First Two Pages of Frankenstein
by The National
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Apr 28, 2023
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
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  1. gtroyp
    Apr 28, 2023
    10
    The National achieves what many try for but miss: elegance. Each song adds a unique turn on a central theme of loss but never losing beauty and somehow, hope. Guest turns by Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens are perfectly integrated into the fold. This is a band in complete command of their art.
  2. jayman69
    Apr 28, 2023
    9
    The National bounce back with a great pop turn with great guest turns in Phoebe Bridgers, and Sufjan Stevens. Taylor Swift returns a favor after The National guested on Evermore and additional production and writing collaboration with Aaron Dessner on her folklore/Evermore. It all works with many songs here displaying Matt's beautiful lyrics becoming some of his best paintings yet! NewThe National bounce back with a great pop turn with great guest turns in Phoebe Bridgers, and Sufjan Stevens. Taylor Swift returns a favor after The National guested on Evermore and additional production and writing collaboration with Aaron Dessner on her folklore/Evermore. It all works with many songs here displaying Matt's beautiful lyrics becoming some of his best paintings yet! New Order T-shirt and Your Mind Is Not Your Friend have immediate impact, and the rest of the tunes take turns in echoing thought and recurring toe tapping.... hello Tropical Morning News. As for Joelg who posted saying this was his introductory album to The National.... I am glad you found this album and do dig deeper! The Boxer, High Violet are their two best albums, so take a listen.... then see them live! I've got tickets to see them for the third time in June and can't wait to hear the new songs live!!… Expand
  3. WeirdGoodbyes
    Apr 29, 2023
    9
    Another great National album, from start to finish. Production is spot on. The name of the album is so very fitting to the themes that Matt presents with this album. It's a bit more serious, darker and poetic than their other albums, Matt's been on quite the journey to get where he is now. it's also very fitting album for the times, as the world is reeling with mental health issues. GladAnother great National album, from start to finish. Production is spot on. The name of the album is so very fitting to the themes that Matt presents with this album. It's a bit more serious, darker and poetic than their other albums, Matt's been on quite the journey to get where he is now. it's also very fitting album for the times, as the world is reeling with mental health issues. Glad to hear The National family got through those rough waters and were able to share these haunting beautiful songs with us.… Expand
  4. Ricko
    Aug 24, 2023
    8
    The National's work has always resonated with emotional highs and lows and at their best their music and lyrics mix to give you a visceral experience. Their hasn't always been sad but sorrow and anxiety has always underscored their finest moments. An artist can only harness their souls emotion for so long and this latest album is what I would describe as their medicated album. From whatThe National's work has always resonated with emotional highs and lows and at their best their music and lyrics mix to give you a visceral experience. Their hasn't always been sad but sorrow and anxiety has always underscored their finest moments. An artist can only harness their souls emotion for so long and this latest album is what I would describe as their medicated album. From what I've read in recent interviews with the band and Matt Berninger this makes a lot of sense. Similar to their last album, while this is a good listen, the album doesn't have the incredible emotional highs or lows of what they were doing 10, 15, almost 20 years ago. It feels emotionally fuzzy, as if a cap has been put on the well of emotion. Obviously the bands creative lynchpin Aaron Desser has been spreading himself about creatively working on multiple albums with the likes of Taylor Swift and Bon Iver. The National's sound has been strongly influenced by this and they now sound like a proper Billboard band rather than the near religious experience they were when they played in theatres rather than arenas. Overall, the songs are decent, the production is slick but the soul seems to be missing from this once mercurial band.… Expand
  5. Beverlyrdgeese
    Apr 29, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hauntingly beautiful. Tender and gentle and yet both the music and lyrics covey a deep consolation—this record tarries with the sorrows and the losses and the fragmented memories that subtend all life. These eleven songs feel like constellations, a way finding journey through the Foggy Unsayable. Grateful to The National for this record and all their work.… Expand
  6. lehi
    May 3, 2023
    9
    Solid, consistent, harmonic, the bass killing it, Aaron dessner is that b1t*ch
  7. Lajaleaa
    May 29, 2023
    7
    Since "I Am Easy To Find" (2019), I've felt they say and express more verbally than instrumentally. There is a lack of essence on the production or composition that makes most of the songs fall flat into an ambient loop with no much sensibility or intensity, just an ambiguous cloud that holds the recitation of verses. I don't really find the attractive to these projects, but there is stillSince "I Am Easy To Find" (2019), I've felt they say and express more verbally than instrumentally. There is a lack of essence on the production or composition that makes most of the songs fall flat into an ambient loop with no much sensibility or intensity, just an ambiguous cloud that holds the recitation of verses. I don't really find the attractive to these projects, but there is still a spirit in it. As small and almost empty that it is, there is carefulness, patience and attention to the way the album builds up a feeling. It can become a little annoying when the songs walk in a thin line in between a passing feeling and no feeling at all, even if some of the lyrics have an interesting sense of rumination.… Expand
  8. Miike
    Jun 21, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pretty good album - they didn't take many risks on this one but that's also intentional. The Taylor Swift song is fine but doesn't fit well at all on this imo.… Expand
  9. JoelG
    Apr 28, 2023
    10
    One of the most creative albums I've ever heard - Superb songwriting, UNBELIEVABLE PRODUCTION!, genius-complex compositions, deep and intimate storytelling - everything connects like puzzle pieces, to create this masterpiece.

    This was my first time ever listening to The National, and it definitely made me want to do a deep dive into their discography, and that's the biggest affect a new    One of the most creative albums I've ever heard - Superb songwriting, UNBELIEVABLE PRODUCTION!, genius-complex compositions, deep and intimate storytelling - everything connects like puzzle pieces, to create this masterpiece.

    This was my first time ever listening to The National, and it definitely made me want to do a deep dive into their discography, and that's the biggest affect a new release can make on you.

    The best album of 2023 so far, no doubt in that.

    Favorite Tracks: 'Once Upon A Poolside', 'Eucalyptus', 'New Order T-Shirt', 'Tropic Morning News', 'The Alcott', 'Grease In Your Hair', 'Ice Machines', 'Your Mind Is Not Your Friend'
    (a lot I know, but well deserved).    … Expand
  10. CriticalUser13
    May 1, 2023
    10
    The National mixes teen feeling beats with a heartbreaking voice and lyrics longing a top notch production
  11. Ross1979
    May 2, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Album particolarmente elegante ed emozionante , suonato magnificamente con testi profondi e sinceri.… Expand
  12. Desig
    Jul 3, 2023
    7
    The National seem to have discovered a formula that works for them and for their fans. No surprises here, just the same good old nostalgia, mesmerising sounds weaving in and out of each other, coupled with hypnotic vocals. Some impressive guests appearances to boot.

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Dusted Magazine
    Jun 1, 2023
    80
    After dancing through all these keys of fear, loss, and distress, the record ends with “Send for Me,” a simple and moving pledge to come pick you up, whatever happens. The slow bloom of warmth feels hard won, but not even remotely fragile.
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  2. Uncut
    May 15, 2023
    80
    Even without the backstory or an understanding of how difficult this record was to make, …Frankenstein is a skilful portrait of what it means to feel disconnected from the joy and urgency of life.
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  3. The Skinny
    May 3, 2023
    80
    There are hints of the band's more dynamic past on Eucalyptus, Tropic Morning News and Grease In Your Hair. But on the whole, First Two Pages of Frankenstein is an excellent exploration into recovery from depression, passion and addiction and is one of the finest records The National have released in quite some time.
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