Congratulations
by MGMT
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Apr 13, 2010
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 250 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 214 out of 250
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 250
  3. Negative: 15 out of 250

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  1. MattA
    Apr 13, 2010
    9
    In my personal opinion... I went into this album knowing that it would be very different than their last. They have been known to say that they are trying to make an album that is, "Less Radio Friendly" than their last... This would generally give them an excuse to suck, and be able to release anything with an, "I told you so..." mentality... ... ... See MoreThat said... I actually really In my personal opinion... I went into this album knowing that it would be very different than their last. They have been known to say that they are trying to make an album that is, "Less Radio Friendly" than their last... This would generally give them an excuse to suck, and be able to release anything with an, "I told you so..." mentality... ... ... See MoreThat said... I actually really dig this new album. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that I like it better than their last. Now I wasn't the BIGGEST fan of their last... i liked it, but it left me wanting more in substance at times... that is where "Congratulations" differs from "Oracular Spectacular" and for several other reasons. The overall instrumentals i.e. drums, guitar, and synth are taken up a notch and build in each song. There are moments of what i like to call, "sonic brilliance" on this album. The songs on this album build to a climax, which displays a maturity in the song structure. They have grown out of simply starting and ending a song in a linear fashion, they grow with it. While there are no mega-hits, and I can't recommend this to anybody who isn't into electronic/alternative and isn't willing to just close their eyes and listen to the way the music is set up... then again... if most people did that... KISS FM and KROQ would be out of business... It's not a casual listen. But as a whole, it's more rewarding than their last album. No real catchy hit...but the sound makes up for it. 8.5/10… Expand
  2. PhadoV
    Apr 13, 2010
    9
    A great album. Very underrated.
  3. ChristianB
    Apr 14, 2010
    8
    Infinitely better than Oracular. There's not a single weak song on the entire tracklist, unlike the former which was mostly filler.
  4. BertBert`brett.w
    Apr 15, 2010
    2
    This album blows! Congratulations is the only good track.
  5. CraigtD.
    Apr 15, 2010
    10
    Wipes the floor with everything this year.
  6. EricA
    Apr 13, 2010
    9
    Still fantastic even without the mass market singles.
  7. JoshS.
    Apr 13, 2010
    9
    I listened to this album from the beginning expecting an aimless, pretentious, precious attempt at trying too hard to be different from their acclaimed debut. But as much as the idea of an MGMT album without singles and with the electro-pop turned to zero and the psychadelia turned to eleven turned me off, I can't stop listening to this. With each listen I enjoy every track more, I listened to this album from the beginning expecting an aimless, pretentious, precious attempt at trying too hard to be different from their acclaimed debut. But as much as the idea of an MGMT album without singles and with the electro-pop turned to zero and the psychadelia turned to eleven turned me off, I can't stop listening to this. With each listen I enjoy every track more, with the possible exception of Lady Dada's Nightmare. Overall, it reminds me of a listenable version of the type of music Animal Collective or Yeasayer are making. I think this is a better overall record than their first, even if none of the tracks individually surpass Kids, Electric Feel, Time to Pretend, or The Youth.… Expand
  8. Gene
    Apr 13, 2010
    9
    This is one of the most rewarding record to have come out in the past couple of year -- the right combination of strong melodies and intricate production, whimsy and discipline. It delays gratification in favor of revealing its charms gradually over repeated listens. If you are still on the fence about it, set aside 45 minutes, get away from your computer, put on your best headphones and This is one of the most rewarding record to have come out in the past couple of year -- the right combination of strong melodies and intricate production, whimsy and discipline. It delays gratification in favor of revealing its charms gradually over repeated listens. If you are still on the fence about it, set aside 45 minutes, get away from your computer, put on your best headphones and let it take you for a ride. I liked their first record, but Congratulation really made me believe in this band.… Expand
  9. MackM.
    Apr 13, 2010
    8
    This is a very good follow up to Oracular Spectacular, but and i WOULD recommend it to people who liked kids as if its is not the MGMT you like, you will find something else in this album to love. Highlights- It's Working Flash Delirium Siberian Breaks Congratulations.
  10. DavidM.
    Apr 14, 2010
    10
    What a grower of an album. Soon it will be drilling itself into your subconscious.
  11. ChrisK.
    Apr 14, 2010
    3
    I can't think of a lousier sophomore album after an amazing debut since Fiona Apple. This follows in the footsteps of the latest releases by The Flaming Lips and Of Montreal. File under - "Too Many Drugs in the Studio" or "Drinking One's Own Kool-Aid".
  12. HunterL.
    Apr 14, 2010
    10
    Fantastic album, its not the exact same style as Oracular Spectacular, but that's not in any way a bad thing! It shows that MGMT is going to grow and advance rather than just stick to their one formula, the songs are varied yet very cohesive, there is certainly something in here for every listener.
  13. MattB.
    Apr 14, 2010
    5
    Practically a forever changes rip off in parts, fortunately this one won't age well.
  14. Keir
    Apr 16, 2010
    7
    It's a reasonable album, but anyone who raves about it is just going to go sit in a starbucks, read pitchfork, listen to music that "no one's ever heard of" and be ironic. So if you're an indie hipster that has to fit into every fad ever than this is the album for you. Download it illigally, buy the cd, the vinyl when it's out, and a t shirt. If anyone tells you the It's a reasonable album, but anyone who raves about it is just going to go sit in a starbucks, read pitchfork, listen to music that "no one's ever heard of" and be ironic. So if you're an indie hipster that has to fit into every fad ever than this is the album for you. Download it illigally, buy the cd, the vinyl when it's out, and a t shirt. If anyone tells you the album is sub-par, say MGMT did it to be ironic.… Expand
  15. DanO
    Apr 16, 2010
    9
    After a few listens I can say I enjoy it more than Oracular Spectacular. Overall the album is very solid. I found a whistle!!
