From Here We Go Sublime
by The Field
  • Record Label: Kompakt
  • Release Date: Apr 3, 2007
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 397 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 247 out of 397
  2. Mixed: 53 out of 397
  3. Negative: 97 out of 397

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  1. Joseph
    Jul 18, 2007
    0
    This is not a dance album like Justice. This is not a trance album. This album is not meant to revolutionize electronic music. This one is about sentimentality, vague vision, minimalism and shoddy production. Forget the high metacritic score and the ranting users, hang out on the beach sober and completely ignoring it.
  2. joe
    Jul 16, 2007
    9
    this is not a dance album like Justice. this is not a trance album. this album is not meant to revolutionize electronic music. this one is about nostalgia, minimalism and vision, as the final track illustrates. forget the high metacritic rating and users ranting and ravings. try hanging out on the beach with a nice buzz on a nice summer day with this one playing on the truck this is not a dance album like Justice. this is not a trance album. this album is not meant to revolutionize electronic music. this one is about nostalgia, minimalism and vision, as the final track illustrates. forget the high metacritic rating and users ranting and ravings. try hanging out on the beach with a nice buzz on a nice summer day with this one playing on the truck stereo...f'in sweet.… Expand
  3. inconsideratepudding
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    Music for the heart, plain and simple.
  4. mmmfafa
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    Before, during, and long after the hype, this album will be the minimal standard for years to come.
  5. NooGhat
    Jul 16, 2007
    10
    2007: A Space Odyssey.
  6. tonye.
    Jul 13, 2007
    7
    i love it
  7. yoks.
    Jul 11, 2007
    7
    it has its moments, admitedly only in the first half, but definitley doesn't deserve 90. Technically, its nothing Apparat wasnt doing almost ten years ago.
  8. AlfR.
    Jul 10, 2007
    2
    It's never better than ok and frankly, most of the time it's a snooze. As an EP, it might've worked but the lack of ideas or even a different tempo make this pretty damn soporific.
  9. im
    Jul 9, 2007
    9
    so many people here does not seem to understand what's going on with this album...ignorance they say... untrained ears... anyway, maybe there's been a little hype about the field's from here we go sublime but it's a good album in it's own right. not sure if this is the great candidate for 2007s best...it will be though... but i don't get the people here so many people here does not seem to understand what's going on with this album...ignorance they say... untrained ears... anyway, maybe there's been a little hype about the field's from here we go sublime but it's a good album in it's own right. not sure if this is the great candidate for 2007s best...it will be though... but i don't get the people here rating with 0s or 1s...no point at all.… Expand
  10. onyxE.
    Jul 9, 2007
    4
    I love electronic music but this album is so overhyped it's ridiculous. TOTALLY OVERRATED!
  11. WTF
    Jul 7, 2007
    0
    wow this is seriously bad. I mean if I were in charge of this site I would be embarrased to have let such a mistake slip through.
  12. JodieL
    Jul 6, 2007
    1
    This is quite possibly the worst album I've heard for some time, there is absolutely nothing adventurous about this album, just a re-hash of early 90's dance music. Felt ripped off that I bought it, had to give it away to my 42 y/o mate, who did dance clubs in his 20's. He liked it but as we both agreed nothing groundbreaking here, save your $$$$. Try Justice's new This is quite possibly the worst album I've heard for some time, there is absolutely nothing adventurous about this album, just a re-hash of early 90's dance music. Felt ripped off that I bought it, had to give it away to my 42 y/o mate, who did dance clubs in his 20's. He liked it but as we both agreed nothing groundbreaking here, save your $$$$. Try Justice's new album if you want something to dance to.… Expand
  13. TonyE.
    Jul 4, 2007
    1
    If this is the best electronic album of 2007, let alone best album of 2007, we are all in trouble musically. Repetitive junk.
  14. RichieH
    Jul 4, 2007
    0
    Absolute rubbish. Those rating this album highly have been spoon-fed an opinion. Fucking conformists.
  15. MDunn
    Jul 3, 2007
    0
    Take a thump from New Order and a wash from Giorgio Moroder. This is crap.
  16. ja
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    Beautiful. Finds ways to hit the listener's emotions without a single sappy lyric or radio-pop cliche. Refreshing because it is a break from the norm, even by indie-snob standards. Better than what the users have rated it, but somewhat overrated by critics too (the critical average feels like it should be lower based on the scores, I can't see why it is so high). Not every track Beautiful. Finds ways to hit the listener's emotions without a single sappy lyric or radio-pop cliche. Refreshing because it is a break from the norm, even by indie-snob standards. Better than what the users have rated it, but somewhat overrated by critics too (the critical average feels like it should be lower based on the scores, I can't see why it is so high). Not every track is compelling or interesting as the good ones, but the good ones are...very, very good.… Expand
  17. Bram
    Jul 3, 2007
    7
    This is very abstract music. And like with all abstract art wether its a mondriaan painting or minimal music, people think they can recreate it with great ease. But believe me you can't. It's a good album but it's a little to clubby for my taste.
  18. EvanD
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    I'm sick of users rating this so low SIMPLY because it's edging out their favorite record(s) in the critical mass score. There's a reason this album is ranked so highly: it's absolutely fantastic. If you can't enjoy the subte, yet deeply rewarding, pleasures associated with this album, I am very, very sorry for you.
  19. jimmyj.
    Jun 30, 2007
    7
    All of you who say you can create something as good or better, well let's get to it! Look how much acclaim this "boring" album is getting. Imagine the reviews your work of art would get! You could be a star!! I'm mean, since it's so damn easy and everything, you should be able to shit one out with your laptop and loop program in no time. Imagine: all of the sudden, all of All of you who say you can create something as good or better, well let's get to it! Look how much acclaim this "boring" album is getting. Imagine the reviews your work of art would get! You could be a star!! I'm mean, since it's so damn easy and everything, you should be able to shit one out with your laptop and loop program in no time. Imagine: all of the sudden, all of this incredible, original electronica just oozing from normal, every-day music lovers everywhere! Anyone can do it. It's so easy. Can't wait to hear what you all come up with!… Expand
  20. SelfMedicating
    Jun 28, 2007
    5
    One might ask how a collection of rave music from the early 90s became the most critically acclaimed record of 2007. Or one could just admit that the critics know best.
  21. sargonzo
    Jun 28, 2007
    5
    Incredibly overrated
  22. JamesP.
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    6.9?! Are you lot fucking kidding me? All I can say is that I'm glad these guys aren't professional reviewers. For anyone who wants million MPH DnB that changes 1000 times a minute without ever settling on a particular tune, there's venetian snares. For those who can appresciate the infinitely deep, soft-as-dove's-down soundscapes teased out of splintered samples, 6.9?! Are you lot fucking kidding me? All I can say is that I'm glad these guys aren't professional reviewers. For anyone who wants million MPH DnB that changes 1000 times a minute without ever settling on a particular tune, there's venetian snares. For those who can appresciate the infinitely deep, soft-as-dove's-down soundscapes teased out of splintered samples, there's this utterly sublime (cough) record. Each song is actually allowed to unwind fully to its conclusion, given space to breathe, to soar, to put you into an utter stupor where the only thing that exists is you and the music. Which is such a rarity in a genre where artists are increasingly trying to pack as many substandard ideas into 4 minutes as possible. And the fantastically minimalist approach is so damn refreshing that I can't help but wonder why all music isn't like this. And hey, any song that can make Lionel Richie's "Hello" into one of the best songs of the decade thusfar (no exaggeration, this is seriously that good) deserves infinite praise.… Expand
  23. JTR
    Jun 28, 2007
    4
    What's the big deal here? Why are so many critics losing their minds over this trite, predictable, paint by numbers trance album that sounds like it fell through a wormhole from 1998? Seriously, electronic music has evolved far and wide from this car commercial music.
