Dear Science,
by TV on the Radio
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 285 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 252 out of 285
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 285
  3. Negative: 14 out of 285

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  1. Vampire25
    Dec 21, 2010
    9
    I was never a big fan of Return To Cookie Mountain but Dear Science blew me away with all its funkadelic sound to it. This is what I call experimenting with rock. There is a little bit of jazz fusion, little bit of soul, little bit of funk, lots of rock. Everything sounded so good. "Halfway Home" was a great starter. "Family Tree" is easily the best song on the album. And "Dancing Choose"I was never a big fan of Return To Cookie Mountain but Dear Science blew me away with all its funkadelic sound to it. This is what I call experimenting with rock. There is a little bit of jazz fusion, little bit of soul, little bit of funk, lots of rock. Everything sounded so good. "Halfway Home" was a great starter. "Family Tree" is easily the best song on the album. And "Dancing Choose" was another great track. All In All, Dear Science is an impressive, articulate album. A-… Collapse
  2. lovemusic
    May 15, 2011
    9
    OMG THIS ALBUM IS GREAT. every song is good. Crying, Stork & Owl, Family tree, and Lovers Day and Golden Age are the highlights of the album. its a near perfect album i loved it. whoever didn't like this album either hate alternative or they don't appreciate music. 9 out of 10 it was genius
  3. LetzTalkMoveez
    Nov 20, 2012
    9
    Analytical as any critic may be, dissecting TV on the Radio's lyrics, slobbering over their dedication to unique, eccentric songwriting, they're gonna have to shut their mouths here. "Dear Science" showcases an eccentric TV on the Radio, but also a f**king drop dead sexy, kick-back-and-soak one. My God, this thing is dope.
  4. pugowner
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    I liked this album at first. Then I loved it. Then I got kind of tired of it. Now I love it more than I ever did before
  5. Ndrwdvdbrsn
    Oct 9, 2022
    10
    TV on the Radio's best album Dear Science doesn't get the praise it deserves. TVOTR's sound is just so fun to listen to, but they are hardly ever mentioned nowadays. When I first discovered this album it immediately became one of my favorites.
  6. BouchetSmith
    Mar 2, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolutely beautiful music. I would describe them as what Radiohead would sound like if they were black: just as musically and creatively marvellous, but more funky. This is the type of album you should listen to with a good pair of headphones, because there are so many sounds and textures that you want to be able to experience them al to the fullest degree.
    9.7    … Expand
  7. AndyB.
    Oct 10, 2008
    10
    Cookie Mountain was an amazing album, but this is not just TVOTR's best work to date, but one of the complete, individual and well written I have heard in years. Best album I have heard all year by a long way. There will always be ratings like that of 'under the radar' but don't let that put you off. And to be honest who reads under the radar anyway.
  8. BriC
    Oct 15, 2008
    10
    All you have to do is give it a little bit of time to sink in. When it does, the intricate music, addictive drum machines and lyrics THAT ACTUALLY MAKE SENSE will pull you in. Every song fits perfectly, the album soars to a height from the first song and stays there until the very last note of track eleven. Amazing. I love this album.
  9. WillC.
    Sep 22, 2008
    10
    I would vote it a 10.1 if I could.
  10. HugoT
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    Seems, we're now listenign to something else entirely. For this New year the NEW TV on The Radio are like a New Batman in music. Komplex, great, thrilling and probably this years finest.
  11. ThunderousOlympian
    Sep 28, 2008
    8
    Mostly I found TVOTR's other two records to be somewhat unpleasant to listen to, but Dear Science has forced me to finally jump on the bandwagon.....it's innovative but I also would feel comfortable playing it at a party....it's like The Roots on an acid trip.
  12. UjnH.
    Sep 30, 2008
    10
    I can't take the CD out of my Car Stereo... it's TOO good.
  13. TobyH
    Oct 4, 2009
    8
    A great album, if a little irritating at times. Bursting with infectiously creative energy, the best tracks are Crying, Red Dress, Love Dog, and the horrendously-aggressive-but-scarily-catchy DLZ. TV On The Radio are much better when they go for excitement over contemplation (with the exception of Family Tree, the slow tracks, Stork & Owl and the overly-long Lover's Day, just dont A great album, if a little irritating at times. Bursting with infectiously creative energy, the best tracks are Crying, Red Dress, Love Dog, and the horrendously-aggressive-but-scarily-catchy DLZ. TV On The Radio are much better when they go for excitement over contemplation (with the exception of Family Tree, the slow tracks, Stork & Owl and the overly-long Lover's Day, just dont work for me). Anyway, well worth getting, mostly brilliant! Guaranteed to cheer you up!… Expand
  14. Ollie
    Feb 6, 2009
    10
    I love this album. Why? Because it sounds like nothing else; its fresh, deep and....blatantly insane-ly freakin' awesome. Theres never a time when i dont play any songs of it when i drive. There never will be a time. Genius.
  15. PBowen
    Oct 1, 2008
    9
    Brooklyn rules and these guys are a big reason why.
  16. Mike
    Oct 1, 2008
    10
    Good stuff. Cant wait to see them play live.
  17. MV
    Dec 1, 2008
    9
    At the end of the day, it's all about different tastes. Another reviewer pointed out that TV has moved past the mowtown/industrial and into a sort of Talking Heads/ Bowie sort of vibe. And while some may view this (accurate) description as a negative thing - it couldn't be a more rewarding album to listen to. To say TV on the Radio have 'matured' would be wrong; they At the end of the day, it's all about different tastes. Another reviewer pointed out that TV has moved past the mowtown/industrial and into a sort of Talking Heads/ Bowie sort of vibe. And while some may view this (accurate) description as a negative thing - it couldn't be a more rewarding album to listen to. To say TV on the Radio have 'matured' would be wrong; they have evolved. 'Dear Science' is one of 2008s highlights.… Expand
  18. Will
    Oct 24, 2008
    10
    Surely destined to be a classic? By far and away the most exciting release of 2008, even if it has been a poor year for music.
  19. SeanP.
    Oct 7, 2008
    10
    Siteh proves once more why he probably did deserve to be number 1 on NME's list.
  20. DarrylM.
    Oct 8, 2008
    10
    "Dear Science, spends its 50 minutes in flux between several worlds, none of them particularly memorable." -Under The Radar Worst. Review. Ever. Look, I'm not expecting everyone to like this album, but, please, not memorable? The production is too elaborate, the voices too distinct, the structures too unconventional to not make it memorable. In my mind, this is a perfect, memorable album.
  21. C.O.J.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    This record has me giddy. I actually look forward to the drive home now. Consider this a must buy.
  22. Jay
    Sep 25, 2008
    9
    I agree with Alex's comments. Red Dress annoys me too, but I respect it, if that makes sense. The rest of the album is brilliant. Stand outs include Golden Age, Crying, Halfway Home, Shout Me Out, the Stork and Owl, and my personal favorite Family Tree is absolutely beautiful.
  23. Devn
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    Wonderful. This will be near the very top of my "best albums of the year" list, for sure, as it will be for many others. I've been a big fan of TV on the Radio for years, and I'm not in the least bit put off by the production values or the broadened songwriting on this album. They continue to strike an amazing balance between noise and pop sensibility, and the added polish only Wonderful. This will be near the very top of my "best albums of the year" list, for sure, as it will be for many others. I've been a big fan of TV on the Radio for years, and I'm not in the least bit put off by the production values or the broadened songwriting on this album. They continue to strike an amazing balance between noise and pop sensibility, and the added polish only lends listenability without detracting from that vision. Kudos!… Expand
  24. YanK.
    Sep 27, 2008
    8
    This is David Bowie's best album in decades. I don't know why he started calling himself "TV on the Radio," though.
  25. DanL
    Sep 29, 2008
    10
    I've found it hard to get into past albums from TV on the Radio, but Dear Science just grabbed my attention right from the start. There's much beauty and depth to be uncovered here. "Halfway House" is downright amazing, I love it more each time I hear it. "Crying", "Golden Age" and "DLZ" are a few of my other favorites on the album, but there's really not one stinker to be I've found it hard to get into past albums from TV on the Radio, but Dear Science just grabbed my attention right from the start. There's much beauty and depth to be uncovered here. "Halfway House" is downright amazing, I love it more each time I hear it. "Crying", "Golden Age" and "DLZ" are a few of my other favorites on the album, but there's really not one stinker to be found here. All killer, no filler... best album I've heard all year.… Expand
  26. JonathanA
    Sep 29, 2008
    9
    A fine album, impressive as a whole instead of relying on powerful singles though several songs are certainly single-worthy. This is a great example of how you develop and expand your band's style without turning to gimmicks or sacrificing what was good before. I don't think it's perfect, some of the lyrics are just mediocre imo, but the majority of this disc is awesome.
  27. JamesJ.
    Sep 29, 2008
    9
    Really great album, consistently solid throughout. My second favorite of the year thus far, behind Bon Iver
  28. emilywilde
    Jan 9, 2009
    9
    Jay, give it up you Too-cool-for-school hipster bitch. TV on the Radio's sound has definitely changed but that doesn't mean it isn't any good anymore. Clearly your jeans are too tight and your fauxhawk is affecting your ability to think.
  29. GaryC.
    Oct 11, 2008
    9
    Sheer brilliance!
  30. RaphS
    Oct 18, 2008
    8
    Good, if not great, album but certainly not music-defining, career-defining, genre-defining etc etc too much aping of talking heads, prince and others for it to be the best thing since sliced bread. more like a pitchfork-style 7.8
  31. MusicMaven
    Oct 2, 2008
    9
    TV On The Radio bring their high-concept art-pop down to earth with a welcome infusion of danceable funk. It's both their best and most accessible work yet.
  32. NdukaA.
    Oct 4, 2008
    10
    Just a f****g masterpiece. You want to dance and cry at the same time, but you mostly just sit there and listen, spellbound, mesmerized.
  33. TylerK.
    Oct 4, 2008
    7
    Not quite Cookie Mountain, I don't want to say they phoned it in but some of these are very marginal sped up dance rock tunes. They need to return to the soulful ways of the past two. Having said that there are a few good tracks on here, Halfway Home and Family Tree are very moving
  34. ScottF.
    Oct 6, 2008
    9
    Their previous albums were haunting and beautiful. This one adds fun.
  35. OwenL.
    Oct 7, 2008
    10
    Beautifully constructed, this is the best album of the year, and a major step for the most inspired band of the decade. Kudos.
  36. AlexH.
    Sep 22, 2008
    10
    Truly an amazing album. This is the first I have heard of them and they have a new fan.
  37. MannyB.
    Sep 23, 2008
    9
    One word: brilliant.
  38. MaxM.
    Sep 23, 2008
    9
    FINALLY. The New TVOTR album. Did they live up to the hype: obviously, yes. Their songs are sexy and the melody brings out a good Carpe Diem feeling. Dear Science reminds me of the Talking Heads.
  39. Aaron
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    They never cease to amaze. Red Dress is great to speed through town, blasting on your stereo with the windows down.
  40. BrandonT.
    Sep 23, 2008
    9
    TVOTR made a record that feels like a condensed and more colorfull version of Return to Cookie Mountain. The songs act more as songs, but their is still a feeling of hysteria lurking behind the corner. It's just that now, whatever it is that's lurking is probably a little bi-polar and slighly less scary. The pop funk of "Crying" and "Red Dress" equate to two of the bands best TVOTR made a record that feels like a condensed and more colorfull version of Return to Cookie Mountain. The songs act more as songs, but their is still a feeling of hysteria lurking behind the corner. It's just that now, whatever it is that's lurking is probably a little bi-polar and slighly less scary. The pop funk of "Crying" and "Red Dress" equate to two of the bands best songs that actully fit into a known song structure. The whole record is consistent, and even when things slow down on tracks like "Family Tree" and "Stork and Owl", where most bands would lose steam, TVOTR is good enough musicall to make those parts compelling. It isn't a perfect album, but for this band to make a record that still sounds like them, is still of extremely high quality, and is as all-over-the-place as anything they have done, the fact that it's 50 plus minutes fly by at what seems like half the speed of RTCM indicates that this great band is improving, and could get even better. For now though, we'll bang Dear Science, - a record that runs fast, runs wild, and runs deep.… Expand
  41. Mark
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    This thing is amazing. hands down my favorite album of the year.
  42. AlexM.
    Sep 23, 2008
    9
    On their first official release in 2004, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes, the band grew from the homestyle recording quality of OK Calculator. The songs' structures solidified, but the music stayed roughly the same (just with the added difference of a better recording). It's a very personal album. Their 2nd official release, Return to Cookie Mountain, sought a more mature On their first official release in 2004, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes, the band grew from the homestyle recording quality of OK Calculator. The songs' structures solidified, but the music stayed roughly the same (just with the added difference of a better recording). It's a very personal album. Their 2nd official release, Return to Cookie Mountain, sought a more mature sound. It was also a much darker sounding album. They had money to do grade-A professional stuff and they did it. And it was fantastic. Dear Science, sounds like they took what was best about Desperate Youth and what was best about Return and combined the two into a professional and personal album. It's like they read my mind. I absolutely love strawberry jelly. But I also love peanut butter. I will occasionally eat one or the other by itself from time to time. But God bless the man who figured out that both go great together between two pieces of bread. This is what the band have done. They have mixed their peanut butter with their jelly and added the necessary bread to produce a very cohesive album.… Expand
  43. Alex
    Sep 24, 2008
    9
    Oh Finally something worth talking about this year...Great Album probably the best this year the only bad thing about this album is "Red Dress" (It doesn't fit in this album it just annoys me whenever it comes on) But everything else is awesome.
  44. VitoV.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    As of now, the best record of this year.
  45. g
    Sep 24, 2008
    9
    At a first listening it is their easier album..but also the most impressive.
  46. JamesS.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    This is a truly excellent album, it fully holds up beneath of the weight of the expectations that Return to Cookie Mountain had laid out. TVotR continue their streak of stellar first tracks with the gorgeous Halfway Home, and follow up with a string of high points, particularly Red Dress and DLZ. Just beautiful all the way around.
  47. NoahK.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    Brilliant. Even better than Return to Cookie Mountain. I simply don't understand how anyone can give this anything less than a 9.
  48. MattJ
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    Simply awesome, though theres nothing simple about the music. May take some a few listens. If your not impressed by this initially, give it a couple of go's. There a lot to take in the first couple of listens.
  49. DavidD.
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    Many layers of beauty and ideas with little sparks of references to other great music - after listening you feel like its not just an album you heard but a great weekend show you experienced with masses of humanity .
  50. TVRadio
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    Simply amazing. Every Track is spot on. This is how MGMT would sound like if they had some groove. the combination of rock, pop and electro never sounded better. A must have for the open minded.
  51. MikeC
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    Utterly brilliant
  52. JohnB.
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    Another kick ass album from TV on the Radio
  53. CarlF
    Sep 26, 2008
    9
    Really great album. Much more accesible than their previous album, but not in a bad way. They have succeeded in following "Return To Cookie Mountain". Key tracks: All of them
  54. DerekS
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    Brilliant, and very accessible for a TVOTR album.
