Deja Entendu
by Brand New
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 161 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 146 out of 161
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 161
  3. Negative: 12 out of 161

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  1. asoleadx
    Nov 15, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. best brand new album so far. sounfd familiar yet unique. you can truly feel jesse’s pain… Expand
  2. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    8
    A vast step-up from their mediocre debut, Brand New finds their footing and kickstarts their career.
    The sound has been improved upon, definitely, but they still needed a bit more maturing. The album sounds like a product of its time, not to say that it hasn't aged well, but there could be some improvements, and it can sound similar to some other albums of its time (although that would    A vast step-up from their mediocre debut, Brand New finds their footing and kickstarts their career.
    The sound has been improved upon, definitely, but they still needed a bit more maturing. The album sounds like a product of its time, not to say that it hasn't aged well, but there could be some improvements, and it can sound similar to some other albums of its time (although that would explain the title). I'm not complaining, though, because the album still rocks.
    The guitars are raging and angry, like the chorus of "Jaws Theme Swimming", but the band does utilise acoustic guitars, which is used to great effect on "The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot". Lacey's vocals have gotten a lot better too, and he shines especially on the slower tracks.
    The lyrics have improved drastically too. While a bit melodramatic, and no match for the album's follow-up, the band's takes on more mature topics, and some of the band's best lines come from this album.
    Overall, this is a remarkable album that, while sounding the tiniest bit dated, is incredibly consistent and a step in the right direction for the band. And it was only uphill from here.
    Favourites: The Quiet Things That No-One Knows, Jaws Theme Swimming, Guernica
    Least Favourites: Tatou, Play Crack the Sky    … Expand
  3. SKSK
    Jul 21, 2018
    10
    The perfect Post-hardcore / Punk Rock album. Everything works perfectly on this album.
  4. DataCrysis
    Feb 13, 2016
    7
    Jesse Lacey appears to be a very intelligent and thoughtful young man with a more focus on a french poetic sort of song writing mode. Through this Lacey seems to be able to paint pictures on a canvas using his words and does a beautiful job on it, if I may say so. My issue comes as far as this: I've heard the album too much. I fell in love with the album, the simple yet positive beatsJesse Lacey appears to be a very intelligent and thoughtful young man with a more focus on a french poetic sort of song writing mode. Through this Lacey seems to be able to paint pictures on a canvas using his words and does a beautiful job on it, if I may say so. My issue comes as far as this: I've heard the album too much. I fell in love with the album, the simple yet positive beats drawing me into the songs, the lyrics spoken more beautifully than anything I've ever seen, and yet it all turns sour after a while. I tried to learn the songs on guitar hoping to draw away from this fact but that just made me realize how simple and repetitive the song style of Brand New truly was. I saw through the facade that the style seemed to cast and soon realized it was simply the same idea. 1) Figure out a catchy, simple to play hook (preferably guitar) 2) Vary that hook slightly in repetition 3) repeat 1-2 about 2-4 times and the rest is really just simple chords. So overall I really enjoyed the music, and I don't hate it at all but I am, however, slightly let down by how simple the style really is.… Expand
  5. jmarkfin
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    My favorite album of all time, bar none. It came out when I was 9, and my sister was and is a Brand New fangirl, so I grew up with this song playing in the background and it didn't take long until it had an undying impact and influence on me. It's truly underrated and genre-defining.
  6. vscoott345
    Apr 26, 2012
    10
    This is one of my favorite albums. One of the reasons is because it got me through a breakup, as pathetic as that sounds. The songs manage to blend together very nicely. Between emo, alternative, and acoustic, it works beautifully. I would totally give this album a 15 if I could. Lacey spreads all his feelings on the table for us, and it is something that we can feel sorrow for, but yetThis is one of my favorite albums. One of the reasons is because it got me through a breakup, as pathetic as that sounds. The songs manage to blend together very nicely. Between emo, alternative, and acoustic, it works beautifully. I would totally give this album a 15 if I could. Lacey spreads all his feelings on the table for us, and it is something that we can feel sorrow for, but yet appreciate greatly. Love it.… Expand
  7. TheDaveHimself
    Aug 6, 2011
    10
    Lyrically, it's a powerhouse. I'm not one to listen to this kind of music, but I'll be damned if Brand New can't write a song/album. They've continued to impress me in a genre that holds no interest with me. Every song here is brilliant.
  8. SarahH.
    May 17, 2008
    10
    If this album doesn't move you by first listen, go back and listen to the lyrics. Then get ready to sell your soul to Jesse Lacey's pen.
  9. ajr
    May 8, 2008
    10
    This album is straight up genius! Each and every song is brilliant and the lyrics are amazingly deep. On disc they sound terrific, and seeing them live is even better. This album has it all. I will always love this cd and I try to listen to at least a few songs each day. Thats how great it is.
  10. AB
    Apr 20, 2007
    1
    Incredibly over hyped crap...fanboys unite.
  11. sisic
    Feb 20, 2007
    10
    This band is by far the most genius band ive ever listened to!! they're lyrics are un-real!! I LOVE BRAND NEW!! and if u dont have the album, go cop that
  12. AshG
    Feb 3, 2007
    10
    Without doubt the best album I've ever listened to
  13. ChrisH
    Jan 12, 2007
    10
    This is emo's "Pet Sounds."
  14. BenW
    Jan 11, 2007
    10
    Brilliant. It is only eclipsed by The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me. Also, not "emo." All the critics are ridiculous to give it ratings under 90.
  15. RodY
    Nov 19, 2006
    10
    too good
  16. anna
    Oct 21, 2006
    10
    hate or love emo, the album is an accomplishment. lacey emulates his hero, morrisey, in more ways than one.
  17. JennaP
    May 26, 2006
    10
    I buy two CD's a week so I own hundreds (everything from Michael Jackson to M.I.A. to Thursday) but Deja Entendu remains one of my all-time favorites. I'm sort of dissapointed by its low rating but that shouldn't deter anyone from buying this record. The depth of Jesse Lacey's lyrics are reason enough to buy it. Not every band can sell over 500,000 records on an indie I buy two CD's a week so I own hundreds (everything from Michael Jackson to M.I.A. to Thursday) but Deja Entendu remains one of my all-time favorites. I'm sort of dissapointed by its low rating but that shouldn't deter anyone from buying this record. The depth of Jesse Lacey's lyrics are reason enough to buy it. Not every band can sell over 500,000 records on an indie label and have a third release so eagerly awaited that it ranked as AP's most anticipated release in 2005, a year and a half ago! This is amazing work.… Expand
  18. Jon
    Apr 4, 2006
    10
    Amazing cd
  19. DaveyB
    Mar 31, 2006
    10
    Right I hate emo.... But I love this album, its delicate yet hard, funny yet sad and cheesey yet original. This is one of the best albums I have heard EVER! Buy it.
  20. KennyM
    Mar 2, 2006
    9
    amazing and poetic
  21. Alexis
    Feb 4, 2006
    9
    I really like this cd.
  22. Rudiger
    Jan 31, 2006
    8
    The second album by the only strictly emo band who are willing to think out of the box is although lyrically amazing feels slightly empty. It doesn't leave you wanting more which i imagine was what was wanted by the band but needing more.
  23. Adam
    Sep 28, 2005
    10
    Honestly one of the best cds I have bought, Probably the BEST. The lyrics on this cd are very powerful. Every song on this cd is incredible. My personal favorits are "Okay I believe you, but my tommy gun don't" and "Play Crack The Sky".
  24. AndyF
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    This has to be one of the best albums i've heard. Both musically and lyrically is fantastic.
  25. KifL
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    the most poetic album of the last 10 years
  26. GlennM
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    more power to this cd because fav. weapon was a cheesy peice crap. i feel these guys are way better than the stupid bands thier compared to (tbs)(dashboard confessional)
  27. GregB
    Feb 7, 2005
    10
    This album changed my life.
  28. RachelB
    Jan 30, 2005
    10
    They are the kewlest!!!
  29. RachelM
    Jan 30, 2005
    10
    This is the best C.D. ever! any body who does not like this C.D. has the worst taste in music ever! Their song are the kewlest! its like they know excatly how I feel about every thing and made song about it! I love Brand New!!!
  30. ZachO
    Jan 30, 2005
    10
    The sophomore effort from Brand New is their best yet, and will be a hard act to follow for the rest of their carrer. Listen to "Jaws Theme Swimming" or "Okay, I Believe you, but my tommy gun don't" if you want indistpuable proof.
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Most Discussed Album of 2003
26
#26 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Q Magazine
    40
    Musically it's formulaic, with plodding college rock verses morphing into bellowing, nu-metal choruses. [Dec 2003, p.121]
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    Deja Entendu has more than its share of irresistible singalongs, but Brand New are more poetic and musically adventurous than their emo peers.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    69
    Deja Entendu, while a football field short of groundbreaking, has an air of substance and maturity.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »