First Two Pages of Frankenstein
by The National
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Apr 28, 2023
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. The Observer (UK)
    May 1, 2023
    60
    In its themes of longing and Berninger’s baritone vocals, it has all the hallmarks of a National record, yet lacks the vitality to stand out in their back catalogue.
  2. Under The Radar
    Apr 26, 2023
    60
    There are likeable moments. ... But even for the most effective songs, the impact is largely due to familiarity. [Apr - Jul 2023, p.82]
  3. Mojo
    Apr 26, 2023
    60
    A sometimes-striking record that suggests new ground without actually reaching it. [Jun 2023, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Most Discussed Album of 2023

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. ohwhocares
    Apr 28, 2023
    6
    Meh. I don't get the love. I also don't get why people say this is a comeback. Sleep Well and I Am Easy to Find were better, even great,.Meh. I don't get the love. I also don't get why people say this is a comeback. Sleep Well and I Am Easy to Find were better, even great,. Well, really good. This is just blah. Honestly, their worst since Sad Songs.… Full Review »
  2. BeeAche
    Apr 28, 2023
    5
    A collection of songs that would be gems on a post-career retrospective box set of outtakes and unreleased songs, maybe, but as a currentA collection of songs that would be gems on a post-career retrospective box set of outtakes and unreleased songs, maybe, but as a current album it's "meh." It's more thought out and better written than their last effort, mind you. Their new material suffers from their process, imo. Gone are the days of writing a lot, and in the same room, and now the songs (mostly) sound like exactly like what they are -- Matt mumbling over bits of music sent to him by the twins. The things that work on Frankenstein work because they are refried ideas from Boxer > High Violet > Trouble Will Find Me. That makes them better than some other bands, but this one falls flat. And the recording is decidedly no-fi for the most part -- you'd think they fired Bryan in favor of off-the-shelf electronic drum loops. Sorry, dudes, love ya as I do, hard pass on (most of) this one. But, they've now "arrived" in the mainstream, and people are sh***ing themselves over it, so fair play to them and their new friend Taylor.… Full Review »
  3. Kremyy
    May 14, 2023
    4
    I’ve been a fan since the beginning but this record is just a huge disappointment. Listened to it 4 times but I still can’t recall more than 2I’ve been a fan since the beginning but this record is just a huge disappointment. Listened to it 4 times but I still can’t recall more than 2 songs and even those I don’t like. Yes yes the production is nice but where’s the emotion? The force they used to have? It’s okay as background music but it’s just that.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »