Decemberunderground
by AFI
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 143 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 108 out of 143
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 143
  3. Negative: 19 out of 143

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  1. AnnaH.
    Jun 20, 2006
    0
    Woops my sis used my name, I personally agree with the other reviewer guy blake w. AFI does have no talent and they are only continuing the rapid down spiral of music. I'm a girl and I couldn't even sing that High. So basically don't listen to them. Try good bands like Weezer who know how to play music
  2. JonH
    Jun 7, 2006
    3
    In my waiting for this to come out i found myself listening to all of my AFI albums constantly. Which turned out to be a bad move since it reminded me of how amazing they used to be. This new CD has very few songs i enjoy and the rest are lackluster at best. No where near the calibur of their humble eight minute or so All Hallows E.P....makes me wonder what the long wait was for
  3. FoxG
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    One of the bands best records.
  4. EmilyG
    Jun 15, 2006
    10
    decemberunderground is thier best album yet. i love evey single song.all thier songs are truely belivable, and they also show much growth musically in the new album. i think thier "different style" should be embraced by all the new and old AFI fans.
  5. GarthR
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    A really great CD from one of the world's greatest bands.
  6. jonj
    Jun 9, 2006
    1
    I love AFI, but not this album. If I ever need something to listen to while I cut my wrists....I'll put this on. Otherwise, back of my CD case where it can be forgotten. *** I wish my lawn was emo....That way it would cut itself.
  7. TomC
    Jun 9, 2006
    6
    Remember when AFI was edgy?? Like say... on their previous album? Most of this album sounds like the depressed Killers. I think the kids these days call it "jumping the shark"
  8. GordonA
    Jul 1, 2006
    0
    AFI is the worts band I've ever heard, this crap CD is no exception.
  9. Susan`K
    Aug 28, 2006
    10
    AFI is awesome!
  10. AbelD
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    A very good album that shows the evolution of AFI's sound and how they only continue to perfect it since their shift in Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes. Though not as focused and tightly-woven as Sing the Sorrow, it remains just as enjoyable, if not, more so.
  11. SamanthaB
    Oct 6, 2006
    10
    this album ROCKS davey havock has a super sexy voice and the whole album is totally original, dude!
  12. BilboBaggins
    Jun 26, 2006
    0
    The Rabbits are Roadkill song is a track from the STS sessions. That's always a bad sign, when you go sifting through leftovers. This album is simply AFI riding the wave of current screamo,emo, corporation rock. I think they realised that they were getting on in their years, so it was a good time to think about making some cash for retirement. I can accept change in bands, and I The Rabbits are Roadkill song is a track from the STS sessions. That's always a bad sign, when you go sifting through leftovers. This album is simply AFI riding the wave of current screamo,emo, corporation rock. I think they realised that they were getting on in their years, so it was a good time to think about making some cash for retirement. I can accept change in bands, and I definetely did with the past three albums, but in the end: Miss Murder is an absolutely mediocre single and December Underground is an absolutely forgettable album. Oh, and also, releasing an album on 06 06 06? How teenage. Grow up already Davey, you're in your 30's.… Expand
  13. DanS
    Jun 6, 2006
    5
    What happened to my favorite band? They have moved in a direction I can longer appreciate. I think the review above best sums it up... "By mimicking the sound of every Hot Topic band crashing into one...we have to wonder if they haven't just orchestrated their own extinction." Most of the songs are watered down poser pop punk, and the heavy hitters sound like whiney emocore. They may What happened to my favorite band? They have moved in a direction I can longer appreciate. I think the review above best sums it up... "By mimicking the sound of every Hot Topic band crashing into one...we have to wonder if they haven't just orchestrated their own extinction." Most of the songs are watered down poser pop punk, and the heavy hitters sound like whiney emocore. They may gather the interest of the younger generation with thier current style, but they just lost my mine. I can always sell the CD, but the tatoo from back when they rocked my world is a little harder to get rid of?… Expand
  14. MKostya
    Jun 6, 2006
    10
    I love this album. I'm a sucker for melodies and if I could mix all my favorite genres of music and produce a great album: A.F.I have created it here. Summer Shudder is BURNING cool. And the Missing Frame is CLASSIC. Don't listen to the critics - good or bad. Listen for yourselves a few times...it's going to be the album of the summer!!!!!!!!
