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. mattb
    Jun 24, 2007
    9
    i realized that i was in love with my girlfriend while listening to this album
  2. MattE.
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    Lucky, what the f@## are you talking about? Berninger doesn't sound remotely like he's trying to sound like Bob Dylan. Have you ever heard Bob Dylan? Dylan is nasally. Berninger has a deep voice. You could say it's trite and total crap, but the Dylan slam doesn't compute.
  3. BillS
    Aug 29, 2007
    9
    Very, very nice work. Great melodies, and lyrics. Vocals remind me a bit of John Cale. Not meaning to dismiss all the other strengths, but the thing I like the most about the album is the drum work. The only thing holding the album up a bit is the production.
  4. JohnD.
    Mar 13, 2008
    9
    Its a thing of beauty, a gorgeous sonnet in a storm of denial, a feeling, a mood beyond the crowd.
  5. JonnyR.
    Jul 13, 2008
    9
    It seems as though the National intentionally leave off some of their best material from their albums.
  6. tipobaha
    Jul 3, 2011
    9
    just amazing. best album of them.
  7. Ricko
    Dec 6, 2017
    9
    Hard to believe this is now a decade old, "Boxer" is the excellent follow up to The National's fantastic 3rd album "Alligator". This is pretty close to a 10 out of 10 when compared to the work of their peers but probably a bit too similar to "Alligator" to get full marks. "Fake Empire" and "Mistaken for Strangers" are two of the greatest tracks written in the last 20 years, if not ever.Hard to believe this is now a decade old, "Boxer" is the excellent follow up to The National's fantastic 3rd album "Alligator". This is pretty close to a 10 out of 10 when compared to the work of their peers but probably a bit too similar to "Alligator" to get full marks. "Fake Empire" and "Mistaken for Strangers" are two of the greatest tracks written in the last 20 years, if not ever. "Slow Show", "Green Gloves" and "Guest Room" are all fan favourites that are to be found here as well. If possible, it's a mellower album than Alligator and it could do with one or two more up tempo tracks like the aforementioned "Mistaken for Strangers" but this is me being very picky here. "Boxer" is an absolute gem of a record from a band to be treasured. An album that still sounds amazing 10 years on and no doubt will still sound as good in another 10.… Expand
  8. Alinzpark
    Dec 12, 2019
    9
    this is an album that requires repeated listens because, many of the songs don't seem like much at first. but, as the relistens pass, every song begins to seem like a revelation as they prove to be much more intricate and detailed than they initially appeared, with some of the most gratifying progressions in the history of the genre. Basically the first 7 songs are perfect and the rest isthis is an album that requires repeated listens because, many of the songs don't seem like much at first. but, as the relistens pass, every song begins to seem like a revelation as they prove to be much more intricate and detailed than they initially appeared, with some of the most gratifying progressions in the history of the genre. Basically the first 7 songs are perfect and the rest is still immaculate.
    'Boxer' stands head and shoulders above the rest of The National's catalogue and, considering their track record, that says a lot.    … Expand
  9. ArthurD
    Jun 1, 2007
    8
    A pretty sound effort but not a patch on "Boxer". The new songs are a lot better played live which makes me think the production was maybe a bit tame. "Mistaken For Strangers" is easily the best of the bunch, but it's not anywhere near the standard of "Mr November" or "All the Wine" from their last CD. As for the muppets who have "reviewed" the album without even listening to it, do A pretty sound effort but not a patch on "Boxer". The new songs are a lot better played live which makes me think the production was maybe a bit tame. "Mistaken For Strangers" is easily the best of the bunch, but it's not anywhere near the standard of "Mr November" or "All the Wine" from their last CD. As for the muppets who have "reviewed" the album without even listening to it, do us a favour and sod off over to Amazon.… Expand
  10. Elli
    Oct 9, 2007
    8
    I had such high expectations for this album. This is a good album but nowhere as magnificent as its predecessor, "Alligator." This album takes a while to appreciate and it has a slower pace than "Alligator." My favorite songs are "Fake Empire" and "Slow Show."
  11. Mark
    May 27, 2007
    8
    Good album...
  12. Jackpot
    May 16, 2008
    8
    This is a workmanlike performance by The National. There isn't anything here that blows my mind, but the majestic closer, "Gospel," comes close; it's like a darker version of "Boy with the Arab Strap"-era Belle & Sebastian.
  13. AndrewT
    Jun 29, 2007
    8
    A very good album after 10 listens. After the first two spins I would have given it a 2, one for the piano and another for the drums. Around 8 or 9 spins it suddenly moved to a 7 and by the 10th listen is rose to an 8. You have to move to a different dimension to appreciate the album. I can see why some people think it is utter $£"? since this is what i originally thought.
  14. cwb
    Jul 24, 2007
    8
    so far, I wouldn't put it in the same (masterpiece) class as Alligator, but this is still a very strong album, and as every review seems to say it will, it IS growing and growing on me. "slow start" and "start a war" are undeniably great. I love this band. and will see them for the first time in september. cannot wait! if there's anyone here digging on this album that so far, I wouldn't put it in the same (masterpiece) class as Alligator, but this is still a very strong album, and as every review seems to say it will, it IS growing and growing on me. "slow start" and "start a war" are undeniably great. I love this band. and will see them for the first time in september. cannot wait! if there's anyone here digging on this album that hasn't heard Alligator, wait 'til it gets its jaws around your ears!… Expand
  15. gigis
    May 24, 2007
    8
    Una piacevole scoperta , album che non si stanca mai di ascoltare.
