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Challengers - The New Pornographers
Challengers Image
Metascore
74 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 63 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: The Canadian indie rock band's mellow fourth album.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. The A.V. Club
    91
    If previous New Pornographers albums are the musical equivalent of Jolt Cola, Challengers is the caffeine-free diet version: less sugary, more mature, initially not as invigorating, but ultimately just as addictive.
  2. PopMatters
    90
    More cinematic than "Twin Cinema," more cohesive than any other record released this year, Challengers is so very good it almost compels you to think in the cliches of music criticism.
  3. Pitchfork
    60
    Challengers tracks end with uncharacteristic whimpers instead of bangs.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. KellyD.
    10
    I cannot stop playing this album. It gets better with every listen.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. DC.
    10
    OK, this is a grower. The fist listens only serve to root these songs in your head. Once they're well rooted, this set of songs just flourish like crazy. To have gems like "Challengers", "Myriad Harbour" and "Unguided" on a single album is just mindblowing. "Myriad Harbour" has my vote for song of the year, you can hear everything from The Pixies to XTC and everything in between in there. Yes folks, TNP do it again, fourth classic album in a row. Just give these songs time.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  3. EricS
    10
    My favorite album of the past few years. As mentioned before, it takes a few listens, but the rewards are substantial. This is a great group and this is my favorite effort of theirs.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes

See all 32 User Reviews

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