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Cryptograms
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  • Release Date:
Cryptograms Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the second LP for the Atlanta five-piece known for their experimental psyche tunes and blistering live shows.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    [A] near-masterpiece.
  2. The Boston Phoenix
    88
    Yeah, the alternate/alternating track sequence is screwy for the first seven songs or so — Deerhunter build momentum only to lose it. But it gives the album’s backside something of a black-and-white-to-Technicolor moment.
  3. Almost Cool
    83
    Although it's definitely a bit bi-polar, Cryptograms still gets high marks for offering up a slew of great tracks and actually gaining strength the longer it goes on.
  4. Paste Magazine
    80
    [Cryptograms] occasionally surprises with its accessibility. [Apr 2007, p.58]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Stylus Magazine
    75
    Cryptograms is by no means a flawless record, but taking the time to speak its language, tap into the dueling forces that make it tick, is an intriguing reward.
  6. Delusions of Adequacy
    70
    This album has something for everyone and will appeal to the kids who like ambient drone pieces and folks who love songs with great pop hooks - and everyone in between.
  7. Magnet
    60
    Cryptograms is a pleasant enough record, but it remains to be seen if Deerhunter can add up to more than the sum of its gear and influences. [#75, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. JohnA
    Apr 13, 2007
    10
    The first time I listened to this CD is was OK. But, I listened to it again and again and again.........so the more I listened the deeper and The first time I listened to this CD is was OK. But, I listened to it again and again and again.........so the more I listened the deeper and better the songs became (the sound is hard to define yet it is intricate and deep with the abstract vocals). Then I saw their live show and they put on a PHENOMINAL performance!!! I bought their 2LP and EP at the show and now they are my fav indie group.… Expand
  2. NikolaiF
    Feb 11, 2007
    10
    Solid return. Best shoegaze album since Loveless.
  4. SamH
    Mar 22, 2007
    9
    I am very partial to shoegaze, but this is a truly amazing dosage of pleasant psychedelia. Not as forceful as Serena Maneesh or MBV, but I am very partial to shoegaze, but this is a truly amazing dosage of pleasant psychedelia. Not as forceful as Serena Maneesh or MBV, but incredibly focussed and more immediately engaging. One of 2007's finest.… Expand
  5. micho224
    Oct 23, 2011
    8
    The album takes quite a few listens to sink in. The first half of the album is mostly comprised of instrumental tracks, whereas the secondThe album takes quite a few listens to sink in. The first half of the album is mostly comprised of instrumental tracks, whereas the second half is made up of some nice psychedelic pop. Overall a great album with the stand out track being Spring Hall Convert.… Expand
  6. ToddW
    Feb 14, 2007
    7
    Channeling Spaceman 3 through a wall of sound reminiscent of tourmates The Liars, one would figure this album would be an instant classic. Channeling Spaceman 3 through a wall of sound reminiscent of tourmates The Liars, one would figure this album would be an instant classic. It's not. Although a more melodic listen than most everything The Liars has done, it doesn't reward after repeated listens like Drum's Not Dead. It's a lot of work trying to find the needle in the haystacks these songs present. And when you find one, it's just kind of a disappointing shrug and...next. There's really nothing here that's got that WTF factor. For those who have drunk the koolaid in comparing it to Loveless, please, take a cold shower. Better yet, spin this album again. It'll eventually calm you down.… Expand
  7. nashaq
    Feb 4, 2009
    6
    I think this album has been a bit over rated, it seemed 'fashionable' to like this album (I actually prefer Microcastles). Some I think this album has been a bit over rated, it seemed 'fashionable' to like this album (I actually prefer Microcastles). Some good songs but then a few mediocre.… Expand
  8. BassiTessi8
    Aug 19, 2022
    0
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See all 16 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Shared Album of 2007

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