Diorama
by Silverchair
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Aug 27, 2002
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 58
  3. Negative: 7 out of 58

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. DaveN
    Sep 22, 2006
    10
    This is the best CD of the 21st century. Silverchair has always been 2 steps ahead of their musical peers in terms of song writing and Diorama just makes the competition that much worse in comparison. They improved drastically what they were aiming for in Neon Ballroom. Even with the out of place "One Way Mule" its an exceptional album that has more than blew expectations and made me This is the best CD of the 21st century. Silverchair has always been 2 steps ahead of their musical peers in terms of song writing and Diorama just makes the competition that much worse in comparison. They improved drastically what they were aiming for in Neon Ballroom. Even with the out of place "One Way Mule" its an exceptional album that has more than blew expectations and made me eager for album number 5.… Expand
  2. LeandroR
    Feb 1, 2007
    10
    muito bom!
  3. Manion
    Apr 12, 2006
    9
    Despite what has been said above, Diorama IS a masterpiece with few and minor flaws. Negative reviews of this album consistently stem from jaded whingers whose blind criticisms are a result of either being unable to move on from the early grunge (created by the then 15 year olds, of course you will hear their influences) or heavy sounds, or being unable to accept that this band has talent Despite what has been said above, Diorama IS a masterpiece with few and minor flaws. Negative reviews of this album consistently stem from jaded whingers whose blind criticisms are a result of either being unable to move on from the early grunge (created by the then 15 year olds, of course you will hear their influences) or heavy sounds, or being unable to accept that this band has talent (which - god forbid - contradicts the perception of Silverchair they have so deeply branded onto their brains) and possibly more than their favourite band. Those drowning in their own self-satisfaction as they dismiss Diorama as soft, or boring, or who focus on the TWO heavier songs, and like sheep stupidly label them grunge or Nirvana rip-offs, should get down from wherever they are that so obviously elevates them above all those who appreciate the talent and efforts and growth of Silverchair. Any real fan of Nirvana, myself included, will tell you that Silverchair never sounded anything like Nirvana and certainly dont now. Its just a lazy comparison made by musically uneducated. Pearl Jam, Soundgarden with Sabbath and Zeppelin, but not Nirvana. Diorama has a distinct feel to it, as any good album should. Pop sensibility and melody link the styles of expression explored on Diorama. and as every great album does: it can have you jumping around your room singing along one minute and crying on your bed the next (all figures of speech lol). Diorama is well worth getting, and the only reason i didnt give it a 10 is because i've heard the songs live and theyre performed with even more skill and expertise of vocal expression. This is an album of pure beauty, theatrics, drama and (intentional) melodrama and rockin tunes that deserve any praise they get. Cant wait for the new album!!… Expand
  4. banaberry
    Sep 6, 2012
    10
    This is personally the best album I have heard since Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie. I didn't really enjoy it at first and you need to pull up the lyrics and really listen. One thing that will amaze you is Daniel Johns voice, who would have guessed this was the same singer of Tomorrow? Ten years after this album came out I am still listening to it on a daily basis because it is deep,This is personally the best album I have heard since Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie. I didn't really enjoy it at first and you need to pull up the lyrics and really listen. One thing that will amaze you is Daniel Johns voice, who would have guessed this was the same singer of Tomorrow? Ten years after this album came out I am still listening to it on a daily basis because it is deep, multidimensional and beautiful. Even if you don't like it you have to admit Silverchair has talent--esp. Johns as he writes, composes pretty much everything and has a lovely, unique voice. He is a terribly underrated singer. Love this! BTW Silverchair is even more awesome live… Expand
  5. rona
    Jul 1, 2003
    10
    f**kin good 2!!!
  6. israelpeace
    Oct 9, 2005
    10
    extremely good sound.. fine album.. Rock roots with a touch of classic.. Best of Silverchair!!
  7. AnaO
    Mar 3, 2005
    10
    it's perfect! i just love it
  8. ErinS
    Oct 16, 2002
    10
    Silverchair ROCK...they kick ass and Daniel i luv u soooo much and i think ur sooo brave!! Go Silverchair
  9. CorinF
    Oct 3, 2002
    10
    This album was so amazing! Everytime i listen to it i get goose bumps. now thats music! Seeing these boys live in concert would be a dream come true!
  10. MichelleG
    Sep 28, 2002
    10
    Every album gets better and more experimental. That is what is so great about silverchair, is that they experiment on their music. But they never lose their rock sense.
  11. kristenw
    Aug 4, 2003
    10
    I love this cd. It is so awesome. It kicks F@%*ing ass!!!!!
  12. JuliaA
    Apr 11, 2007
    8
    nice album,after Neon Ballroom I never thought they'd go all serene by any chance. as much as I enjoy it,sure there are low points at this album, but at least they have tried their best in being mature instead of being big mouthed musicians.
  13. J.S.Omundson
    Oct 12, 2002
    7
    I bought this album on a whim just to see how these kids had developed. I was sincerely (and pleasantly) surprised by this album. A very enjoyable album!
  14. IanD.
    Oct 12, 2002
    9
    One of the best - and sadly, most underrated, albums of the year. People wrote them off after the less than interesting Freak Show. This proves they've grown into their rock music talents that tehy showed on Frogstomp.
  15. Suza
    Nov 23, 2002
    10
    I love silverchair! This CD is great! I think silverchair should still play music for a long time. They bring hope and joy to young famous band "wanna be's". I love you guys, you ROCK!!!!!!!!!!
  16. FabioC.
    Aug 26, 2002
    9
    a great, excellent experiment of rock mixed up with orchestral arrangements and a voice you cannot forget. give Tuna in the brine a small check, and you´ understand what I´saying. Beautiful, and, that´ weird, positive.
  17. Borgy
    Dec 22, 2003
    9
    A Good CD after a few listens but still not as memroable or enjoyable as Neon Ballroom
  18. MelR
    Jan 4, 2003
    10
    Incredible! It's one of those cd's that you can just listen to and you won't be thinking of anything but the music. The melodies just captivate you and can't help but make you feel good. I love the cd and it's definetly the best cd I ever got!
  19. heidit
    May 4, 2003
    10
    i loved it. i am a huge fan of silverchair, they all have so much talent.
  20. TravisA
    Aug 24, 2003
    10
    This album has properties to heal the human spirit. I've never come across music that made me fall in love with music over again, until this album. Nothing can ever compare to Diorama; that is, of course, if Silverchair doesn't release something else.
  21. josepha
    Mar 19, 2007
    7
    a good album from a silverchair that is transforming from grunge to softer music. this a good album but i miss the original heavyier silverchair
  22. siege
    Nov 13, 2002
    10
    sublime concoction of melody, rock, drama, and paradox. silverchair has indeed metamorphosed in this album. after all those tumultuous years, daniel's grown more mature and passionate-- and you can feel this in his songwriting.
  23. Luke
    Dec 5, 2002
    10
    F**ing exelent
  24. McDeezT
    Feb 16, 2005
    10
    Brilliant. I don't know what else to say.
  25. ArnoldV
    Jan 27, 2006
    10
    i read some of the pathetic attemps at some harsher judgements of this album and it made me #%@!ing mad. i have been a singinger/songwriter in my own very succesful band in my city for the past ten years and if you knew the first thing about music youd know that this album is not pure perfection from god but is very much a masterpeice. The orchestral arrangements, through to the weaving i read some of the pathetic attemps at some harsher judgements of this album and it made me #%@!ing mad. i have been a singinger/songwriter in my own very succesful band in my city for the past ten years and if you knew the first thing about music youd know that this album is not pure perfection from god but is very much a masterpeice. The orchestral arrangements, through to the weaving of johns silken voice through tracks such as after all these years, everything on this album is pure magic. and dont compare silverchair to nirvana. kurt cobain isnt half the songwriter that daniel johns is, he was just a commercial talkup, nirvana are shit.… Collapse
  26. jzme
    Mar 16, 2015
    10
    For all my 24 years of listening to music, Diorama was and still is the best album ever produced, and worth listening to, at any time of my life. This is the only album where I enjoyed every single song. They are so melodious, they take you on an emotional, dreamlike roller coaster ride like never before. I love how an alternative rock genre is being accompanied by an orchestra. It reallyFor all my 24 years of listening to music, Diorama was and still is the best album ever produced, and worth listening to, at any time of my life. This is the only album where I enjoyed every single song. They are so melodious, they take you on an emotional, dreamlike roller coaster ride like never before. I love how an alternative rock genre is being accompanied by an orchestra. It really shows that music goes beyond fixation, depth and so much versatility. I guess Daniel Johns' vision on wanting to make the album sound magical has succeeded. I am still upset at the fact that "Too much of not enough" has never been played live. It bugs me, and it terrifies me that I'll never hear it live, ever. It's already 2015, and it's still my favorite album in the world! Still waiting for Mr. Johns to produce more magic.… Expand
  27. scafutto20
    Dec 31, 2016
    10
    I remember when I listened to Diorama for the first time, I was a teenager waiting for more rock hits from Silverchair. You can imagine how I hated this album, but after some time I was loving it!
    The only thing I can say now, more than a decade after the release of this masterpiece is that this is the thing I listened in my whole life =)
  28. ThePhilosopher
    Mar 24, 2015
    10
    I stumbled across this album in a music store a couple of years ago and I keep coming back to it. It's one of the best rock albums of the 2000's in my opinion. There is so much variety in terms of music styles. Some of the songs have ballads and plenty of string sections, while others are plain great rock songs. I also find it to be a very mature rock album which is surprising consideringI stumbled across this album in a music store a couple of years ago and I keep coming back to it. It's one of the best rock albums of the 2000's in my opinion. There is so much variety in terms of music styles. Some of the songs have ballads and plenty of string sections, while others are plain great rock songs. I also find it to be a very mature rock album which is surprising considering that I find their previous albums to be Nirvana knock offs. Highly recommended for any fan of rock music.… Expand
  29. mmarovich
    May 21, 2015
    10
    Silverchair's "Diorama" is one of the best albums I've ever heard. The song writing includes many beautiful songs that were crafted with the skill of a seasoned song writer. The only reason for anyone not to like this album is that the music goes above and beyond what people are generally used to: simple, catchy tunes for minds that prefer not to be stretched in any way other than whatSilverchair's "Diorama" is one of the best albums I've ever heard. The song writing includes many beautiful songs that were crafted with the skill of a seasoned song writer. The only reason for anyone not to like this album is that the music goes above and beyond what people are generally used to: simple, catchy tunes for minds that prefer not to be stretched in any way other than what they're used to (In many cases, this includes grunge-heads who revere they way things used to be. I, for one, am glad the band grew up).… Expand
  30. DanielJohns
    Jun 22, 2015
    10
    The greatest album from the band,i listen to it every day. Daniel has such an wonderful voice and the musics are very well arranged. The songwriting is perfect and every single has a different effect on me.
  31. felipesalles
    Aug 29, 2020
    10
    Melhor trabalho da banda, trazendo diversas texturas e uma orquestração maravilhosa. Sem defeitos do início ao fim.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2002
61
#61 Most Shared Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    [Daniel] Johns' much-improved vocals and flair for the theatrical complement his new, more inventive guitar style.
    Read full review
  2. Ink 19
    90
    Gorgeously produced, beautifully instrumentated and infused with assurance and purpose, album number four by Australia's wonderkids is simply excellent.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    60
    Features a few ropey grunge numbers. [Aug 2002, p.133]
See all critic reviews »