  24. RM
    Jun 27, 2007
    9
    Yes not perfect, much better in some places than others... But the thing that amazes me most about this album is that it is possibly the first trance album EVER that is even mildly intelligent. Its taken the dumbest electronic genre on the planet, scraped of all the cheese and cut out all the crappy lyrics in trance that make you cringe until your spine breaks, and made it interesting and Yes not perfect, much better in some places than others... But the thing that amazes me most about this album is that it is possibly the first trance album EVER that is even mildly intelligent. Its taken the dumbest electronic genre on the planet, scraped of all the cheese and cut out all the crappy lyrics in trance that make you cringe until your spine breaks, and made it interesting and engaging. So it deserves a lot of browie marks for that. I persoanlly feel the second half of the album is stronger than the first; repetition fares a bit better here and there is a bit more evolution in tracks like 'The Deal' (probably the highlight of the album). It is a shame it gets such high reviews because some people give it extremely low reviews as a knee jerk reaction. Its deserves to be in the top ten albums released this year though!… Expand
  25. BenJ.
    Jun 27, 2007
    0
    I've listened to this album at a friend's request. It is awful. There is very little on this that I find worthy of being considered music.
  26. pierreb.
    Jun 26, 2007
    5
    It is certainly not bad, but 90!!!!???? that's way too much for just an ordinary dance/electronic record. Good for running though. Still it is obvious that this album does certainly NOT deserve to be 2007's number 1.
  27. KyleR
    Jun 26, 2007
    0
    Tokyopimp. You have vocalized my opinion in a way my own mind could not.
  28. emilyw
    Jun 26, 2007
    3
    Finally this boring cd's rating is coming down a little bit. It still saddens me though that this has a 90 when stellar stuff like The National, Of Montreal, and Feist deserve to be the top three albums of the year thus far. Boo to boring electronica that goes absolutely nowhere. Give me a laptop and while put out something at least ten times as interesting as this tripe.
  29. amuror
    Jun 25, 2007
    10
    It is a sound track of cool stylish &. It is a sound without extra noisiness, and natural transformer music. Therefore, the person who feels that this is sober will not be able to come to like it. It is a refined sound adult who is not child's sound.
  30. tokyopimp
    Jun 23, 2007
    1
    Um... excuse me, this is the top rated album of 2007! Are you fucking kidding me... I could load up Acid 6.0, download some loops and create a more cohesive and interesting album than this abortion of so called music. I guess you have to be totally tripping on some sort of drugs to enjoy this repetitive tripe. I'm sorry but if you consider this a masterpiece or even remotely good.. Um... excuse me, this is the top rated album of 2007! Are you fucking kidding me... I could load up Acid 6.0, download some loops and create a more cohesive and interesting album than this abortion of so called music. I guess you have to be totally tripping on some sort of drugs to enjoy this repetitive tripe. I'm sorry but if you consider this a masterpiece or even remotely good.. then you have incredibly awful musical taste.… Expand
  31. maxw
    Jun 22, 2007
    2
    i don't understandt very horrible album i like only one song (the second)
  32. MarkN
    Jun 20, 2007
    7
    Good, not great. Mildly overrated.
  33. pierpaolof
    Jun 19, 2007
    9
    a lot of stylish concentration - nothing is useless
  34. MaxenceW
    Jun 17, 2007
    10
    Minimalist but strangely refreshing.
  35. PrometheusF
    Jun 17, 2007
    2
    After reading such great reviews I figured maybe these critics knew what they were talking about, so I bought the album. I'm so glad I did! Now if I ever have trouble sleeping all I need to do is pop this CD in. Thats not to say this was a complete waste of money but I wouldn't buy anything else by the field. I tried, I really did, but I just couldn't see what was so After reading such great reviews I figured maybe these critics knew what they were talking about, so I bought the album. I'm so glad I did! Now if I ever have trouble sleeping all I need to do is pop this CD in. Thats not to say this was a complete waste of money but I wouldn't buy anything else by the field. I tried, I really did, but I just couldn't see what was so wonderful about this. And "BREATH OF FRESH AIR"? Perhaps thats exactly what The Field needs as this sounds far too much like a bad trip for my tastes. To anyone who buys this album; don't worry if it sounds like the CD is skipping, thats really what they want it to sound like. Oh, and its best to drink some coffee first.… Expand
  36. JohnB
    Jun 15, 2007
    9
    It plays like the soundtrack to my life. It's not so much trance as it is simply the pulsating beats to our everyday lives. Anyone who believes this album is boring was clearly not listening carefully enough because there is plenty going on in this almost cinematic work.
