my final list, it was #2 (behind Wolf Parade), and I now consider it to be the best album from that year. Against all odds, The National has, in many ways, eclipsed even the best moments from that record. Some people may prefer the pure rocking out moments missing here that were prevalent on Alligator, but I think the string arrangements, percussion, and spanish guitar are just as powerful. The clincher for me is the lyrics here resonate a little more than they did on Alligator. The imagery here is astonishing and conjures up all sorts of emotions and thoughts every time I listen. I honestly haven't been able to give anything else a chance over the course of the last three weeks because this is just too good. I can only hope their next record is close to this masterpiece.… Expand
  29. Aaron
    May 21, 2007
    10
    Great Album
  30. JLO
    May 21, 2007
    10
    I have been listening to this album obsessively multiple times a day since it leaked, and it only gets more beautiful with every spin. Boxer takes everything good about all the previous albums and incorporates it into a mature, fully realized, self-assured masterpiece. I didn't think any record could kick the ass of Alligator, but Boxer does that unlikely deed.
  31. Andy
    May 19, 2007
    10
    This album is amazing. This is definitely one of the best bands going right now.
  32. MatthewB
    May 16, 2007
    10
    Each song has its own identity yet each so different and all flow together as one. If that makes sense?
  33. javierm
    May 14, 2007
    9
    gana con cada escucha, es cierto como dice aqui abajo el compañero. Estamos ante un album que contiene el gran himno del indie de este siglo: Apartment Story. La pegada de la bateria es brutal! Alligator es su obra maestra y esta su gema.
  34. Chris
    May 11, 2007
    10
    I was hoping that The National would go back to the sound they established on Sad Songs, and they did. This album feels more cohesive than Alligator and perhaps a bit more intimate due to its toned down sound. The melodies are excellent, the writing is superb, and overall it feels like the group is enjoying themselves. By far, my favorite release of the year. I can't imagine any I was hoping that The National would go back to the sound they established on Sad Songs, and they did. This album feels more cohesive than Alligator and perhaps a bit more intimate due to its toned down sound. The melodies are excellent, the writing is superb, and overall it feels like the group is enjoying themselves. By far, my favorite release of the year. I can't imagine any album being able to beat it.… Expand
  35. MycroftW
    May 7, 2007
    9
    Sheer class from top to bottom, do not miss!
  36. trest
    May 7, 2007
    7
    alot more mellow than the last album. every songs sounds like it takes place at night somehow. enjoyable to listen to, but i think it needed more upbeat and slightly more mid-up tempo songs like mr november or lit up. none of the slower songs hit me like "secret meeting" or "slipping husband." this music makes me want to fall asleep in a good way.
  37. KostasG
    May 5, 2007
    10
    If you like Nick Cave, then you will love this album.
  38. AndyW
    May 4, 2007
    9
    I wasn't too keen on first listen, but after a while the songs just get to. "Mistaken For Strangers", "Slow Show", "Guest Room", and plenty of other strong tracks. Possibly, one of my top 5 favorite albums of this year
  39. NathanC
    May 4, 2007
    10
    This album is so well done. Kudos, gents.
  40. DannyP
    Apr 30, 2007
    9
    Just like Alligator, it gets better with every listen. I find a gem, wear it out, and then find another and do the same. First was Fake Empire. Then came Start a War. Now Slow Show has me hooked. Will be in my top five at the end of the year.
  41. SamG
    Apr 29, 2007
    9
    brilliant
  42. AnonymousMusicWriter
    Apr 28, 2007
    9
    This album takes a bit more listening to get into then "Alligator," but I'm happy to say that success hasn't spoiled the National. These songs are quieter, yet sonically perhaps more accomplished than their last outing see "Ada," "Green Gloves" and the impossibly great "Slow Show."
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Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best Album of 2007
15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2007
9
#9 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Hartford Courant
    70
    The National hews too closely to established formula on "Boxer," content to revisit previously explored territory without expanding its sound.
    Read full review
  2. Paste Magazine
    60
    Here, most gestures remain a bit too consciously panoramic—elegant enough for comfort but often not chancy enough to be breathtaking.
    Read full review
  3. Playlouder
    60
    A patchy, flawed effort.
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See all critic reviews »