Challengers
by The New Pornographers
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2007
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 77 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 77
  3. Negative: 2 out of 77

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Ricko
    Mar 6, 2012
    7
    For the most part this is pretty inoffensive indie music. It's got some nice tracks but nothing that will completely blow you away. Things that go to make heaven and earth and my rights versus yours are pretty good songs but there's not much that really takes off for me here.
  2. WarrenW.
    Oct 25, 2007
    6
    Where Mass Romantic and Twin Cinema succeed, Challengers fails. The aforementioned certainly are poppier, and that isn't the problem with this album, it's that they don't really have anything new to say, the choruses are repetitive to the point of boredom and while it is slower and darker, it's just old hat at this point. Not bad, just not up to the standards Where Mass Romantic and Twin Cinema succeed, Challengers fails. The aforementioned certainly are poppier, and that isn't the problem with this album, it's that they don't really have anything new to say, the choruses are repetitive to the point of boredom and while it is slower and darker, it's just old hat at this point. Not bad, just not up to the standards they've already set for themselves.… Expand
  3. RLB
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    The best Pornographers yet. Neko adds immeasurably, as always. Great, great songwriting. Very original, edgy, and flat out rocking!
  4. ChrisE
    Oct 12, 2007
    9
    Really a great album that is a grower but does not take that long to grow on you. I totally agree that those who gave it a low score did not give it much of a chance. There are at least 9 or 10 really solid tracks o here and some like "Adventures in Solitude", "Challengers", "My Rights versus Yours", "All the Showtoppers", "All the Things that Go to Make Heaven and Earth", "Go Places", Really a great album that is a grower but does not take that long to grow on you. I totally agree that those who gave it a low score did not give it much of a chance. There are at least 9 or 10 really solid tracks o here and some like "Adventures in Solitude", "Challengers", "My Rights versus Yours", "All the Showtoppers", "All the Things that Go to Make Heaven and Earth", "Go Places", and "Myriad Harbour" will be on my favorites play list for quite some time. A must have for anyone who likes pop music.… Expand
  5. EricS
    Oct 11, 2007
    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.
  6. Justin
    Oct 5, 2007
    9
    Yes, my first impression of this album was lukewarm, but with nearly a month of repeated listens, I now find this album engaging, gentle, and, more than anything, tremendous. "Adventures in Solitude" is one of the best songs the band has ever recorded. Both "Myriad Harbour" and "Mutiny, I Promise You" deserve permanent places in their live show, and "Challengers" feels like the Scorpions Yes, my first impression of this album was lukewarm, but with nearly a month of repeated listens, I now find this album engaging, gentle, and, more than anything, tremendous. "Adventures in Solitude" is one of the best songs the band has ever recorded. Both "Myriad Harbour" and "Mutiny, I Promise You" deserve permanent places in their live show, and "Challengers" feels like the Scorpions meets classic Fleetwood Mac. Once again, the critics speak too soon on an album.… Expand
  7. JMax
    Oct 4, 2007
    8
    This is a great album, but it will take you a while to really "get it". Best tracks are "All the Old Showstoppers", "Unguided", "Challengers", and "Adventures in Solitude"...this a more mature album full of songs about regret and sadness. It's probably not as good as "Twin Cinema" ("Sing Me Spanish Techno" was the best song of last year, with "These Are the Fables" not far behind") This is a great album, but it will take you a while to really "get it". Best tracks are "All the Old Showstoppers", "Unguided", "Challengers", and "Adventures in Solitude"...this a more mature album full of songs about regret and sadness. It's probably not as good as "Twin Cinema" ("Sing Me Spanish Techno" was the best song of last year, with "These Are the Fables" not far behind") but it's a much different kind of album. I think that this will be one of those albums that people will go back and listen to in 15 years and realize its brilliance. If you need instant gratification, this is not for you, but it's an incredibly deep album that needs to be listened to for a while to truly appreciate it. "All the Old Showstoppers" will be in your head for months, and expect to hear "My Rights vs. Yours" a LOT, especially in a politcally-charged climate.… Expand
  8. JasonL.
    Oct 3, 2007
    9
    Note to critics: it helps to listen to an album properly before reviewing it. Not that we care, we know this is a great album.
  9. chrisff
    Oct 3, 2007
    9
    F*&K Rolling Stone. I've only come upon this band within the last few months and I'm not familiar with their back catalogue--a friend played it and I knew after one listen I had to get a copy. Instantly catchy, melodic and edgy enough to be interesting.
  10. Joe
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    Dear critics: Boo hoo hoo! The New Pornographers haven't recorded an immediately likable album! As amazing and flawless as the first three albums are, did we really need another one? So they "slowed things down". There aren't as many "blooming, sing-songy" codas. These are still some amazing pop songs and even Bejar, whose numbers usually mar the proceedings, hands in three Dear critics: Boo hoo hoo! The New Pornographers haven't recorded an immediately likable album! As amazing and flawless as the first three albums are, did we really need another one? So they "slowed things down". There aren't as many "blooming, sing-songy" codas. These are still some amazing pop songs and even Bejar, whose numbers usually mar the proceedings, hands in three incredible tracks, especially the deliciously bizarre "Myriad Harbour". No, "Challengers" might not be instantly pop-tastic, but each song reveals its brilliance in time. Terrific album.… Expand
  11. AshbyJ.
    Sep 9, 2007
    9
    Couldn't agree more with others who feel this record is a grower -- which makes me mad that it only gets an aggregate of 75 on the Metacritic scale. Should be in the 80s -- and I really feel if the chumps at Rolling Stone, etc., would have given this an extra few listens, it would be rated mor highly. Oh well. It's a great record, if not quite up to Twin Cinema levels, still yet Couldn't agree more with others who feel this record is a grower -- which makes me mad that it only gets an aggregate of 75 on the Metacritic scale. Should be in the 80s -- and I really feel if the chumps at Rolling Stone, etc., would have given this an extra few listens, it would be rated mor highly. Oh well. It's a great record, if not quite up to Twin Cinema levels, still yet another stellar effort by the NPs.… Expand
  12. KellyD.
    Sep 9, 2007
    10
    I cannot stop playing this album. It gets better with every listen.
  13. ColinF
    Sep 9, 2007
    7
    While this collection may not have the memorable pizazz of the Porn's previous albums, the songs on Challengers are still whimsically catchy and write a handsome new chapter for this glorious Canadian band. The first single and song on the album, "My Rights Versus Yours," is a lyrical accomplishment and a musical attention-grabber. This is followed by the peppy "All The Old While this collection may not have the memorable pizazz of the Porn's previous albums, the songs on Challengers are still whimsically catchy and write a handsome new chapter for this glorious Canadian band. The first single and song on the album, "My Rights Versus Yours," is a lyrical accomplishment and a musical attention-grabber. This is followed by the peppy "All The Old Showstoppers," the epic "Challengers," and the unique yet engrossing "Myriad Harbor." While the songs are hit and miss after this point, you still believe that the NP's are one of the catchiest, most potent bands to come out of Canada in years...and I am thrilled to have tickets for one of their upcoming shows.… Expand
  14. ChrisP.
    Sep 6, 2007
    9
    . So I've bought all the Porno albums and have listened the shit out of all of them including this one. they're pretty awesome to try to change their format and still have consistently good songs.
  15. ChrisC
    Sep 4, 2007
    7
    Probably the weakest of their four albums, but still pretty good. It strips away the power pop caffeine-loaded bounciness of their other albums. In some songs they have such good song-craft that they grow on you and eventually demand your attention. In some, they don't, and it just sounds like Twin Cinema on valium. Overall, good album. Not a top-tenner, but I won't be selling Probably the weakest of their four albums, but still pretty good. It strips away the power pop caffeine-loaded bounciness of their other albums. In some songs they have such good song-craft that they grow on you and eventually demand your attention. In some, they don't, and it just sounds like Twin Cinema on valium. Overall, good album. Not a top-tenner, but I won't be selling it back any time soon.… Expand
  16. EricC.r
    Sep 2, 2007
    7
    What a way to start off a cd. "My Rights Versus Yours" is one of the catchiest songs I've heard in a while. Expect to hear it in previews and movies. But the rest of the album doesn't live up to this potential. It's not at all bad. It has one solid song after another. But when it's over, the first track is the only one you'll be humming. It's just not a What a way to start off a cd. "My Rights Versus Yours" is one of the catchiest songs I've heard in a while. Expect to hear it in previews and movies. But the rest of the album doesn't live up to this potential. It's not at all bad. It has one solid song after another. But when it's over, the first track is the only one you'll be humming. It's just not a memorable cd. Definitely pick up Twin Cinema if you don't own any of their cds, then move on to Mass Romantic. There's no rush to own this one, though it is worth owning.… Expand
  17. DC.
    Sep 1, 2007
    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 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.… Collapse
  18. JK
    Aug 31, 2007
    9
    This is their best record by far, you just have to let it sink in. "Failsafe" may not sound like a typical New Pornographers song, but it's got another amazing melody and Kathryn's first vocal is amazing. "Go Places" and "Challengers" are more subdued Neko tracks, but why can't the NPs take it slow? And, plus "All the Things That Go to Make Heaven and Earth" and "All the This is their best record by far, you just have to let it sink in. "Failsafe" may not sound like a typical New Pornographers song, but it's got another amazing melody and Kathryn's first vocal is amazing. "Go Places" and "Challengers" are more subdued Neko tracks, but why can't the NPs take it slow? And, plus "All the Things That Go to Make Heaven and Earth" and "All the Old Showstoppers" have some of that pep from the old albums everyone wants to hear.… Expand
  19. E.B.
    Aug 26, 2007
    10
    Listen to this album at least 3 times and then tell me it isn't the album of the year! It is literally in my CD player every day all month long! I can't take it out! Musical bliss!
  20. Chris
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    I'm starting to believe that this group can't make a bad album.
