Evil Friends
by Portugal. The Man
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Jun 4, 2013
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Jul 23, 2013
    60
    Evil Friends has a more colorful, toylike sound than 2011’s In the Mountain in the Cloud--an asset to pop-oriented tracks like “Creep in a T-Shirt” and “Purple Yellow Red and Blue” but a stumbling block to heavier ones like “Waves” and “Holy Roller (Hallelujah),” which come off like riots attempted from inside a snow globe.
  2. Pitchfork
    Jun 11, 2013
    60
    The frequently overstuffed, occasionally scatterbrained album is far from perfect. But even when going for broke gets them into trouble, Portugal seem happy to get up there and overshoot the mark.
  3. musicOMH.com
    Sep 12, 2013
    50
    When an album’s quality level ranges from intolerable to merely tolerable, it’s not a positive sign. Middling.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Most Discussed Album of 2013
45
#45 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 78 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 85
  3. Negative: 4 out of 85
  1. protonjon
    Jun 7, 2013
    10
    Growing up in England with a music obsessed father from Liverpool, meant I was exposed to The Beatles at an early age. In my teenage years,Growing up in England with a music obsessed father from Liverpool, meant I was exposed to The Beatles at an early age. In my teenage years, living just outside of Manchester I had Oasis. I hear inspiration from both of these bands in PTM.
    They have written seven albums in eight years, displaying subtle variance, growth and continuity. Their last album 'In the mountain in the cloud' wasn't adventurous enough, for a band with their creativity. Collaborating with Danger Mouse has really brought out the best in PTM. I could listen to this album all day, everyday. It has the songs, the production, great musicianship, thoughtful lyrics and a brings a fresh new style with it.    … Full Review »
  2. pv77uck3r
    Jun 6, 2013
    10
    I have been a long time fan of Portugal. the Man, and though they have become more and more influenced by the pop aesthetic, they continue toI have been a long time fan of Portugal. the Man, and though they have become more and more influenced by the pop aesthetic, they continue to produce beautiful melodies and meaningful music. It also is incredibly catchy, hook-filled music, with choruses that will sink themselves into your subconscious. Not my favorite effort from P.tM, but still worthy of high praise.… Full Review »
  3. BONERSMASHER
    Jun 4, 2013
    10
    Hadn't heard of Portugal. The Man before I listened to this album but am so glad I know them now! The album is the perfect mix of catchyHadn't heard of Portugal. The Man before I listened to this album but am so glad I know them now! The album is the perfect mix of catchy hooks, Thought-provoking lyrics, Impressive Instrumentals, and of course great production from Danger Mouse!… Full Review »
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