Cross
by Justice
  • Record Label: Vice
  • Release Date: Jul 10, 2007
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 149 out of 158
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 158
  3. Negative: 7 out of 158

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. clem666
    Mar 14, 2021
    7
    Few bands manage to create such a derivative, powerful and aggressive ambience without getting everyone lost. The duo Justice struck really hard on their debut eponymous album. Far from being comparable to another famous french DJ duo (aka the Daft Punk) Justice stand out by their more abrasive, visceral and discordant upbeat tracks.

    Even if I can only recognize the presence of some    Few bands manage to create such a derivative, powerful and aggressive ambience without getting everyone lost. The duo Justice struck really hard on their debut eponymous album. Far from being comparable to another famous french DJ duo (aka the Daft Punk) Justice stand out by their more abrasive, visceral and discordant upbeat tracks.

    Even if I can only recognize the presence of some fabulous switches and surprises characterising Justice's ballsy raw approach I also have to admit some tracks can easily give headache. 'Stress' couldn't bear a better title but is a perfect example of a track shining by the constancy of its hardcore style. Surprisingly I found that the songs with vocals on it were the most dreadful as 'DVNO' and 'The Party'.    … Expand
  2. Gibbous
    May 11, 2020
    9
    Cross shows the absolute power of GarageBand.

    Best Tracks: Genesis, Let There Be Light, D.A.N.C.E, Phantom, Phantom Pt. II, Valentine, Tthhee Ppaarrttyy, Stress, Waters of Nazareth
    Worst Tracks: DVNO
  3. SojerManLan
    Feb 2, 2020
    10
    Let's be real. Justice already proved themselves with the We Are Your Friends remix. This is their first studio debut and oh boy, is it a strong one. Must-have for all Justice fans out there. Genesis is the song which made me listen to whole discography of the French duo. Goddamn, I love France. Elegance, music and espionage.
  4. aukalender
    Jul 11, 2019
    9
    CROSS is a dynamic, loud, and great album. DANCE is now very famous, and deservedly so. Stress and Phantom p.1 & p.2 are also high points.
  5. H2S04123
    Jan 27, 2018
    10
    Pure Badassery.
    Justice were relatively kinda unheard of when they remixed a few songs including a Franz Ferdinand single. That too hardly gave away the ghost behind Cross's hallmarks. Nobody would've thought they'd combine components of punk and acid rock with disco quite like they ended up doing. For me the time at which this album was released was a perfect time for its release, and    Pure Badassery.
    Justice were relatively kinda unheard of when they remixed a few songs including a Franz Ferdinand single. That too hardly gave away the ghost behind Cross's hallmarks. Nobody would've thought they'd combine components of punk and acid rock with disco quite like they ended up doing. For me the time at which this album was released was a perfect time for its release, and one thing's for sure - It sure has aged pretty gracefully - To me at least.    … Expand
  6. Heavixd
    Nov 4, 2017
    10
    Best album of Justice by far, amazing flow and rhythm, every single song feels special in some way. The french always make the best electronic music d00ds.
  7. Kelson
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    A masterpiece. Supreme. This album definitely shows the greatness of french electronic music world. Innovation that only Justice or Daft Punk could bring to that era. The whole album gives an extremely good energy to the listener. One of the best albums in EDM.