  37. DaveD
    Jun 14, 2007
    8
    Yes, indeed, this is an enjoyable, mesmerising and effective minimal techno album. But 91?? 6 points over and above last year's masterpiece Ys and this year's best album so far "Boxer"? What the F%$&k??
  38. DarrenT
    Jun 12, 2007
    9
    I gave this a listen not expecting much but this is fantastic can not stop listening to it.Give it a try close your eys and play it loud and it will take you on a hour long journey of amazing music.
  39. SharpaJ
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    Deserves every ounce of hype. Though should come with a warning label since to appreciate what could (and has based on other reviews here) be dismissed as simplistic, a certain amount of experience both listening to electronic music and techniques used to produce are required for full effect.
  40. MichaelK
    Jun 8, 2007
    9
    OK, if you don't like repetitive beats you won't like this. Natasha K you are trippin or a fool! Sounds great to my ears! Funky, beautiful soundscapes.
  41. jobberl
    Jun 7, 2007
    10
    For all you naysayers who think elitists and snobs like this stuff, well then go listen to "Bad Day" the rest of your life. You'll never be pleased; you are lost. If you think it gets boring and dull, then you've been listening to the same type of pop music, where they all sound the same and are getting more complex exponentially. Music has become exponentially predictable, For all you naysayers who think elitists and snobs like this stuff, well then go listen to "Bad Day" the rest of your life. You'll never be pleased; you are lost. If you think it gets boring and dull, then you've been listening to the same type of pop music, where they all sound the same and are getting more complex exponentially. Music has become exponentially predictable, lazy, and sad....until this album came out. WHAT A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!!!!! I can finally see the light! Amen! Funny enough, all that was done was simplifying beats and extending rhythms...I feel so free when I listen to this. Enjoy!… Expand
  42. ChrisC
    Jun 7, 2007
    5
    I keep reading reviews for albums like this and Stars of the Lid talking about 'deep listening' (You know, that thing people who've been listening to Mozart since they were five do). Also accusing anybody who doesn't like it of just expecting it to be more like mainstream records. Basically the message of the reviews are 'We've decided this is great, and if I keep reading reviews for albums like this and Stars of the Lid talking about 'deep listening' (You know, that thing people who've been listening to Mozart since they were five do). Also accusing anybody who doesn't like it of just expecting it to be more like mainstream records. Basically the message of the reviews are 'We've decided this is great, and if you disagree, you're just a pop junkie'. Apparently, listening to a bunch of tones fading in and out, going nowhere, is the new state of avant garde. Unfortunately, all those things they say about it, how deep listening has some euphoric payoff, just aren't true. The record sounds okay and at points does indeed evoke some emotion. But not any more emotion than any other kind of atmospheric electronica. Sorry Pitchfork, The Field just ain't Mozart.… Expand
  43. [Anonymous]
    Jun 6, 2007
    8
    I don't think this album is the best of this year, but it is still definitely above average. "Over The Ice" and the title track are amazing, and the rest of the album is an emotional trance trip that rarely bores. Definitely worth it for techno fans.
  44. brendanp
    Jun 5, 2007
    10
    to say the approach is original is wrong, just see william basinski and panda bear. but its by no stretch gorgeous, warm and delicate. its a trip.
  45. steve-o
    Jun 4, 2007
    9
    People who review this record and give it a 0 are missing the point of this record. This is not meant to be a pop record with huge songs and flashy brilliance. It is a mood album that conveys great human emotion through electronics. What is most astounding about this album is how everything fits so neatly together. Every swirl, flange ect has its place on this record. There is just enough People who review this record and give it a 0 are missing the point of this record. This is not meant to be a pop record with huge songs and flashy brilliance. It is a mood album that conveys great human emotion through electronics. What is most astounding about this album is how everything fits so neatly together. Every swirl, flange ect has its place on this record. There is just enough technical music programming to keep a listener enticed but avoid downfalls of over production (recent timb album). Axel's harmonic choices are striking and profound.… Expand
  46. argeX
    Jun 3, 2007
    9
    simply a great album. various,fun, absolutely enjoyable.
  47. PamPhlet
    Jun 3, 2007
    1
    What a steaming pile of dump.
  48. esss
    Jun 2, 2007
    4
    I found it very repetitive and was disappointed. Maybe it would have been more impressive if I'd been tripping balls on E or something. My gf can't even be in the same room as this CD.
  49. arthurdogtrash
    Jun 1, 2007
    7
    Album of the year? No damn way. It's actually kind of boring and mind-numbing. Once again the readers vote is a far better representation of it's actual status. Avoid the media hype and make up your own minds.
  50. Discombobulator
    May 31, 2007
    9
    Im usually not a huge fan of this style of music, but this album is just so well conceived. It is such a deep enjoyable trip, I've been listening to it to and from work on the train for weeks. SUBLIME
  51. NatashaK
    May 30, 2007
    0
    An incredibly overrated album. I could understand appeal resting in the bland, sentimental accessibility
  52. marcelolleos
    May 29, 2007
    10
    Es una pieza maestra. nos dice como es posible la exaltacion del alma en diferentes emociones. La musica se detiene y despues avanza, juega con el tiempo...
  53. Leo
    May 29, 2007
    9
    This is an awesome CD. Those who don't like it lack an appreciation of nuance ... and likely electronic music too.
  54. AaronS.
    May 28, 2007
    2
    Overrated. It's really nothing special.
  55. StephenE
    May 28, 2007
    3
    Why is this rated at the top of Meta Critic? Terrible.
  56. simsim
    May 27, 2007
    2
    eh!? another overated album. metacritic really fails bringging the good stuff over the bad stuff. its basically some dance music overlooped with some cheesy baselines and a flat atmospheric part. Someone who thinks any good of this album should make an ear over good ambient stuff , look at bluemars, sky fm, groove salad, youll hear tons of better stuff for free over internet radio.
  57. FabrizioF
    May 26, 2007
    5
    NOT a minimalist record; who told this go check La Monte Young, the Fifties minimalism. This record can be interesting only as a metaphor of alienating routine of our modern way of living, in which though we're still looking for something worth which could go off the deep end. But this lil warmth is not enough for me...
  58. shootsybootsy
    May 24, 2007
    0
    "...oops I'm sorry I was looking for the music department."
  59. BrianW
    May 24, 2007
    9
    This is a beautiful and chilling collection of microhouse techno.
  60. ShaneequaJ
    May 23, 2007
    9
    It's just great. Plain and simple.
  61. JohnJ
    May 23, 2007
    10
    A little repetitive? Yes, but that's what holds this amazing album together.
  62. DivagazioniN
    May 22, 2007
    2
    Un disco inascoltabile, ripetitivo in tutte le sue tracce troppo elettroniche
  63. TylerM
    May 21, 2007
    10
    House? Techno? Ambient? Possibly. Absolutely breathtaking? Definitely.
  64. BibianeN
    May 21, 2007
    10
    THE BEST, sublime, idiliac, delicious, eletronic album of the last 5years. love it. i'm still asking myself how did i live without it
  65. MuzS
    May 21, 2007
    9
    I love this CD. Amazing how something so minimal can be so damn effective!
  66. EricF
    May 20, 2007
    7
    I think this album is a bit-overhyped. Its not minimal, its not trance, its not house. Its listenable techno, and for the indie-rock kids how are only now starting to appreciate electronic music this album bridges the gap because its so easy to listen to. I personally think its extremely lush and deep electronica, but at times takes the same loop a bit too far. A good offering, and a I think this album is a bit-overhyped. Its not minimal, its not trance, its not house. Its listenable techno, and for the indie-rock kids how are only now starting to appreciate electronic music this album bridges the gap because its so easy to listen to. I personally think its extremely lush and deep electronica, but at times takes the same loop a bit too far. A good offering, and a truly Kompact sounding record for those familiar with the famous German label… Expand
  67. TomE
    May 19, 2007
    10
    PERFECTION. BRILLIANT.