  55. AlexL.
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    Incredible. TV on the Radio went above and beyond on this album. I didn't really enjoy it through the first listen... but it's one of those albums you'll have seeping into your brain and be dying to get out of work so you can listen to its smooth melodies. I'm hooked.
  56. BobN.
    Sep 27, 2008
    8
    Return to Cookie Mountain was a great CD. Wolf Like Me is one of my favorite songs of all time-it simply rocks, with a deep emotional base. Nonetheless, I couldn't listen to it with others-they hated the off key screaming. This CD, Dear Science is better. Still different, still TVOTR, but more accessible. The only song I dislike is Golden Age. Every other song is fantastic. Most Return to Cookie Mountain was a great CD. Wolf Like Me is one of my favorite songs of all time-it simply rocks, with a deep emotional base. Nonetheless, I couldn't listen to it with others-they hated the off key screaming. This CD, Dear Science is better. Still different, still TVOTR, but more accessible. The only song I dislike is Golden Age. Every other song is fantastic. Most folks hail bands that go out of their way to be different as great artists, even though the crap they throw together is not soothing to the ears or intrinsically decent. Sadly, many TVOTR fans do just this. Dear Science is a truly good CD. Go out and buy it now, you will not regret it.… Expand
  57. Matias
    Sep 27, 2008
    9
    Most solid album by TVOTR so far. Great stuff.
  58. ChrisJ.
    Sep 27, 2008
    8
    Pure tv for the ears. i like the down-tempo stuff best.
  59. OllieG.
    Sep 27, 2008
    10
    Nearly had a seizure about 8 times upon first listen. Incredibel album - dare I say their best work to date? I thinks so!
  60. CurtisH.
    Sep 28, 2008
    10
    The best album this year, hands down.
  61. DK
    Sep 28, 2008
    9
    Best album since In Rainbows. Big step forward from RTCM. And that was a great album. An essential recording, imo.
  62. LamyChopin
    Sep 28, 2008
    10
    Funk yeah.
  63. DerekJ.
    Sep 29, 2008
    10
    Ridiculously good. One of my favorites of 2008. Play loud.
  64. LexieM
    Jan 13, 2009
    10
    This album is amazingly fresh, blending the latest musical experiments with tried and true themes. I love it's references to the best of the '80s, and how they invent new musical moments. A real gem.
  65. SeanP
    Jan 18, 2009
    10
    OH NO. This album is approachable. Its terrifying. I usually listen to music that alienate my friends and makes them feel inferior to my great skills of being able to surf the fucking internet and pick music that sounds to fucking artsy to be true. But now there are Raps and Dance music (although done amazingly well with a great overarching theme). What kind of shit is this? And I cant OH NO. This album is approachable. Its terrifying. I usually listen to music that alienate my friends and makes them feel inferior to my great skills of being able to surf the fucking internet and pick music that sounds to fucking artsy to be true. But now there are Raps and Dance music (although done amazingly well with a great overarching theme). What kind of shit is this? And I cant believe a bunch of unpaid reviewers on this site are just handing out tens. I mean the people here are ridiculous. Thinking this album is one of the greats. Them and their damn opinions. Now I'm going to list a bunch of albums that have nothing to do with this C.D. so that my opinion becomes validated. How about its a great C.D. that captures our time in America perfectly without feeling depressing. We are in a bad time. Its good to hear someone capture our feelings perfectly. God forbid we dance into dark times and not bitch.… Expand
  66. ScottW.
    Apr 30, 2009
    10
    One of the best constructed rock albums of the 2000s. TV On The Radio's best so far. Its artsy but still very much good rock. The band has fun with the songs, yet keeps them coming with a experimental freshness that very few bands can pull off.
  67. krishans
    May 12, 2009
    10
    Been listening to this for almost 6 moths now. Everyday. Still not bored. Maybe never will be.
