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Burst Apart
by
Burst Apart Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 73 Ratings

  • Summary: The Brooklyn band return with a follow-up to their indie-rock landmark album, Hospice.
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Top Track

I Don't Want Love
You wanna climb up the stairs I wanna push you back down But I let you inside So you can push me around If I leave before you And I walk out... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    May 18, 2011
    100
    It's best to purely take in the dissimilarity of this exceptional new album in contrast to Hospice--it's downright astonishing on its very own.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Jun 14, 2011
    90
    As an exercise in maintaining artistic form, it's an indisputable success.
  3. Filter
    Jun 6, 2011
    82
    The Antlers maintain the poignancy that becomes them and the result is an album bursting with richness.
  4. CMJ
    May 6, 2011
    80
    Burst Apart is smart and calculated without feeling as though you're being duped by artificial feelings.
  5. Prefix Magazine
    May 10, 2011
    80
    Thanks to his varied songwriting, there's nary a weak link in Burst Apart. It might not benefit from the easy hooks of a concept album, but if you stick around till the end, it is every bit as rewarding as Hospice.
  6. Paste Magazine
    May 9, 2011
    76
    As it stands Burst Apart is a record of big songs from a band that's good at generating big songs, and we should be relieved that The Antlers can be impressive without an overarching concept behind them.
  7. No Ripcord
    May 9, 2011
    60
    Burst Apart is a passable follow-up to an incredible record, but that's all it is. Passable.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Leachworth
    May 30, 2011
    10
    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful and it just gets better after every listen. I loved Hospice but this one I feel is even better. I keep findingBeautiful, beautiful, beautiful and it just gets better after every listen. I loved Hospice but this one I feel is even better. I keep finding little things I hadn't noticed on the last listen - can't recommend it enough.… Expand
  2. flamiejamie
    May 14, 2011
    10
    There is only one reason why I registered at Metacritic - to rate this very album. I have been browsing Metacritic for about four years now,There is only one reason why I registered at Metacritic - to rate this very album. I have been browsing Metacritic for about four years now, and never have I had the urge to write a review more than for this album. It is simply stunning. There is another dramatic storyline, but while I rate this a ten, it is not quite as good as their first, but definitely my album of 2011.… Expand
  4. andrewsky124
    Jun 3, 2011
    10
    Somewhat of a limited review since I've only listened to it once, but The Antlers seem to just get better and better with each album. Go outSomewhat of a limited review since I've only listened to it once, but The Antlers seem to just get better and better with each album. Go out and support the artist on this album and you won't regret it.… Expand
  5. Steiner
    May 10, 2011
    10
    A great album that is different from their first but good in that sense. From start to finish every song is good and it's easy to get into.A great album that is different from their first but good in that sense. From start to finish every song is good and it's easy to get into. The vocals sometimes remind me of Jeff Buckley and I like the instrumental songs. It is what it is and this Burst Apart is a good album. I can't wait to see them live in San Fransisco. It's going to be one hell of a show.… Expand
  6. moav
    May 21, 2011
    10
    Once you hear the debut album you know this band is going places, It was only a matter of time until they're about to reach their pick, orOnce you hear the debut album you know this band is going places, It was only a matter of time until they're about to reach their pick, or perhaps one of them. This dream-pop/rock band knows just how to keep you craving for more, if it's album-wize or song-wize. I don't think I've found one average track to diss, only if you like this genre. This album is a must have for a morning commute and deep thought divers.… Expand
  7. Ricko
    Feb 27, 2015
    8
    The follow up to the acclaimed Hospice doesnt disappoint, and in my opinion is a better album. I liked Hospice a lot but this is a lot moreThe follow up to the acclaimed Hospice doesnt disappoint, and in my opinion is a better album. I liked Hospice a lot but this is a lot more melodic, a lot brighter and altogether theres lot more to like about it. Its not going to have loads of hit singles but its not that type of record, its just really good and Id recommend it highly. Production is great on this also. It will be interesting to see where this band goes next.… Expand
  8. aserv
    May 11, 2011
    7
    This album is good but not great. After listening to it several times it seems as though it is a great departure from the depressing butThis album is good but not great. After listening to it several times it seems as though it is a great departure from the depressing but brilliant "Hospice." This album lacks some originality that Hospice possessed. I am still very happy with this album. I especially enjoy the track "Parentheses" because I can hear that familiar Antlers sound most clear in this song. The songs are much more upbeat and catchy but at the same time, they are more forgettable. I will never forget the way "Kettering" from Hospice made me feel the first time I listened to it. This album is lacking in that area. Songs don't have to be depressing to be good, but there has to be something defining about them in order to leave a lasting impression. This album is one of the better releases of 2011 but I'd be lying if I envisioned myself listening to it a year from now as much as I still listen to Hospice.… Expand

See all 15 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best Album of 2011
80
#80 Most Discussed Album of 2011