  16. ZacK
    Apr 17, 2010
    10
    All the right decisions from this band. This is not a bullshit KIDS2 collection. These guys are the best thing around, forget all the negativity.
  17. FredericL.
    Apr 19, 2010
    9
    An excellent second album that will make the indie-hipsters freak out...Nevermind the poseurs! Definitely on the same level as great psyche albums such as "Da Capo" or "Odessey & Oracles". Can´t wait for album 3 and let´s hope we have a second Metanoia-style EP in the middle.
  18. gab
    Apr 13, 2010
    8
    At first I thought oracular specacular was way better, but after a few listens I learned to truly appreciate it. It doesnt have any singles like kids or electric feel, but it still is an excellent album.
  19. DocGonzo
    Apr 13, 2010
    9
    Surprised at the tepid critical response thus far. To my ears, this is an incredibly cohesive psychedelic album absolutely brimming with excellent musical ideas. It's a great new direction for a talented young band.
  20. RickG
    Apr 14, 2010
    9
    Better than most music these days, in fact the more I listen to it...the better it gets. Loving every second.
  21. KazK
    Apr 19, 2010
    5
    This album feels like a b side album or the album they should of released pre Oracular Spectacular... to be honest i was excited about this album and hoping to see them at some festivals this year but now i'm not too bothered. the album contains good music but nothing special!
  22. Armington
    Dec 3, 2010
    8
    What on earth do you do with your sophomore release if you're MGMT? In 2008 their inventive debut album of radio-friendly megahits provoked such a frenzy of superlatives from the like of Radio 1 and NME that their collective drool of the critics was detected oozing out of car-stereo speakers and strewn magazine pages for months afterwards.
    And certainly Oracular Spectacular was good - very    What on earth do you do with your sophomore release if you're MGMT? In 2008 their inventive debut album of radio-friendly megahits provoked such a frenzy of superlatives from the like of Radio 1 and NME that their collective drool of the critics was detected oozing out of car-stereo speakers and strewn magazine pages for months afterwards.
    And certainly Oracular Spectacular was good - very good even - although it was a smidge front-loaded. But just how does an ambitious young band follow the "most in-demand album" in the world? Well, if you're MGMT, you ditch all that easy, brilliant pop accessibility and embark your expectant audience upon a voyage into a farcical universe swelling with psychedelic goofiness, unruly song structures and, err, Brian Eno. And, you know what, congratulations are in order. Ok, so it hasn't had Jo Whiley squealing all over the airwaves like a cat whose tail's been stamped on by a stiletto. All the better. Congratulations, despite the absence of an audience wower like 'Time to Pretend', is a denser, more consistent effort than its well-hyped predecessor; a unified listening experience rather than a mere compilation of singles. It's a daring departure from the formula that has won them so much favour and, whilst it doesn't risk 'Kid A' style alienation, the bold move deservedly draws such lofty comparison.    … Expand
  23. Tolf
    Sep 3, 2010
    10
    An amazing album that is meant to be listened from front to back. If you're iffy on it after the first listen do yourself a favour and listen to it in its entirety a couple more times. This album will grow on you but as most reviews indicate, do not expect Kids or Time to Pretend type tracks.
  24. iamanicon
    May 26, 2011
    0
    After such an amazing debut I was seriously disappointed with the dire, forgettable crap that followed.
  25. MidnightShow
    Sep 14, 2010
    8
    Not as many hits as Oracular Spectacular but perhaps more consistant , a good album but not fantastic

    If the 3 singles from OS were on this and it would be fantastic
  26. MusicIsMyFriend
    Dec 18, 2010
    9
    After a couple almost full attentioned listens, I feel this album is much stronger than their first album. It won't wow you with immediate singles, but it is mesmerizing through it's entirety and I like the 12 minute Siberian Breaks. They seem to have nailed down a consistent sound with this album.
  27. Film_Fanatic_15
    Nov 22, 2010
    5
    The melodies seem to be the only reason I am not hating the album as much as I would want to. The vocals and song arrangements aren't that appealing to my tastes, and leaves me thinking: "What's the big deal with MGMT?"
  28. Vampire25
    Dec 30, 2010
    9
    An amazing second album by MGMT. The sound of this album is just beautiful. They've really matured since their first album Oracular Spectacular. The album opens up with "It's Working" and that song is like the definition of psychedelic rock. And the song "Congratulations" is just a beautiful song to end the album with. All In All, Congratulations is one of my favorite Psychedelic albums. A-
  29. JasonSmith
    Jul 30, 2011
    9
    An awesome sophomore album. One of the better album to come out this generation of **** music. Siberian Breaks is on of the greatest songs to listen to while stoned. It blows your **** mind!
  30. j30
    Aug 15, 2011
    7
    MGMT seems like they decided to go the "Of Moons, Birds, and Monsters" route from the debut LP. Which happens to be my favorite song from that record. I look forward to see what they do next.
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Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Most Discussed Album of 2010
28
#28 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 39
  3. Negative: 1 out of 39
  1. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    58
    This airy prog-psych self-indulgence is merely an elaboration of the back half of that debut--the half I tuned out then but appreciate some now, because, even as self-indulgent elaborations go, the follow-up's a doozy.
    Read full review
  2. Paste Magazine
    70
    Cowbells and organ chords set the frenetic pace for this crazed and eerie take on surf music that namechecks the godfather of ambient in its punkest track.
    Read full review
  3. Trouser Press
    80
    MGMT's first long-player may have included catchier singles, but Congratulations is the better album, trading Oracular's deceptive superficiality for psychedelic grandeur. Of course, like all psychedelic things, that grandeur is pretty deceptive, too.
    Read full review
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