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Congratulations Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 250 Ratings

  • Summary: Pete Kember produced the second album with the rock band led by Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, which also includes three members from the touring live band.

Top Track

Flash Delirium
Mild apprehension Blank dreams of the coming fun Distort the odds of a turnaround Gut screams out next to none So turn it on, tune it in And stay... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 39
  2. Negative: 1 out of 39
  1. Mojo
    100
    Brooklyn duo deliver shock psychedelic masterpiece. [May 2010, p. 96]
  2. The nine-song album aims for a more unified and introspective feel, a good deal darker, denser and less instantly accessible than the debut. Instead of concise singles, it more fully embraces the duo's interests in waving the Barrett-era freak flag
  3. 80
    Despite being haunted by the group's flip from rock-star charade to reality, Congratulations still brims with mischievous energy.
  4. Every track here has successful passages, but frustratingly, they too often turn out to be detours or trap doors. In general, the less cluttered and more focused their tracks are, the better they turn out.
  5. It's a brave, sometimes successful, but ultimately flawed attempt to evolve and grow the band's sound. The one crime is a distinct lack of any memorable tunes, but it will certainly stand as one of 2010's more interesting releases.
  6. With Congratulations, they attempt to not just keep it weird--which they've done--but to figure out how they can be in it for the long haul. It's a solid start.
  7. MGMT is like some nightmarish amalgam of those bands' [The Flaming Lips and Of Montreal] bottom-barrel ideas set to wanky synths, sometimes for up to 12 minutes (!!!) at a time.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 50
  2. Negative: 3 out of 50
  1. Jun 1, 2013
    10
    I'm just gonna start by saying that the album cover is pretty friggin' amazing. Its not something you see everyday. The songs are great. LadyI'm just gonna start by saying that the album cover is pretty friggin' amazing. Its not something you see everyday. The songs are great. Lady Dada's Nightmare, I Found A Whistle, and Siberian Breaks are my favorite songs on this album. Expand
  2. CraigtD.
    Apr 15, 2010
    10
    Wipes the floor with everything this year.
  3. DavidM.
    Apr 14, 2010
    10
    What a grower of an album. Soon it will be drilling itself into your subconscious.
  4. 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 immediateAfter 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. Expand
  5. Nov 14, 2021
    8
    Not everyone's cup of tea , as many people have many different taste. Congratulation has that specific taste that some people like very muchNot everyone's cup of tea , as many people have many different taste. Congratulation has that specific taste that some people like very much and dislike very much Expand
  6. Jun 7, 2012
    8
    Upon first listen, I didn't particularly care for Congratulations, but, with subsequent plays, it has grown on me considerably. If you at allUpon first listen, I didn't particularly care for Congratulations, but, with subsequent plays, it has grown on me considerably. If you at all enjoyed Oracular Spectacular for more than just its three singles: Kid's, Electric Feel, and Time to Pretend, you will enjoy this album. I am greatly looking forward to the bands third release. Expand
  7. May 26, 2011
    0
    After such an amazing debut I was seriously disappointed with the dire, forgettable crap that followed.

See all 50 User Reviews