  68. MikeM
    May 19, 2007
    2
    BORING!!!!!
  69. GilesB
    May 18, 2007
    8
    This is an extreamly accomplished bit of work. Unlike a lot of dance music, its neither tacky or overly aggresive. The album also seems to be respectful of new york, chicago and detroit - garage, house and techno music of the 1980's. Excellent stuff.
  70. RG
    May 16, 2007
    9
    first of all if anyone says somethng about repetition then u have no idea what pop music is. some reviwere summed it perfectly calling out ppl who have convicend themselves that pop music is otherwise just because someone sings over the repetitiveness. This album is completely entrancing and i have not beeen able to take it out of my headphones, my comp, my car. it is soo simple yet first of all if anyone says somethng about repetition then u have no idea what pop music is. some reviwere summed it perfectly calling out ppl who have convicend themselves that pop music is otherwise just because someone sings over the repetitiveness. This album is completely entrancing and i have not beeen able to take it out of my headphones, my comp, my car. it is soo simple yet creates this gorgeous world. first track is the only downer, which has some nice moments but the rest of the album is just toooo sweeet.… Expand
  71. SantiagoS
    May 16, 2007
    3
    I can´t believe that a simple album like this has this rating!!!
  72. Giterdone
    May 16, 2007
    1
    the score would place this album as being one of the greatest of all time....this site is officially broken and has lost all credibility.
  73. ChristianK
    May 16, 2007
    2
    This is the only album I've bothered to comment on, the two years I've been visiting this sight. Minimalistic sure, but quite dull. When ever song has the same beat, there's a problem. If your into dance or electronic check out !!! (chkchkchk). Why is it that the amazing albums always take backseat to the subpar ones. It's #7 on the all-time high list, but doesn't This is the only album I've bothered to comment on, the two years I've been visiting this sight. Minimalistic sure, but quite dull. When ever song has the same beat, there's a problem. If your into dance or electronic check out !!! (chkchkchk). Why is it that the amazing albums always take backseat to the subpar ones. It's #7 on the all-time high list, but doesn't do anything for me. All biases aside, if it's top ten for the last five years, it should atleast be slightly captivating. There are many better albums than this one, ask 90% of anybody willing to listen to this album. Somebody please lock up the reviewers.… Expand
  74. PaulW
    May 15, 2007
    2
    Absolutely nowhere near as good as the ratings, really VERY dull.
  75. DaveS
    May 14, 2007
    8
    Fantastic album. Infinitely re-listenable; builds from simple lines, strips the rhythm down and then re-makes it over the course of a track.
  76. AndrewC
    May 12, 2007
    10
    the perfect mix of ambience and trance. so evocative and powerful, calling to mind MBV's loveless or selected ambience recordings by aphex twin. anyone with an open mind about music must listen to it.
  77. everythingisnice
    May 11, 2007
    9
    This a minimal, yet beautifully crafted album; I understand why some people dislike it, but they also have to understand that this album is receiving fantastic reviews because the writers that have reviewed it have thought it was fantastic. How can the fact that the rating for an album is culled from many reviews as opposed to one reviwer's opinion be the reason this site does not This a minimal, yet beautifully crafted album; I understand why some people dislike it, but they also have to understand that this album is receiving fantastic reviews because the writers that have reviewed it have thought it was fantastic. How can the fact that the rating for an album is culled from many reviews as opposed to one reviwer's opinion be the reason this site does not work? All I will say is if you are willing to give any type of music a chance and listen to an album on its own merits - instead of trying to compare it to everything else - then you should give this a try. If, however, you do not like minimal electronica and slow-building crescendos, then this is not for you ...… Expand
  78. Pedro
    May 10, 2007
    8
    Beautiful....one of the best of '07 so far
  79. stem
    May 10, 2007
    1
    When these others say "minimal", take it to heart. It sucks.