  15. JacobG
    Jun 6, 2006
    10
    You will not be disappointed. Period.
  16. ericm
    Jun 6, 2006
    6
    I didn't like it at first. I had to keep telling myself that it's still AFI. If this was any other band but AFI and their heaviest hitting song was Miss Murder, I would've stopped right there. I bought it, disliked it, and made myself listen to it about 6 times before adjusting to their new sound. After that, I can say that it's a decent album and offers up something I didn't like it at first. I had to keep telling myself that it's still AFI. If this was any other band but AFI and their heaviest hitting song was Miss Murder, I would've stopped right there. I bought it, disliked it, and made myself listen to it about 6 times before adjusting to their new sound. After that, I can say that it's a decent album and offers up something new. I hate Emo....but its AFI!!!...so I won't discredit them too much. Can't wait till their next album, hopefully they step it back up a notch.… Expand
  17. LizG
    Jun 6, 2006
    7
    AFI - I'm totally biased when rating you, as you are my favorite band in the universe. But as an honest to god reviewer, I'm not going to give you a grade of excellence on th is album. "Decemberunderground" is a good album, but not for AFI. If any other band had put out this album, it would be great. But after their last three albums (which were absolute genius), this does not AFI - I'm totally biased when rating you, as you are my favorite band in the universe. But as an honest to god reviewer, I'm not going to give you a grade of excellence on th is album. "Decemberunderground" is a good album, but not for AFI. If any other band had put out this album, it would be great. But after their last three albums (which were absolute genius), this does not live up to expectations. They, especially Davey Havok, attempted to draw influences from far too many different places. I could probably name two or three of the hardcore bands Davey was listening to while writing/recording this album. The influence from The Cure is just too much and it's way too obvious, and I adore The Cure. This album lacks the condusive, "whole" feeling of past AFI albums. It sounds more like they wrote and recorded dozens of songs over a span of three years and then chose the ones they liked the best. Oh wait, that's exactly what they did, by their own testimony. The part about "Decemberunderground" that disappointed me the most (aside from the god awful album art and stupid title) was the position of drummer Adam Carson on this album. It's like, "Hello? Adam? Are you there?" Where he made a bold, impressive stand on every other AFI album, he just faded into this background here. Instead of being the well heard, talented drummer he's spent more than 10 years showing himself to be, he played the role of all other contemporary drummers - he kept the beat. It was saddening to say the least. I do, in the end, like "Decemberunderground" though. It certainly hasn't made me weep as I set all of my AFI t-shirts and past albums ablaze in a trashcan. But if I was going to say to someone who'd never heard AFI, "This is my favorite band, give them a listen," this would not be the album I would hand them as the prime example of AFI in all its glory.… Expand
  18. DaveA
    Jun 7, 2006
    0
    No, no, no, no, no. They have a song with a rap beat in it, ENOUGH SAID!
  19. KristinaI
    Jun 7, 2006
    6
    AFI should have just put a big sticker on the front of the cd to warn their fans that they are giving up and going for what will make them cash-- the teenies will love this album. I never expected AFI to become mainstream pop trash, but I guess anything can happen. I miss the days of Black Sails in the Sunset.
  20. MattN
    Jun 7, 2006
    10
    Having absolutely loved Sing the Sorrow, I anticipated AFI's follow-up album, Decemberundeground, to come up short. Man, was I wrong. Dead wrong. Decemberunderground is a very progressive and innovative album, combining epic songs with a melancholy overtones that elicit a raw emotion, making this album better than Sing the Sorrow. Easily the best album of the year, and instantly a Having absolutely loved Sing the Sorrow, I anticipated AFI's follow-up album, Decemberundeground, to come up short. Man, was I wrong. Dead wrong. Decemberunderground is a very progressive and innovative album, combining epic songs with a melancholy overtones that elicit a raw emotion, making this album better than Sing the Sorrow. Easily the best album of the year, and instantly a timeless classic.… Expand
  21. MattW
    Jun 9, 2006
    4
    I agree with Dan S, I grew up listening to AFI and now I feel like they have just totally made a pile of crap. Artists have to evolve but do they have to evolve into already been chewed pieces of music? sad AFI sad.