  16. JustinB.
    Sep 21, 2007
    8
    Not as good as alligator, but, what is? this is a very good album.
  17. Vampire25
    Mar 10, 2013
    8
    Boxer represents The National at the height of their artistic abilities. Matt Beringer's soft, baritone voice is what propels this record to exceeding heights. Every track stands out, and the drumming is beyond fantastic, some of the best drumming I've heard in a long while. From the minute this album starts, to the moment it ends, it epitomizes the perfect blend of alternative/indie rock.Boxer represents The National at the height of their artistic abilities. Matt Beringer's soft, baritone voice is what propels this record to exceeding heights. Every track stands out, and the drumming is beyond fantastic, some of the best drumming I've heard in a long while. From the minute this album starts, to the moment it ends, it epitomizes the perfect blend of alternative/indie rock. All In All, The National make an artistic statement with this record, and they only exceed these standards with their next record "High Violet" B+… Expand
  18. MBond1810
    Apr 12, 2013
    8
    Far better than its predecessor in terms of arrangements: these songs are truly flawless.
  19. BrissaR
    Oct 9, 2007
    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.
  20. kevk
    Jun 6, 2007
    7
    boring
  21. 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.
  22. WadeT.
    Sep 27, 2007
    7
    There is a difference between releasing an impressive album and an engaging album. Engaging records create fan bases by becoming a part of the listeners day to day life. Impressive albums are a lot like looking at a painting in an art gallery that you visit one in awhile, you look, are impressed, then move on, not thinking about it much afterwards. The Boxer by The National is impressive, There is a difference between releasing an impressive album and an engaging album. Engaging records create fan bases by becoming a part of the listeners day to day life. Impressive albums are a lot like looking at a painting in an art gallery that you visit one in awhile, you look, are impressed, then move on, not thinking about it much afterwards. The Boxer by The National is impressive, but since purchasing it based on my finding of their myspace page I haven't been able to come back to it. The reason is The National hit a lot of triples on The Boxer, good tunes, impressively constructed, but don't have that moment that plants a melody straight into your brain. The National are talented, competent performers with a great core sound, but Boxer largely veers away from those epic moments needed that pronounce great songs. Start A War is the best example of this, with a simple acoustic guitar starting a tune that seems pushing toward a large climax, The National never take the song where you as a listener want it to go and you're left with a disjointed effort, much like the entire album.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  25. CharlieP.
    Jul 22, 2007
    6
    This album has to be the most overrated album of the year. It's boring. boring and more boring. monotony is not music people.
  26. booms.
    Oct 18, 2007
    6
    i was blown away initially by this release - on subsequent listens i find myself getting more uninterested and bored of this album. Some great songs dispersed amongst filler
  27. 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.
  28. BrianA.
    Jul 14, 2007
    6
    Just not as intense as the previous release
  29. Roco
    May 23, 2007
    5
    Average, nothing spectacular. Doesn't deserve such a high rating on this website.
  30. ShaunB
    Jun 12, 2007
    5
    Some decent songs here and there but none of them are really great, not memorable. I still don't know how this has an 85 on metacritic, considering there's been better albums that have come out in 07 that deserve that kind of grade (Of Montreal, Feist, Field Music, Andrew Bird, to name a few).
  31. Lucky
    Jun 12, 2007
    4
    Not my kind of album, I find it very boring. The lead singer is trying way to hard to sound like Bob Dylan and he's not good enough to sing like him.
  32. 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
  33. DylanS
    May 27, 2007
    4
    'Meh', defines my feeling for this CD, another disc by The National that's poorly crafted and overrated. It's not the worst thing I've ever heard, but it sure doesnt promote cheery memories.
  34. ChrisK
    Sep 11, 2007
    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.
  35. CalvinD.
    Jun 4, 2008
    3
    no bad songs on this one, but in a whole, it's just very boring. some people may refer to this as "cohesive"...every song's structure is the same, and since they're alway building up on one single line, it's time to hit the forward button after 2.5 minutes into each song. mistaken for strangers is a good example of how good a song can start and how boring it can no bad songs on this one, but in a whole, it's just very boring. some people may refer to this as "cohesive"...every song's structure is the same, and since they're alway building up on one single line, it's time to hit the forward button after 2.5 minutes into each song. mistaken for strangers is a good example of how good a song can start and how boring it can become. the drumming is to loud the whole record through too.… Expand
  36. TrekD
    May 23, 2007
    3
    A huge crushing dissapointment after the amazing "Alligator" LP.
  37. 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.
  38. XooX
    May 22, 2007
    0
    This band, and album, sucks.
  39. Blake
    May 23, 2007
    0
    Very overated.
  40. marcopolo
    Jun 14, 2007
    0
    a piece of s##t ...
  41. Epic
    Jul 26, 2007
    0
    A lackluster effort especially after there last two albums. A huge borefest throughout.
  42. Epic
    Jul 26, 2007
    0
    A lackluster effort especially after there last two albums. A huge borefest throughout.
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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.
    Read full review
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