  68. DJDJ
    May 6, 2009
    10
    GLC what the heck are you tliking about!!! this is one of the best albums of the last 10 years. OVERCOMPRESSED,CRAPFEST!!! the production shimers and the songs are perfect. If you dont want to listen to this then don't, but I most certainly will be.
  69. MarkS.
    Oct 16, 2008
    9
    Accelerate through to the next revolution on some excelllent laser beaming R&R Bohemian blues for our tour through troubled times.
  70. MatthewA.
    Sep 22, 2008
    10
    This is a 10. Return to Cookie Mountain was easier to admire than it was to love: in other words, I found myself acknowledging that the album was impressive more than I found myself actually wanting to listen to it. Dear Science completely changes that. I think production is a big thing. It is much more inviting and, dare I say it, accessible here than it was on their previous albums. This is a 10. Return to Cookie Mountain was easier to admire than it was to love: in other words, I found myself acknowledging that the album was impressive more than I found myself actually wanting to listen to it. Dear Science completely changes that. I think production is a big thing. It is much more inviting and, dare I say it, accessible here than it was on their previous albums. This does not hinder their creativity in the slightest-it just increases the chance that your girlfriend might actually be open to listening to it. By far the best album so far this year (edging out Elbow and Neon Neon's also excellent albums).… Expand
  71. GregB.
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Album of the year. Hands down. Killer music with killer melodies and spectacular vocals.
  72. Homer
    Sep 23, 2008
    7
    it´s a good record but Return to Cookie Mountain is much better.
  73. ChK
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Well, I think it's best album I've hard recently.
  74. MusaS.
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Possibly the best album of the year from Halfway Home to Lovers Day i couldn't put my headphones down.The also astounding feat is that this is a black indie rock band,which i yet to ever see.
  75. GeoffG.
    Sep 23, 2008
    9
    Thoroughly enjoyed this release. Their sound has transcended into a slower and spacier feel, with less emphasis on the lead singer's howling vocals and more on catchy instrumental riffs. This CD is as if Skeletal Lamping had a three way with Apologies to the Queen Mary and In Ghost Colours, and nobody knows who the father is. Very enjoyable stuff which I would suggest to anyone and Thoroughly enjoyed this release. Their sound has transcended into a slower and spacier feel, with less emphasis on the lead singer's howling vocals and more on catchy instrumental riffs. This CD is as if Skeletal Lamping had a three way with Apologies to the Queen Mary and In Ghost Colours, and nobody knows who the father is. Very enjoyable stuff which I would suggest to anyone and everyone. This is music, people.… Expand
  76. WesM.
    Sep 23, 2008
    10
    Disarmingly accessible, Dear Science is 11 great songs with 5 relatively uneven (but still really good) bonus tracks. Highly recommended!
  77. EdwardS.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    An absolute gem. The growth,creativity and Intelligence of TV on the Radio is a refreshing breath of air. Album of the year.
  78. DonnieB.
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    Very solid album, each song reveals new layers each time you listen. Better every time through.
  79. JBones
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    Just when I thought they could not top Return To Cookie Mountain, they do it with ease.
  80. DavidM
    Sep 24, 2008
    10
    I think TVOTR is the band of this decade. They are one of very few bands making new, fresh, original, unique, Now music. Dear Science is full of ideas, rhytms, harmonies, all at least interesting and at best thrilling and transcendant. They're clearly not trying to make million selling pop singles , yet this album is appealing and enjoyable in it's own strange way. I can't I think TVOTR is the band of this decade. They are one of very few bands making new, fresh, original, unique, Now music. Dear Science is full of ideas, rhytms, harmonies, all at least interesting and at best thrilling and transcendant. They're clearly not trying to make million selling pop singles , yet this album is appealing and enjoyable in it's own strange way. I can't stop listening to it.… Expand
  81. [Anonymous]
    Sep 24, 2008
    9
    Fun and awesome. Ive found more to enjoy here than on Return to Cookie Mtn.
  82. LawrenceP
    Sep 24, 2008
    9
    It's pop music with soul and brains!
  83. FrancescoP.
    Sep 25, 2008
    9
    Solid album, different that RTQM with an overall slower, mellower pace with a few fast and frantic tracks. Less noise and the multivocal choruses are absent(shamefully) instead we found cleaner guitars, but still a great great album. One of the best albums of the year so far next to Bon Iver.
  84. MarcosV.
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    Hands down, the best of the year. I don't need to listen to any other record. The waiting for this album worth a lot.
  85. David
    Sep 25, 2008
    9
    Yes yes. This is great on the very first listen, im loving it-
  86. JamesF.
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    Far and away the best album of 2008. Puts everything else to shame. "DLZ" is absolutely sublime.
  87. ErichF.
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    This album should reinstill your faith in not only the music industry and life in general. If it does not you are soulless. TVOTR proves genius in their ability to seamlessly meld intellectually driven art rock with pop sensibility. Their Musicianship shines in EVERY track. Only good things will come of this band.
  88. JonasM.
    Sep 25, 2008
    9
    Only a couple tracks grabbed me at first, but I was kind of expecting that as RTCM was the same for me. Each of the 7 or 8 times I've spun it so far has revealed a track or moment it turns out I love. Would not be a bit surprised if Dear Science, like this band's previous outing, slowly sneaks it's way into being my very favorite record of the year when all is said and Only a couple tracks grabbed me at first, but I was kind of expecting that as RTCM was the same for me. Each of the 7 or 8 times I've spun it so far has revealed a track or moment it turns out I love. Would not be a bit surprised if Dear Science, like this band's previous outing, slowly sneaks it's way into being my very favorite record of the year when all is said and done. 'Halfway Home' and 'DLZ' are fist-pounders and 'Love Dog' has just about brought me to tears.… Expand
  89. PabloG.
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    Superlative! new and refresh.
  90. Dan
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    Wow...that's all I can say. It's been years since an album has completely blew me away like this. EASILY the #1 album of the year.
  91. AndrewD.
    Sep 26, 2008
    10
    Its not perfect, but its the best album of the year, and i think thats enough to warrant a 10.
  92. Mr.Sherwood
    Sep 27, 2008
    10
    Look, in the lanscape of great albums, is this GNR Appetite, the first Boston record, or even Neutral Milk's Aeroplane? Well, no. Will it have any lasting influence on new artists a decade from now? Doubt it. However, it is the perfect record for our times. Wildly accessible, yet pushing the boundaries of the mainstream. Too smart to cross-over? Probably, but it could. "Crying" is Look, in the lanscape of great albums, is this GNR Appetite, the first Boston record, or even Neutral Milk's Aeroplane? Well, no. Will it have any lasting influence on new artists a decade from now? Doubt it. However, it is the perfect record for our times. Wildly accessible, yet pushing the boundaries of the mainstream. Too smart to cross-over? Probably, but it could. "Crying" is better than any Timbaland-produced song that has been on pop or urban radio in the memorable past. And it more wierdly funky than Beck at his best. This record is an incredible sum of its many influences than something that is going to influence further on, but god bless em for it. My hat is off to TVotR. May they keep making records as enjoyable as this for a really really long time.… Expand
  93. DanD.
    Sep 28, 2008
    10
    Amazing! Captures many moods. Some of the remixes are a bit much but with just the originals in mind its the best album I've heard in a long time...
  94. drunkenstepdaddad
    Sep 29, 2008
    10
    Get out and catch tvotr's live show - expect to have a good time.
  95. Patrick
    Sep 29, 2008
    10
    I love this CD! TV on the Radio has, in my mind, always produced quality stuff. It's so unique, so unlike everyone else. Dear Science, is great! Experimental, musical genius.