  22. borgy
    Jun 9, 2006
    10
    Shame really, that this album is getting negative reviews from their old school "fans". Obviously AFI probably knew that was going to happen, cause let's face it, "Punk" is a genre that attracts the most closed minded music fans to grace planet earth - I've noticed any band that is "punk" and dares to change their sound later on gets slammed for it but it doesnt mean it's Shame really, that this album is getting negative reviews from their old school "fans". Obviously AFI probably knew that was going to happen, cause let's face it, "Punk" is a genre that attracts the most closed minded music fans to grace planet earth - I've noticed any band that is "punk" and dares to change their sound later on gets slammed for it but it doesnt mean it's bad music. I got into AFI with their 2003 album "Sing the Sorrow" so i'm not an old school fan, but since then i have heard all their albums and yes i like them, but their work from "Black Sails In The Sunset" to now has to be their most intresting and varied, their first couple of albums are just so "samey" sounding to me - Jade brought a lot to the band. This album i think is a great progression from "Sing The Sorrow", It's a dark album and contains electronica and real instruments and it's a nice varied mix i think, Davey once known for his distinctive screaming can now been known for his original sounding vocal work as well (never heard a singer who sounds like him to be honest). Fantastic album i can listen to it all the way through. Whether or not you like this album is probably based on what style of music you are into... if you prefer their punk stuff, then stay away you should know by now you'll probably be disappointed. And in closing, some great tracks if you wanna check out the album: Love Like Winter, Miss Murder (probably already heard it), Endlessly, She Said, The Missing Frame, The Killing Lights, 37mm, Kill Caustic (next single apperantly).… Expand
  23. DaveJ
    Jun 9, 2006
    4
    If you're an AFI fan, you will hate it. If you are a fan of the countless other "emo" bands out there, you will love it. Myself, I am (was) an AFI fan. This is a complete and utter sellout. They certainly won't Miss Murder-ing their career, because it is probably dead after this release.
  24. CharlieB
    Jul 13, 2006
    8
    This album may not be seen by many as an explosion of musical talent. however the songs deliver a very promising and very well produced album with many musical elements. afi may have changed dramatically in their change from punk to emo(as many now describe this music) and old fans may dislike their new music but nevertheless this is a well made album.
  25. JoseA
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    Great from beginning to end, My Favorite Album so far this year.
  26. IllmaticNaS
    Aug 17, 2006
    2
    Wow. This album received "generally favorable reviews?" That is really amazing. I mean, I'll admit, "Miss Murder" is a REALLY catchy tune. But I just figured that's all this band was: mindless, catchy, forgettable, teenage-girl pop punk tunes. I guess there's something more to them. I don't really understand it. I'm not a fan of this. "Miss Murder?" "A Fire Wow. This album received "generally favorable reviews?" That is really amazing. I mean, I'll admit, "Miss Murder" is a REALLY catchy tune. But I just figured that's all this band was: mindless, catchy, forgettable, teenage-girl pop punk tunes. I guess there's something more to them. I don't really understand it. I'm not a fan of this. "Miss Murder?" "A Fire Inside?" "Can I take my life?" I mean, I don't see how that appeals to anyone at all. It's all overly-romantic, melodramatic bull***. (Which means a lot coming from me, considering I liked the Smiths. But at least they acknowledged they were melodramatic. The Smiths parodied themselves. These emo bands today take themselves way too seriously.) I mean, come on! There are BLACK BUNNY RABBITS on the cover! The lead singer wears eyeliner! It's too much. And I just can't see why this guy would want to take his life. Hey, buddy, try living in the hood. Try living in Philly, South Bronx, East St. Louis, South Central LA. Then I can obsolutely understand wanting to take your own live. But I think it is safe to assume that this skinny boy who wears eyeliner has never lived ina any rough, depressing conditions. It's offensive to me that he would even sing about taking his live. And if he wasn't living comfortably before, he is living comfortable now with his millions of dollars. You see, it's all bull. BULL!!!… Expand