  8. chrismcn
    Sep 6, 2013
    9
    Justice stick out like a sore thumb when it comes to electro. They use all of the tried and true formulas to making a dance hit, yet it never, ever sounds uncreative or generic. This album is very distinct, as the use of a loud and gritty synth is used on nearly all the tracks (D.A.N.C.E being the only one without it) sometimes it is used in short stabs (Stress) and sometimes it is used asJustice stick out like a sore thumb when it comes to electro. They use all of the tried and true formulas to making a dance hit, yet it never, ever sounds uncreative or generic. This album is very distinct, as the use of a loud and gritty synth is used on nearly all the tracks (D.A.N.C.E being the only one without it) sometimes it is used in short stabs (Stress) and sometimes it is used as the lead of the track (Genesis, Phantom pt.1, Waters of Nazareth) This is great because now Justice have a very handy factor; a signature sound. The most Justice-y tracks (Waters of Nazareth, Phantom part 1 and 2, Genesis) are by far the best, with the vocal tracks DVNO and D.A.N.C.E. being radio and dancefloor friendly. (Save for Uffie's terrible contribution on Tthhee Ppaarrttyy which would have been better as an instrumental).… Expand
  9. MusiqueReview
    Jul 30, 2013
    9
    I don't really see why people keep comparing Justice to Daft Punk. They both totally have unique sounds. That being said, this album is, in my opinion, one of the best electronic albums of the last decade. I was getting tired of the endless flow of house music on the radio, and i almost thought that there was never going to be an artist as good as daft punk, patrick alavi or evenI don't really see why people keep comparing Justice to Daft Punk. They both totally have unique sounds. That being said, this album is, in my opinion, one of the best electronic albums of the last decade. I was getting tired of the endless flow of house music on the radio, and i almost thought that there was never going to be an artist as good as daft punk, patrick alavi or even deadmau5. That was before i discovered this album.
    It starts off with a dark, grungy sound on the epic opener ''genesis''. If you don't like this sound, you might as well just stop listening already. What comes afterwards is, in my opinion, sort of a roadblock. ''Let there be light'' starts with promising drums, but sticks to the simple four-chord melody for basically the rest of the song. Luckily, the good things keep going on afterwards, with the extremely catchy ''D.A.N.C.E'', the professionally sampled ''Newjack" and, the highlights of the album, ''Phantom'' and ''Phantom pt. 2''. These songs are the album in a nutshell: grungy, distorted, dark, but melodic at the same time. The 6 songs that come afterwards are awesome, good, or in the worst case, ''not that good''. They never completely disappoint though. The album ends with ''one minute to midnight'', which kind of sounds like rock music, just like ''stress''.
    If you are a fan of a dark, raw sound you might just love this album. If you like a lighter sound, just stick to the radio-house, for sake.

    Great songs: Genesis, D.A.N.C.E, Phantom, Phantom pt. 2, Stress, One minute to midnight.
    Less-great songs: Let there be light, Ttthhheee pppaaarrrtttyyy, DVNO    … Expand
  10. Geologist
    May 21, 2013
    8
    It's one bass booming, riff jamming, beat dropping house album. Irreverently entertaining compared to Daft Punk, and will put thee under a spell that makes the feet move and one's head bobbing.
  11. BrunoZrZr
    Mar 9, 2013
    8
    Very original tracks, one of the bests actual electronic albums, mix of dance, pop, rock and other alternative features makes this album unique and different, and that's very good.
  12. fredfunk04
    Mar 22, 2011
    10
    I've been waiting for a dance album this good for years. Not since Homework or Metro Area have I been so jaw-droppingly astounded by the quality of not only the production on the tracks, but the actual tunes themselves. The quality does drop slightly the further you progress through Cross, but it starts at such a high level that this is inevitable. If you love quality dance or electronicaI've been waiting for a dance album this good for years. Not since Homework or Metro Area have I been so jaw-droppingly astounded by the quality of not only the production on the tracks, but the actual tunes themselves. The quality does drop slightly the further you progress through Cross, but it starts at such a high level that this is inevitable. If you love quality dance or electronica and you don't have this album, then stop reading this sentence and....… Expand
  13. Overchure
    Oct 31, 2010
    10
    Well... this caught me by suprise. Everyone compares this to Daft Punk, but -here's the shocker- it's not. Every song has it's own feel. The highlights of course are Genesis, D.A.N.C.E., Waters of Nazareth and my favorite, Stress. Every time I listen to each song, I notice new sound I never heard before. A masterful album, hats off to Justice, I'm still in awe.