  80. MichelleT
    May 10, 2007
    8
    Initially I was unimpressed with the album. But after a few more listens, I was won over. The album builds to its peak by track 6 and recedes gently. It's minimal, subtle, and neatly crafted. It's a great album to listen to when you don't feel like listening to anything at all. He beautifully extracts that space between words and shifts between syllables, and layers these Initially I was unimpressed with the album. But after a few more listens, I was won over. The album builds to its peak by track 6 and recedes gently. It's minimal, subtle, and neatly crafted. It's a great album to listen to when you don't feel like listening to anything at all. He beautifully extracts that space between words and shifts between syllables, and layers these repetitive snipped sounds over pounding electronic beats to create an intense yet vacuous abstraction.… Expand
  81. markh
    May 9, 2007
    9
    i love it, its almost like bliss-pop and that kind of techno in a way. the construction of the songs is absolutely brilliant and is so melodic, without any real specific melodies. simply amazing.
  82. hexumhater
    May 9, 2007
    8
    how can anyone give this album a 0? totally ridiculous. how can this site be for people that don't smile? all you're doing is pouting now hexum, you're not smiling. notice how you don't mention one single act you like that are not on metacritic. as for the album itself, it is praised for a reason. the gushing minimal sounds of micro house such as on "sublime" are all how can anyone give this album a 0? totally ridiculous. how can this site be for people that don't smile? all you're doing is pouting now hexum, you're not smiling. notice how you don't mention one single act you like that are not on metacritic. as for the album itself, it is praised for a reason. the gushing minimal sounds of micro house such as on "sublime" are all about emotion. subtleties and intricacies within these patterns are what my feelings are made of. you can't tell me i am wrong for feeling better internally under these sweeping movements. really, who needs anthems?… Expand
  83. MattD.
    May 9, 2007
    3
    This is just goopy techno stuff. Big on sound effects but nothing else. It often amazes me what gets high and low ratings from critics. Just follow your own taste.
  84. Darnell
    May 9, 2007
    6
    Say Hello! to SUPER-HYPE! What is new here? It sounds so repetitive and boring that any slight nuance is considered profound (in the ears of critics). I tried, let me tell you, to like this. It's OK, and that's as good as it gets.
  85. GarrettM
    May 9, 2007
    10
    minimal techno is an acquired taste, I think. I don't blame noobs for blasting this album, however a few in particular are blasting the listeners. I'm not a snob or elitist and I enjoy this album and this site. I'm sorry you don't.
  86. MycroftW
    May 9, 2007
    6
    It's not bad, but this is surely way to lacking in ideas or originality to get a 93 score? That would imply there's a second Strings of Life on here somewhere, but instead it sounds like a poor man's Isolee
  87. JohnD
    May 9, 2007
    7
    Urgh. Look, here's the deal: See that 7? Well, if you don't like house music at all, then subtract 4 points from it, because there is nothing here that is going to change your mind; beats are 4/4, the songs sound almost exactly the same at the beginning of the song as they do at the end, and most of the songs last for more than 5 minutes. If you appreciate house music but are Urgh. Look, here's the deal: See that 7? Well, if you don't like house music at all, then subtract 4 points from it, because there is nothing here that is going to change your mind; beats are 4/4, the songs sound almost exactly the same at the beginning of the song as they do at the end, and most of the songs last for more than 5 minutes. If you appreciate house music but are not a raver, then take that 7 at face value, since its better than most house music around...but it's still house music. If you breathe house music, then you probably already own this album, but increase that 7 by 3 points anyway. That's all you really need to know.… Expand
  88. DaveM
    May 8, 2007
    2
    I can only echo the whole "Metacritic fails sometimes" sentiment. I thought I liked "trance" music before I heard this album. I may have just been ignorant of what that label amounts to. The offered critiques are glowing. If this is really what good trance amounts too then I've got the wrong genre. Maybe Axel Willner is simply too brilliant in his "minimalist" aptitude for the I can only echo the whole "Metacritic fails sometimes" sentiment. I thought I liked "trance" music before I heard this album. I may have just been ignorant of what that label amounts to. The offered critiques are glowing. If this is really what good trance amounts too then I've got the wrong genre. Maybe Axel Willner is simply too brilliant in his "minimalist" aptitude for the unenlightened listener, but the first thing I thought when I put this on was, "what the fuck were they thinking?" (meaning the critics). Save your money and your time.… Expand
  89. AlanP
    May 7, 2007
    4
    All I have to say is that the music does not live up to the critics hype. simple.
  90. EspenH
    May 7, 2007
    9
    Beautiful minimal! :)
  91. tim
    May 6, 2007
    5
    whats the big deal? i've heard better.
  92. JamesD
    May 6, 2007
    4
    This is a prime example of why Metacritic dosen't always (really) work. It's a bland, uninspired headache of an album, that sounded good to a few bland & uninspired reviewers. When real and effective original music is very much alive, thers's no need for such regressive piddle.
  93. HexumS
    May 6, 2007
    0
    This entire website is geared towards the musical elite, and music snobs. This website skips over MANY styles and bands that are absolutly awesome!! If you are like me, looking for new good music, because you've noticed that good music is hard to find, then I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but this site is not the answer. Go ahead, listen to this, and the Panda Bear album that This entire website is geared towards the musical elite, and music snobs. This website skips over MANY styles and bands that are absolutly awesome!! If you are like me, looking for new good music, because you've noticed that good music is hard to find, then I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but this site is not the answer. Go ahead, listen to this, and the Panda Bear album that got an 86, and realize with me that the people who like this are probably robots or people who don't smile too often. Geez... how boring and crappy!… Expand
  94. Alunp
    May 6, 2007
    4
    Not sure why the reviews are so high? There are no bad songs but the rating on Metacritc ranks it as one of the best albums of all time? After listening theres not really much you can remember of the stand out songs
  95. KelvinO'C
    May 5, 2007
    9
    Fantastic minimal album. For all those who feel these is repetitive,you really don't get it do you? Stop reviewing electronic albums and go back to the cosy land of pop music and soft rock,where you'll believe there's no repetition simply because some "star" is singing some song overthe top. Leave the real musical art reviews to real music listener's
  96. BigSur
    May 4, 2007
    2
    Nothing that hasn't been done in a much more creative way before, even in mainstream music. To have this as the best rated record in 2007 implies the critics aren't mastering their craft. Listen to more music, guys!
  97. samh
    May 4, 2007
    10
    yeah, this is tight. i hate to agree with critics, cuz im anti-everything (cuz im cool) but it deserves a 90.
  98. BrendanD
    May 3, 2007
    2
    No, seriously, what? I'm a fan of all different types of electronic music, but my two favorite subgenres are trance and ambient. This is neither trance nor ambient. It's not minimalist; Brian Eno is minimalist. This is boring schlock, with no heart, no heat, and nothing to even make it semi-interesting background music. And before anyone else accuses me of not understanding No, seriously, what? I'm a fan of all different types of electronic music, but my two favorite subgenres are trance and ambient. This is neither trance nor ambient. It's not minimalist; Brian Eno is minimalist. This is boring schlock, with no heart, no heat, and nothing to even make it semi-interesting background music. And before anyone else accuses me of not understanding this, let me tell yaz: I have now listened to this record about ten times. There is NOTHING INTERESTING ON IT. It's pretentious dribble disguised as pretty melodies. You want to pretend you're cool by listening? Have fun. Me, I'll stick with the guy who prefers women with ocular damage.… Expand
  99. IsaacL
    May 3, 2007
    10
    WOW. This is microhouse at its very, VERY finest.
  100. JesseJ
    May 3, 2007
    10
    This a great album. Yes this isn't a groundbreaking album, and yes, it probably shouldn't be the number one album of the year, but instead of deconstructing and analyzing it, try to just enjoy it.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2007
5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2007
44
#44 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Almost Cool
    85
    If you like minimal electronic music at all, you must seek it out.
    Read full review
  2. BBC collective
    100
    This is one of those rare albums that makes you wonder how you ever got by without it.
    Read full review
  3. cokemachineglow
    74
    This is an album you could easily hate -- especially if you like things like change and development.
    Read full review
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