  27. Vulpinef.
    Aug 8, 2006
    10
    Personally, I think that if you want to listen to crap music, you should listen to 90's music. Everyone who gives AFI a low score says that they repeat themselves, most of the bands of the 90's are the WORST repeat offenders. they remade almost every song from the 70's and 80's! (not including AFI) I think that they are a welcome change from all of the music that puts Personally, I think that if you want to listen to crap music, you should listen to 90's music. Everyone who gives AFI a low score says that they repeat themselves, most of the bands of the 90's are the WORST repeat offenders. they remade almost every song from the 70's and 80's! (not including AFI) I think that they are a welcome change from all of the music that puts me to sleep! At least these guys are talented! And if you still hate them, they can do without you because they are developing a NEW fanbase. and to bilbo baggins, i bet that you aren't even 30 yet, and you're telling Davey to grow up?!… Expand
  28. MattB
    Sep 16, 2006
    1
    I'm really dissapointed in AFI's new album. I mean I liked Sing the Sorrow to a certain extent but I hoped that AFI wouldnt go as far as changing their sound completely when the whole "emo" crap came into style. I'm a big fan of their old cds and have been for a very long time. I have every song that they've ever made and listen to them all.. EXCEPT their new cd. sure I'm really dissapointed in AFI's new album. I mean I liked Sing the Sorrow to a certain extent but I hoped that AFI wouldnt go as far as changing their sound completely when the whole "emo" crap came into style. I'm a big fan of their old cds and have been for a very long time. I have every song that they've ever made and listen to them all.. EXCEPT their new cd. sure you guys are like "blah blah blah AFI is changing to stay hip blah blah blah" but COME ON. I think that AFI had its very own sound and has destroyed all of their talent to become some overpopular sell-out band. I personally think that if AFI would have kept their old sound from their first cds and stayed within their boundaries they would be a much bigger influence on the oldschool hardcore/punk crowd than any other band. sure some say that the new cd has something going with the new croud but I'm sure they've lost more old fans than they gained new fans. its a sad sad day for TRUE AFI fans and music in general.… Expand
  29. Angela
    Sep 2, 2006
    10
    This is a really good album and obviously millions of people like it because they have it... and the reason that this site exists! It really shits me how people think their opinions are the only opinions in the world. If you think the band is shit, then why dont go to go one of your favourite bands pages and write about how much you love that band. You get off on thinking that your older This is a really good album and obviously millions of people like it because they have it... and the reason that this site exists! It really shits me how people think their opinions are the only opinions in the world. If you think the band is shit, then why dont go to go one of your favourite bands pages and write about how much you love that band. You get off on thinking that your older and wiser and "know what good music is" so you can rip into other bands ...go do something productive with your lives. I give this cd a 10. I've been listening to it almost every day in my car and its really grown on me.… Expand
  30. PhilippO
    Sep 8, 2006
    10
    Melodical, sad but powerfull. The way they indicated with Sing the sorrow, is here the main part. So is AFI another Emo-Band ? Not at all , they still proof how to rock and still know how to play hard songs (Kill caustic). But it is true that they almost completely abandoned their roots, Hardcore Punk. If thats a negative aspect for you, than be it, i see it as a developement of their Melodical, sad but powerfull. The way they indicated with Sing the sorrow, is here the main part. So is AFI another Emo-Band ? Not at all , they still proof how to rock and still know how to play hard songs (Kill caustic). But it is true that they almost completely abandoned their roots, Hardcore Punk. If thats a negative aspect for you, than be it, i see it as a developement of their music and feelings.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Most Discussed Album of 2006
88
#88 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The most melodically acute distillation of that style yet.
    Read full review
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    With a comeback pitched between the indulgent love-metal of HiM and the pubescent pop-punk of Fall Out Boy, AFI's hiatus looks increasingly less like laziness and more like a marketing masterstroke.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    70
    "Decemberunderground" is less cohesive than its predecessor and apes the band's influences far too obviously for musicians of this caliber. Even so, it's vastly entertaining.
    Read full review
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