  14. ClifC
    May 16, 2009
    8
    While we are all waiting for a REAL come back by Daft Punk, we can enjoy this great album by Justice. Standout tracks: "Let There Be Light", "Stress" and "Waters of Nazareth".
  15. GuillaumeF
    Apr 8, 2009
    10
    I was nearly crying when listening to the rubbishy Daft Punk's Human After All. Two years later, Justice's Cross made me smile again. There are no highlight here that can come up with Around the World or Digital love (although DVNO and Let there be Light aren't that far), but it's overall better : there's not a single weak track ! It's maybe not quite I was nearly crying when listening to the rubbishy Daft Punk's Human After All. Two years later, Justice's Cross made me smile again. There are no highlight here that can come up with Around the World or Digital love (although DVNO and Let there be Light aren't that far), but it's overall better : there's not a single weak track ! It's maybe not quite innovative, of course, but what it does, it does it very, very well. That deserves a 10 in my opinion.… Collapse
  16. RyanG
    Jan 23, 2009
    8
    While brief, this record is a great combination of dance beats and overdriving crunch with catchy melodies and Soulwax-like electronica tricks.
  17. StefanoR
    Nov 6, 2008
    10
    Think the most beautiful album i got. it's always running on my hi fi at home,on my ipod, on my car, even if it was released one year ago!
  18. NishantC
    Oct 19, 2008
    10
    An album with the ability to turn people from electro-haters to electro-lovers.
  19. AndrewP
    Oct 16, 2008
    10
    One of the greatest Electronic albums in the last decade, Justice knows how make a dance album, and they do it well. Blaring hits such as "Waters of Nazareth" and "DVNO" are but a few among the truly epic songs on the album. My advice, "Go Buy This Album!"
  20. DavidM.
    Sep 14, 2008
    10
    Best album of any genre last year (and this year, compared to the truckload of FAIL and AIDS that got dumped on the public this year).
  21. M.C.
    Sep 6, 2008
    9
    Reminds me of Jackson and his Computer Band Awesome...!
  22. LucasL.
    Aug 24, 2008
    10
    This is by far the best and most creative album of 2007. With both raw power and intense beats, this makes for a great play at a club, a superb album to listen to at home, and I would absolutely LOVE to see this in a film someday.
  23. ChrisB.
    Mar 26, 2008
    8
    Harder, Faster, Stronger than Daft will ever be, however I can see the simularities. This is the album you love at first listen and only gets better. Very Impressive.
  24. Neutro
    Feb 2, 2008
    8
    I have to disagree with some people.. D A N C E is almost cringeworthy, however - the rest of the album is top notch.
  25. NoelS
    Jan 12, 2008
    10
    Will anyone ever stop comparing Justice to Daft Punk? They are two different acts with two different styles. The only thing they have in common is that they are French. Regardless, Cross is my favorite album of 2007, hands down.
  26. Nato
    Dec 29, 2007
    8
    Almost top of the class, not quite as good as daft punk but not far off. a sexy and fun album.
  27. AmurabiM.
    Nov 27, 2007
    7
    They´re not totally different to Daft Punk. They´re not building the reborn of dance music. They´re not getting back again the rave and disco culture. They´re sound a little bit original but not too much. They´re feeling to me overrated: oh, yeah.
  28. NateR.
    Oct 9, 2007
    10
    Quite simply an amazing, pumping, electric album. Too bad only 3 songs have lyrics. Still, Waters of Nazerath and Newjack are sweet beats. Great album to buy.
  29. MateuszS.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    I agree, amazing samples and rhythm.
  30. Ace
    Sep 24, 2007
    8
    The renaissance of dance is here! What better an album then Cross to put you in the mood to dance. And who better then this duo to put the romance back into of electronic. It's like finding a new boyfriend and he likes to d.a.n.c.e. to the b.e.a.t
  31. AdamW
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    Greatest debut since Daft Punk's 'Homework'. Killer from top to bottom.
