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. BarryP.
    Nov 18, 2007
    10
    On first listening the opening tracks impacted immediately and then I thought it tailed off. When I went back to it I started listening more and more to the second half of the album and it just keeps growing. I will now choose to listen to the last couple of tracks like Ada as much as Fake Empire. Patience rewards and I think this will eventually be regarded as one of the great albums of On first listening the opening tracks impacted immediately and then I thought it tailed off. When I went back to it I started listening more and more to the second half of the album and it just keeps growing. I will now choose to listen to the last couple of tracks like Ada as much as Fake Empire. Patience rewards and I think this will eventually be regarded as one of the great albums of recent years. I think it has more depth than Alligator.… Expand
  2. TBone
    Nov 22, 2007
    9
    After having this whole album in my playlists for a few months, I have to say, the only song I could really pull is Slow Show. Theres a lot of hooks in all of these. Pretty good.
  3. NiallS
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    The Real album of the year!
  4. CarlosA.
    Oct 24, 2007
    10
    One of the best in the last five years. Fresh, harmonic, deep. As much you listen it as much you will discover and like it. It can take time but in the end you will love these guys. Don´t forget Alligator, another surprise for me after listening Boxer.
  5. 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."
  6. 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
  7. 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?
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. JohnK
    May 23, 2007
    10
    Just amazing!
  12. gigis
    May 24, 2007
    8
    Una piacevole scoperta , album che non si stanca mai di ascoltare.
  13. TheNational
    May 26, 2007
    10
    awesome full stop
  14. 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.
  15. natej
    May 27, 2007
    10
    Immense and beautiful
  16. Waugh
    May 31, 2007
    9
    Xo oX and Ed Leisurewear are both idiots.
  17. rosen
    May 31, 2007
    10
    album of the year.
  18. mattb
    Jun 24, 2007
    9
    i realized that i was in love with my girlfriend while listening to this album
  19. 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.
  20. georgeb.
    Jun 27, 2007
    10
    those guys can sing
  21. AndyB
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    that they haven't been hailed as the greatest band writing today only proves what floats and what doesn't.
  22. ZacharyM
    Jul 24, 2007
    10
    This is the best album of the year so far. When I saw The National live this past year, they seemed like an 'above par' band that could work on a few elements as they mainly played songs from their 2005 release Alligator. But Boxer, consisting of more intense moments, more raw emotion (that isn't emo, but is a mature relational emotion), has been a nonstop listen for me all This is the best album of the year so far. When I saw The National live this past year, they seemed like an 'above par' band that could work on a few elements as they mainly played songs from their 2005 release Alligator. But Boxer, consisting of more intense moments, more raw emotion (that isn't emo, but is a mature relational emotion), has been a nonstop listen for me all summer. When I saw them live in Seattle last month, they had a poise and a confidence that I've seen in only a few bands. The Boxer is a masterpiece, an folksy rock epic, and a true rarity.… Expand
  23. PhilM
    Jul 28, 2007
    10
    This is a stunner. I agree wholehearetdly with "The Onion" review above. At first glance, this seems dullsville. But this album gets right uner your skin with a constant stream of gorgeous, subtle, warming melodies that is not currently letting anything else near the headphones. Album of the year!
  24. THATMUSICGUY
    Aug 16, 2007
    10
    Album of the Year. Hits every high, low, and in between dynamic at a level of aesthetics, few artists achieve. Reminds you that basic songwriting is all it takes to achieve stellar hights in the realm of recording. The production of every song is perfect, and honestly, i think this album is more compareable to OK Computer than ANYTHING else I've heard since. That's not to say Album of the Year. Hits every high, low, and in between dynamic at a level of aesthetics, few artists achieve. Reminds you that basic songwriting is all it takes to achieve stellar hights in the realm of recording. The production of every song is perfect, and honestly, i think this album is more compareable to OK Computer than ANYTHING else I've heard since. That's not to say it's at the same level as the best album ever made, but it's one of the few records within spitting distance, I'd say.… Expand
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. JustinB.
    Sep 21, 2007
    8
    Not as good as alligator, but, what is? this is a very good album.
  28. 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.
  29. BobD.
    Apr 13, 2008
    10
    mad mad good. after being introduced by "mistaken for strangers," i used to think they're were too many slow songs on here. but now i relish this album for its somber mood. a slow grower, but highly recommended.
  30. JonnyR.
    Jul 13, 2008
    9
    It seems as though the National intentionally leave off some of their best material from their albums.
  31. JoeDoe
    Dec 14, 2007
    10
    It's an absolutely great album! I've heard them for the first time on got radio just a couple of hours before. And yes, I already have the album.
  32. 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+… Collapse
  33. alaNBrait
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    This is tremendous, amazing, outstanding, lyrically and musically, an instant classic for music and certainly best album of 2007 and best album from the band,
  34. j30
    Jan 26, 2012
    10
    Amazing album. The dark, soulful LP from the Brooklyn based band is one of my favorite albums from 2007. Matt Berninger's low, crooning voice and Bryan Devendorf's bruising drums carry this album to great heights.
  35. 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
  36. KitsGravity
    Dec 1, 2012
    10
    The album reflects the ideas and philosophies of a grown up man and his emotions are displayed in such great depth with some amazing music you haven't heard before. Yes, the album has a serious tone and it carries its own melody which is unique and depressing somewhat.
    Clearly the best album of 2000s.
  37. MBond1810
    Apr 12, 2013
    8
    Far better than its predecessor in terms of arrangements: these songs are truly flawless.
  38. Beverlyrdgeese
    May 1, 2013
    10
    Quite simply, a masterpiece of modern music. Deeply affective, darkly humorous, and as human as music can possibly be. Honestly the best album of the 2000s.
  39. aleamato
    Jun 20, 2013
    10
    I consider this album as a milestone of post-new-wave sound. Furthermore Matt Berninger's voice is outstanding, absolutely unique. Undoubtedly their best album!
  40. DanDanReviews
    Sep 21, 2014
    10
    The slow-burning masterwork of a band at it's creative peak, both totally comfortable with where they are, and yet still pushing their own creative abilities and perfecting their craft. A perfect listen from start to finish.
  41. Erdnussknacker
    Mar 9, 2016
    10
    As always and expected from The National, a really amazing and outstanding album. I'd definitely recommend it to all fans of the band or everyone who liked the other albums as well. If you're new to The National, buy it. Now.
  42. 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
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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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