Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 16
  2. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. Alternative Press
    70
    A slick, expertly crafted crossover plea that can't quite push Oakenfold past every other beat-happy producer out there. [Aug 2002, p.88]
  2. Kudos for making such a disparate collection hang together as a cohesive, upbeat, infectious whole.
  3. Diverse and constantly engaging.
  4. Mixer
    90
    A deep, dark and dirty affair. [June 2002, p.88]
  5. Yes, it's eclectic and he hasn't just slapped together a ragbag of Ibeefa anfums, but this record essentially suffers from a lack of ambition.
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. SimonB
    May 13, 2008
    6
    Paul Oakenfold's most notable album. Even if it does drench in pop sauce and stinks of "PLEASE PUT ME ON THE CHARTS" all over, it Paul Oakenfold's most notable album. Even if it does drench in pop sauce and stinks of "PLEASE PUT ME ON THE CHARTS" all over, it manages to sound good. Nevermind the songs with lyrics in them, they're unworthy of notice. Yet, the beats are catchy. I found myself listening to Harder They Fall, but not to Nelly Furtado nor that other guy she sings with. Ready Steady Go starts an album that seems very promising but then just shows there was nothing in its hand. Losing the bets, it just minimizes its great intro and replaces it with soft pop songs with good synths. Zoo York admirably immitates Requiem For a Dream's musical anthem, while the "Coke AD" song works nicely when just attempting to chill out. I like it, really. It could have been better, though. Full Review »
  2. StephenS.
    Sep 22, 2002
    10
    Southern Sun IS the song for 2002... greatest hit of the year here in Malta
  3. BitBurn
    Sep 20, 2002
    7
    Interesting record but not as consistent as the Oakenfold I was knew. A bit too hip-hoping to my taste. However, I must say, the song Interesting record but not as consistent as the Oakenfold I was knew. A bit too hip-hoping to my taste. However, I must say, the song "Southern Sun" with vocals from Carla Werner is simply unbelievable! Too bad the feel of that song isn't felt on the entire album. Still, a good record. Full Review »