Donkey
by CSS
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jul 22, 2008
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Alternative Press
    90
    Though such pop gloss ruins many indie acts, it fits CSS as snugly as vocalist Lovefoxx's Lycra stagewear. [Sep 2008, p.162]
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  2. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Their joyous hooks ensure Donkey is as fun as its predecessor.
  3. NOW Magazine
    80
    No sophomore slumping here.
  5. Billboard
    80
    The upgraded melodic sense makes CSS stand out from all the other electropop bands that sound like Liquid Liquid and can turn a smutty lyric.
  6. Hartford Courant
    80
    Although Donkey has a sleeker sound than its predecessor, CSS keeps its focus squarely on booty-shaking beats and pulsing bass on songs alternately about rocking your face off (opener 'Jager Yoga') and overcoming emotional turmoil.
  7. Prefix Magazine
    80
    With its shameless pop-punk anthems and wonderfully irreverent lyrics, Donkey finds the members of CSS at the top of their game.
  8. Spin
    80
    The quintet mostly stays on message, doling out unpretentious poolside jams that recall ESG, Liquid Liquid, and the Human League.
  9. Boston Globe
    80
    Donkey favors texture over attitude, and while the boozy, shouted choruses remain, CSS now favors a subtler approach.
  10. Filter
    72
    Lovefoxxx's metallic delivery and pseudo-rougish lyricism are crisp and poignant, laid out over the kinds of zippy, synth-pop digital landscapes that'll make even the most ardent Reaganomics-kiddie smile. [Summer 2008, p.94]
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  11. Blender
    70
    With CSS, even biting the dust is a blast. [Aug 2008, p.82]
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  12. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    So, yes, it’s a tougher collection than the first, lacking the merciless hilarity you’d expect. But it’s also a strong step forward and one that proves they won’t disappear in the changing breeze of fashion.
  13. The A.V. Club
    67
    Lead singer Lovefoxxx still has much of her earlier pep, but the lyrics (either her own or by bassist Adriano Cintra, who also writes most of the music) don't give her much to work with.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Most Discussed Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 84 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 84
  3. Negative: 7 out of 84
  1. Tiago
    Oct 19, 2008
    6
    Lets see what they are going to do with the third record. coz this one is not strong as de first.
  2. NaoG.
    Jul 26, 2008
    6
    Boring!
  3. mbagely
    Oct 3, 2010
    6
    'Air Painter' sums up this album for me, it has great interesting verses and a completely lame chorus. The album is average and very skippable'Air Painter' sums up this album for me, it has great interesting verses and a completely lame chorus. The album is average and very skippable for most tracks, even tracks that sound interesting at first such as 'Reggae All Night' lack depth and are revealed to just be re-hashes of ideas already out there.
    The reason why I give this a 6 and not a 3 is because 'Beautiful Song' is just fantastic. I cannot find a fault in it, its too short but I wouldnt change it for a thing, and I can listen to it again and again. 'Believe Achieve' is good as well if you can put up with the breathy believe-achieve at the start    … Full Review »
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