  32. Scottie
    Sep 12, 2007
    7
    When I first heard this record, I thought to myself sarcastically, "I wonder if the boys from Justice ever listened to any of the Daft Punk records." True, Justice sounds remarkably like the French house pioneers, but what the duo lacks in vision they make up for in a absolutely solid dance record. Organic and rock-ready, the record is worthy of most of the praise it has received (albeit When I first heard this record, I thought to myself sarcastically, "I wonder if the boys from Justice ever listened to any of the Daft Punk records." True, Justice sounds remarkably like the French house pioneers, but what the duo lacks in vision they make up for in a absolutely solid dance record. Organic and rock-ready, the record is worthy of most of the praise it has received (albeit a touch overrated).… Expand
  33. Oligami
    Sep 11, 2007
    4
    It's official: D.A.N.C.E. is the catchiest song of the year. If only the rest of 'Cross' were as Daft Punk-ey...
  34. JamesW
    Sep 6, 2007
    9
    Why do the French make the best (fun) dance music? I haven't been able to stop listening to this album since I brought it. It is no understatement when I say that this is one of the best dance albums this year. Much, MUCH better than 'From Here We Go Sublime'...
  35. Kidchair
    Aug 29, 2007
    8
    Not a PERFECT record, but next to LCD Soundsystem's "Sounds of Silver," it's the best dance/electronic record of the year. The first bunch of tracks blow your mind, while others don't work quite as well. Still, it's a very solid album and should be liked by any fan of crazy electronic sounds with a dance beat.
  36. SeanP.
    Aug 19, 2007
    10
    Sometimes derivative, sometimes exceptionally original and forward thinking, but always pretty unique and different, and better and more consistent than most music out there. It's one of my favorite electronica albums of the decade, and I'm a fan of Four Tet, Junior Boys, DIzzie Rascal, The Streets, and Caribou.
  37. [Anonymous]
    Aug 16, 2007
    10
    At times, this album, like so many others have said, sounds like Daft Punk. But that shouldn't be a bad thing. Other times, it's a fairly original style of dance music with hard rock influences. There are so many incredible moments in this album, especially the song "Stress", which is a totally mind-blowing track fit for use in a horror movie or an emergency broadcast test. At times, this album, like so many others have said, sounds like Daft Punk. But that shouldn't be a bad thing. Other times, it's a fairly original style of dance music with hard rock influences. There are so many incredible moments in this album, especially the song "Stress", which is a totally mind-blowing track fit for use in a horror movie or an emergency broadcast test. Aside from "Tthhee Ppaarrttyy", which is questionable, the album is totally solid, and a must have for dance fans. One of the finest releases of 2007, and certainly the best dance release.… Expand
  38. kenk.
    Aug 16, 2007
    1
    After all, I don
  39. I.M.M.
    Aug 13, 2007
    7
    Obviously inspired by Daft Punk's and other French producers' production style, this is a dance record dressed up in black and white striped shirts and tight jeans so that Indie kids needn't falter their image and admit they like dance music. Some amazing grinding beats and synths with a few irresistable hooks, but certainly not the revolutionary genre-busting album the Obviously inspired by Daft Punk's and other French producers' production style, this is a dance record dressed up in black and white striped shirts and tight jeans so that Indie kids needn't falter their image and admit they like dance music. Some amazing grinding beats and synths with a few irresistable hooks, but certainly not the revolutionary genre-busting album the blogs have been promoting. Unfortunately Justice's signature sound does not to well to round out an entire album of diverse material and multiple listens of this entire album may be an exercise in endurance once your adrenaline spikes levels off midway.… Expand
  40. ligvana.
    Aug 10, 2007
    0
    Daft Punk wannabes. Absolute rubbish. I'd rather strum my pubes
  41. mikef
    Aug 3, 2007
    10
    this is where rock n' roll went. find out or wander - i don't really care what happens to you.
  42. fezzywiggeeee
    Jul 28, 2007
    10
    do the dance witk your cousins from france - fkw.
  43. DamianM
    Jul 24, 2007
    8
    Like so many of these other 'user reviewers', my cd collection isn't chocabloc with many techno/house albums but I'm not going to compare every single new dance act I like to Daft Punk. I'm better than that. 'Cross' however is like a mix between the best bits of Idealism (don't Digitalism sound like Daft Punk?) and Mylo's Destroy Rock & Roll Like so many of these other 'user reviewers', my cd collection isn't chocabloc with many techno/house albums but I'm not going to compare every single new dance act I like to Daft Punk. I'm better than that. 'Cross' however is like a mix between the best bits of Idealism (don't Digitalism sound like Daft Punk?) and Mylo's Destroy Rock & Roll (which sounds like Discovery at times). Another album which will fit nicely into the "indie-nu-rave-sounds like Daft Punk" tastes of many of todays hippty hop kids. Not a bad thing...… Expand
  44. emanuela
    Jul 23, 2007
    9
    Organic techno with pop-rock flavour! Surprisingly refreshing, ranks best electronic music album of the year, matching LCD SoundSystem's "Sound of Silver"
  45. DavidV
    Jul 21, 2007
    7
    Very fun. At first. After a while it gets VERY OLD, just like Daft Punk.
  46. MJ88
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    Entertaining. Insane. Loud. AMAZING.
  47. RexK
    Jul 13, 2007
    9
    Electronica makes a comeback in 2007. The breaks and the grooves are both grimy and sexy, a provocative combo that will have your muscles twitching and your head spinning in all the right ways. Now start downloading it already.
  48. JohnM.
    Jul 11, 2007
    5
    I... just don't get it. I've heard some extraordinary dance music, and this is not consistently engaging. Too many songs just don't break (most notably D.A.N.C.E. and The Party) - they bop along at mid-tempo with vaguely irritating vocals. The interesting dark grungy energy of the first two songs tapers off quickly, reappearing only occasionally, and all you're left I... just don't get it. I've heard some extraordinary dance music, and this is not consistently engaging. Too many songs just don't break (most notably D.A.N.C.E. and The Party) - they bop along at mid-tempo with vaguely irritating vocals. The interesting dark grungy energy of the first two songs tapers off quickly, reappearing only occasionally, and all you're left with is a Human After All remix - and that was a horrible, horrible album.… Expand
  49. CarlosD
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Even from a long time fan with just about every thing they've released - this album is incredibly surprising. Dynamic, musically complex and unpredictable and best of all, sounds nothing like their peers who do nothing but imitate them. True artistry and zeitgeist - this one will be remembered. (except maybe the song with the atrocious Uffie)
  50. JoeM.
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    Loud, analoguey, crunchy-nut dance music. For crunchy-nuts.
  51. DecklinW.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    blinkin' good stuff for a debut album!
  52. TylerM
    Jul 8, 2007
    10
    This album transcends the line between headphones and dance floor in a way that only Justice can. Brilliant.
  53. Giterdone
    Jul 7, 2007
    8
    Damn good bangin' stuff
  54. MycroftW.
    Jul 7, 2007
    9
    Makes a nice pair with the Digitalism album, set to upset Kanye West for the second year running
  55. JohnnyS
    Jul 5, 2007
    9
    This isn't a pop album. This is a sublime musical experience.

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best Album of 2007
57
#57 Most Discussed Album of 2007
29
#29 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Justice know when to curtail the industrial strike and dazzle you with some star-skipping pop-chime, or a warble of gloopy future funk, before tossing you back into the unlit mire.
    Read full review
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Justice? Talent to spare, but that doesn't stop '†' being just another frustrating dance music album.
    Read full review
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    At its core, Cross is loud, restless, and daring. A creative tour de force, Justice have unleashed an era-defining album for the children of acid house.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »