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Evil Friends
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Evil Friends Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 85 Ratings

  • Summary: The eighth full-length studio release for the psychedelic rock band was produced by Danger Mouse.
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  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Rock, Experimental Rock, Neo-Psychedelia
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 4, 2013
    89
    Sure, they're not very hip, but Portugal the Man are anything but slouches, and Evil Friends is proof that some bands get big for being good, nothing else.
  2. PopMatters
    Jun 7, 2013
    80
    Portugal. The Man have created something special with Evil Friends. The core songwriting and performances are top notch, and Danger Mouse’s input adds a plethora of valuable modifications and ideas.
  3. No Ripcord
    Jun 20, 2013
    80
    It is by far their most focused and polished album, and Danger Mouse makes sure that everything is sonically smooth (even if a few feel almost like Broken Bells b-sides).
  4. The A.V. Club
    Jun 4, 2013
    75
    Where Broken Bells is pensive and slow, Evil Friends is hyper-caffeinated and energetic, and better for it.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Jun 4, 2013
    70
    For creating something as fresh and strong as this at album number eight, Portugal. The Man deserve to be applauded.
  6. Under The Radar
    Jun 13, 2013
    65
    The album boasts a fuller sound than previous albums as well as some strong moments, but does not boast anything as immediately memorable, as previous works have. [Jun-Jul 2013, p.89]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 4, 2013
    35
    The songs themselves don’t shine through the production.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  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.    … Expand
  2. smr528
    May 8, 2023
    10
    1 of the greatest musical album[s] produced in history of music industry;per se. Single;Modern Jesus;is a compelling production;[a] valid1 of the greatest musical album[s] produced in history of music industry;per se. Single;Modern Jesus;is a compelling production;[a] valid magnum opus;per se;& is itself[Modern Jesus] justification to obtain the entire album;per se.[Edit]… Expand
  4. KirkyDaTurkey
    Jun 26, 2013
    10
    Thank you Spotify for introducing me to this group. The mix on this album is perfect. The combination of catchy lyrics with signatureThank you Spotify for introducing me to this group. The mix on this album is perfect. The combination of catchy lyrics with signature instrumentals makes this album a 10 in my book.… Expand
  5. 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!… Expand
  6. Towern
    Jun 26, 2013
    9
    It's a nice surprise from Portugal. The Man, still... I think they should consider getting back to the style of their oldest albums likeIt's a nice surprise from Portugal. The Man, still... I think they should consider getting back to the style of their oldest albums like Waiter!, Censored Colors or Church Mouth, they were strange as hell but extremely powerful!… Expand
  7. jsp41
    Jun 4, 2013
    9
    Best Portugal. The Man album yet. Every song on the album is enjoyable, and I really like the darker places they go on some of the songs. YouBest Portugal. The Man album yet. Every song on the album is enjoyable, and I really like the darker places they go on some of the songs. You should also watch the videos for all of their music, always fantastic.… Expand
  8. Burns148
    Feb 4, 2014
    6
    I enjoyed this album a lot at first, but then I realized I was only listening to 5 songs. The good songs on this album are incredible and theI enjoyed this album a lot at first, but then I realized I was only listening to 5 songs. The good songs on this album are incredible and the bad songs are just plain bad; it is mainly the lyrics that ruin them with lines such as "you can't fight a war with nobody to fight back" on Waves. Danger Mouse does his job on this album with fantastic music and Gourley just fails to fill it in. The songs to listen to are Atomic Man, Evil Friends, Modern Jesus, Purple, Yellow, Red and Blue, and Creep in a T-shirt. After finally really listening to it this album just doesn't match up with Satanic Satanist or In the Mountain in the Cloud.… Expand

See all 21 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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