  21. GinaP
    Aug 25, 2007
    9
    Fucking amazing album. At first listen you might think different. But after the fifth time, you're completely in love.
  22. VitoC
    Aug 23, 2007
    10
    This album will grow on you.
  23. GabeH
    Aug 22, 2007
    8
    Coming in to this album loving everything this band has put out before, I admit it is a grower, as much of the press has written. The songs on this collection are, as a whole, more subdued. "All of The Things That Go to Make Heaven and Earth" is the fastest driving song on the album, reminiscent of "Electric Version," but Newman and Bejar's songs have never been impeded by pacing. Coming in to this album loving everything this band has put out before, I admit it is a grower, as much of the press has written. The songs on this collection are, as a whole, more subdued. "All of The Things That Go to Make Heaven and Earth" is the fastest driving song on the album, reminiscent of "Electric Version," but Newman and Bejar's songs have never been impeded by pacing. Even the slow songs here are catchy and pleasant. Just stick with this one for a while and you'll find they've made it four great albums in a row. (P.S.: buy the vinyl version, it sounds great!!)… Expand
  24. UncleN.
    Aug 22, 2007
    9
    Personally, I prefer Challengers to Twin Cinema. I think the Onion review hit the nail on the head. While at first, it sounds less spectacular than Twin Cinema, repeated listens allow the songs to sink into the soil of your soul. Overall, a very satisfying album. While you won't find a song that is as ridiculously catchy as 'The Bleeding Heart Show,' you will find songs Personally, I prefer Challengers to Twin Cinema. I think the Onion review hit the nail on the head. While at first, it sounds less spectacular than Twin Cinema, repeated listens allow the songs to sink into the soil of your soul. Overall, a very satisfying album. While you won't find a song that is as ridiculously catchy as 'The Bleeding Heart Show,' you will find songs that you will return to again and again ( Adventures in Solitude). Don't write this one off before giving it a fair listen.… Expand
  25. andyh
    Aug 21, 2007
    9
    the songs challengers and fail-safe are simply amazing!
  26. Nick
    Aug 20, 2007
    10
    It's their boldest album yet- maybe not as good as "Electric Version" but better than "Twin Cinema." Tracks 5 and 10 have the same power-pop they are known for, where the other tracks work spledidly as album cuts- more of a disc for hard-core fans, but for us, indie pop music simply does not get better.
  27. BillyS.
    Aug 20, 2007
    8
    After the blazing success, both critically and financially, of Twin Cinema, it's hard to expect something even better. Those who do place their expectations higher for Challengers probably will be dissapointed. This appears true from the majority of the reviews begining to pour in from media outlets. "Mellow", "gloomy", and "whimpy" have already been seen in multiple reviews. But After the blazing success, both critically and financially, of Twin Cinema, it's hard to expect something even better. Those who do place their expectations higher for Challengers probably will be dissapointed. This appears true from the majority of the reviews begining to pour in from media outlets. "Mellow", "gloomy", and "whimpy" have already been seen in multiple reviews. But don't let the apparent lack of drummer phenom Kurt Dahle put a damper on this great collection of tunes. Challengers is what it is: a collection of songs penned by Carl Newman reflecting on his recent move and new home in Brooklyn, NY. If anything, a little more Neko could be warranted.… Expand
  28. ScottS
    Aug 20, 2007
    9
    May be their best album. Probably none of the individual songs make the NP's Top Five, but it's the best (smoothest?) front-to-back listen of any of their discs yet. I've had it playing on infinite repeat for a month now, not skipping any songs...
  29. JonathonW
    Aug 20, 2007
    7
    Pleasant enough, if a bit boring in spots. This is a lot more mellow than their previous releases, so take that into consideration. Also, someone screwed up above--the Pitchfork rating should be a 60.
  30. PeterK.
    Aug 20, 2007
    9
    Their best album yet. Very nice integration of strings.
  31. EvanB.
    Aug 19, 2007
    10
    Metacritic editors: Filter gave this an 82, not a 74. This album deserves all the great reviews it can get!
  32. RobbyL.
    Aug 19, 2007
    10
    good album
  33. musicblitz
    Aug 18, 2007
    9
    The Filter review itself gives a grade of 82%. Why in the world is that downgraded to a 74 here? Furthermore, the NME review sounds like it is clearly aiming higher than an 80. Since when is "a staggering masterclass in indie-pop songwriting" an 80? What gives, Metacritic? 71? That makes absolutely no sense of what's being written so far.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Most Discussed Album of 2007
93
#93 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. Dusted Magazine
    50
    It is perfectly pleasant, mildly intelligent pop, perhaps a cut above the vast majority of songs with "la la la" choruses. Yet it has none of the elegant non sequitur of Bejar's best work, nor the barbed hookiness of Newman's, nor even the sheer musical sensuality of Case on her own
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    80
    Challengers, their fourth album, sees the band and its three main songwriters at the top of their game. [Sep 2007, p.99]
See all critic reviews »