  96. DavidRussell
    Jan 13, 2009
    7
    I like it more than their last album but I'll never love this band. They are talented but there's something missing. It's like they're satisfied being cool and sounding good without laying it all out there. They're not fun, if you want proof try playing their albums at parties and see how it goes over. The parts are better than the whole. Maybe I'm being a I like it more than their last album but I'll never love this band. They are talented but there's something missing. It's like they're satisfied being cool and sounding good without laying it all out there. They're not fun, if you want proof try playing their albums at parties and see how it goes over. The parts are better than the whole. Maybe I'm being a little hard on these guys but I don't think I'll ever love these songs.… Expand
  97. johne
    Feb 14, 2009
    10
    Simply put, Perfection!! I listen to it every day and find something new every time. Intelligent, dynamic, and deep.
  98. RichardR.
    Feb 28, 2009
    10
    I especially love the very first track: for me, it's the Beach Boys meet the Mary Chain. Whole album is great, very inventive.
  99. exe.
    May 14, 2009
    10
    I can't stop listening to this amazing collection of songs. Hearing most of this album performed live certainly helped me to appreciate the music more as a living breathing thing, where as a lot of songs from Return To Cookie Mountain (an album I find to be without flaw) were not as satisfying on stage. Anyway, it's not it's predecessor, without a doubt, but I'm into I can't stop listening to this amazing collection of songs. Hearing most of this album performed live certainly helped me to appreciate the music more as a living breathing thing, where as a lot of songs from Return To Cookie Mountain (an album I find to be without flaw) were not as satisfying on stage. Anyway, it's not it's predecessor, without a doubt, but I'm into TVOTR's journey and see no reason to pick apart one of the few bands I can still get excited about. To each his own.… Expand
  100. nick
    Nov 23, 2008
    9
    I think people who are complaining about the "drastic" change in sound (spoiler alert: all the noise is still here, it's just in different places) are missing the point of Dear Science. The reason Sitek's production has become so much lighter is just to let this band breathe. I know that Cookie Mountain is a Holy Grail of a record in the critics' circle, but let's be I think people who are complaining about the "drastic" change in sound (spoiler alert: all the noise is still here, it's just in different places) are missing the point of Dear Science. The reason Sitek's production has become so much lighter is just to let this band breathe. I know that Cookie Mountain is a Holy Grail of a record in the critics' circle, but let's be honest: it's mostly the production that takes the center stage on that album, a barrage of drums and fuzz and loudness. In Dear Science the rhythm and melody get their much needed spotlight- drummer Jaleel Bunton and bassist/keyboardist Gerard Smith assert their expertise and steadiness under Kyp Malone's wavery rasp and Abedimpe's joyful shouts. Reverb and distortion are replaced with tighter and clearer guitars and wailing horns. If Cookie Mountain was an album about living in a post-9/11 Bush-era world, Dear Science is about the dawn of another age. In between ballads we are greeted with the punches of "Dancing Choose" and "Golden Age"- two songs that are simply expressions of pure energy and joy, two emotions completely new to this band. Heck, this band seem to be so relieved at something (the election?) that they actually have time to record a really good love song and a really good sex song. This album is not about a band selling out- it's about a band just starting to have fun.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2008
13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2008
45
#45 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. PopMatters
    90
    There’s a sense of purpose here, of direction and clarity, shafts of accessibility that relegate the din to the background without ever compromising the potentially hostile underbelly of the band’s core sound.
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  2. Spin
    90
    Throughout Dear Science, TV on the Radio--which includes the rhythm section of bassist Gerard Smith and drummer Jaleel Bunton--flesh out Adebimpe's and Malone's ruminations with relentlessly inventive arrangements that make even familiar sentiments seem fresh.
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  3. The A.V. Club
    91
    On Dear Science, TVOTR finds a more traditional consistency, transmuting that dirty experimentalism into a lush cleanliness that eases--rather than hurls--its songs into the art-making ether.
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