Chemical Chords
by Stereolab
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Aug 19, 2008
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. NOW Magazine
    60
    They’ve got the formula down now, so you can’t sweat the technique, but it would make for a more engaging spin if Stereolab could mess with the equation now and again.
  2. Uncut
    60
    With a new album of the less pop material from these same sessions due later this year, let's hope for some new mutations.
  3. Blender
    60
    Endearing hints of '60s pop glow faintly beneath the frictionless surfaces of Gane's loops, chirps and austerely percolating rhythms. [Sep 2008, p.84]
  5. The Guardian
    60
    Their trademark Krautrock rhythms are shelved here in favour of Motown and French ye-ye flourishes that bring a schoolgirl enthusiasm to songs such as 'Neon Beanbag' and 'Daisy Click Clack,' rather than the propulsive power they desperately need. Saying that, things never quite get candy-floss cute.
  6. Mojo
    60
    They return with an eleventh album on which they seem to have distilled every good idea into these 14 short, smart songs. [Sep 2008, p.106]
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  7. PopMatters
    60
    Chemical Chords is a cute summer record, one that’s almost as easy to forget as it is to digest.
  8. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    Chemical Chords is a fine album by Stereolab standards, even if it does nothing to improve upon the band’s by now all-too-familiar sound.
  9. Urb
    60
    The tunes are taunt and chipper and the instrumentation is full and flirty as promised. But their tunefulness falls into question with these ears.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. DavidF
    Sep 8, 2008
    8
    This is a real treat, and easily their best since EMPEROR TOMATO KETCHUP - if not their best ever.
  2. KurtC
    Aug 28, 2008
    6
    Being a fan of Stereolab for 12 years now and bearing two tattoos in honor of them, I am very disappointed with 'Chemical Chords'. Being a fan of Stereolab for 12 years now and bearing two tattoos in honor of them, I am very disappointed with 'Chemical Chords'. It's their biggest mis-step in my opinion. As every review has touched on, there is no new ground covered here. The songs sound uninspired and like clones of one another. Two songs even begin the exact same way with the same drum fill. I couldn't believe that I had to struggle to make through my first listen of the album! I didn't enjoy it at all. A major let-down especially coming after their last true album, 'Margerine Eclipse' which was magnificent and probably their career's pinnacle.… Full Review »
  3. SeanN
    Aug 20, 2008
    8
    Stereolab is going the distance, and so am I.
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