Good News For People Who Love Bad News - Modest Mouse
User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 155 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 147 out of 155
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 155
  3. Negative: 8 out of 155

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  1. MarcusJ
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    At moments awe-inspiring. Some great standouts like Float On, Ocean Breaths Salty, and Bury Me With It. Great guitar and lyrics throughout. Weikel?s drumming is on par with Green?s work.
  2. Becky
    Feb 1, 2005
    9
    modest mouse kicks ass!Thats it!
  3. KennethS
    Mar 5, 2007
    10
    One of the best albums I've heard. Even the songs that are more difficult listens reveal their elegance within only a couple of times through. Modest Mouse is, plainly and simply, the only band right now doing anything truly original, yet it isn't stilted. They are a band with talent, skill, and vision--things difficult to come by. This is an album to listen to from start to finish. It carries you through with enough beautiful melodies, like from "The View," in between that you don't become overly anxious or frustrated. If anyone says to me that no one makes decent music these days, one of the first places I'll point them to is this album, a true marvel of the last ten years.… Expand
  4. ThomasL
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    This is a fantastic album. I bought it at 8 this morning and I have already listened to it straight through 3 times. It isn't as immediately important and relevant as The Moon and Antartica seemed to be...but with each repeated listen it becomes more obvious that this album is a perfect companion piece to the already brilliant Modest Mouse catalog
  5. SandorC
    Apr 7, 2004
    10
    Not their best album, but better than anything else in existence.
  6. erike
    Apr 8, 2004
    9
    not their best, but damn close to it.
  7. MrStalin
    May 16, 2004
    9
    I'm kind of new to Modest Mouse - but, on the strength of this album they are indeed a great little band. Yeah okay, bits of it do sound like Tom Waits and Talking Heads ... but hey, that's no bad thing is it? Very impressed - and i will go in search of their previous albums quick smart! Are they gigging in England?
  8. yaright
    Jan 10, 2005
    9
    a great follow up to antartica.... less abstract and better structured songs.
  9. TMo
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    the best of the best, but not as good or emotional as earlier stuff.... please dont sell out (crossing fingers)
  10. karlh
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    a fantasticly beutiful alternitive indie album, one of my most listened to album of all time. this is one of my all time favourite albums, i rrecomend it to everyone
  11. MikeM
    Apr 10, 2004
    10
    Its not the moon and antarctica... but it's still good, really good.
  12. DevinB
    Apr 14, 2004
    9
    While still a strong CD by any standard, Good News is certainly NOT the best Modest Mouse CD yet, as some less informed have claimed. While the first half shimmers and sparkles under studio affectations, the songs are indelible and strong, both "Float On" and "Bury Me With It" are worthy of instant canonization with the best of Modest Mouse's work. However, the album fails to hold together cohesively, especially in the uneven second half, ushered in by the truly awful "Dance Hall." Although there are some gems here, like "Bukowski" and "Black Caddilacs," the ideas just don't come together to add up to anything more than the sum of their parts. And some of the parts leave a little to be desired. On the whole, this album is quite good, more than worthy of a good listen, as evidenced by its heavy rotation in my CD player. However, those who claim that this album eclipses the sprawling majesty of The Moon and Antarctica or the spastic genius of The Lonesome Crowded West are undoubtedly not familiar enough with those disks.… Expand
  13. ArtieS
    Apr 15, 2004
    10
    Amazing album with alot of upside. Definatley worth a purchase.
  14. JO
    Apr 5, 2004
    10
    Great album, definately one of the best of the year
  15. DomS.
    Apr 5, 2004
    9
    Some magnificent shit. Isaac Brock is insane, but the blade of his attack has been dulled beautifully. God bless that glorious redneck.
  16. WiL
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    i JUST got this album, ive listened to it 1.5 times all the way through so far. so this is merely first impression, but D*MN what an impression! pitchforkmedia is sometimes right about their reviews (MM's the moon an antartica, for example), but here, i must disagree. i commend any band for being creative, experimenting, yet still holding true to a signature sound, and modest mouse have proven themselves the best at it time and time again. they have been my favorite band for years, and this album only strengthens my affections. of course, if i get tired of it by, like, tomorrow, i will repost. but dont expect to hear from me again!… Expand
  17. NickM
    Apr 6, 2004
    10
    Wicked Album, nearly..nearly as good as lonsome crowded west!
  18. EelA
    Apr 7, 2004
    9
    "Good news..." lacks the depth of "Moon and Antarctica," but so what? Modest Mouse is still a group on top of their game, and isn't that the most we can ask of a group that has consistantly kicked so much ass? This album may not go down in history as the best Modest Mouse album ever, but it is still pretty damn good.
  19. chrisb
    Apr 8, 2004
    10
    Buy afr, the best album of the decade!!
  20. AdrianL
    Apr 9, 2004
    10
    its great, i love the change in there sound, ive heard this band grow up for years, and now it seems they r right were they should be
  21. EvanK
    May 3, 2004
    10
    It was honestly one of the best and most amazings albums yet!
  22. Lifeisstillsweet
    Jun 11, 2004
    10
    If this was the end of Modest Mouse, their catalog of albums would seem complete to me. At no point in this band's career did they degress. This album is climactic. How could Modest Mouse possibly create a better album. The band must be completely drained of creative energy. I guess I'm just a little worried that nothing will ever sound as good as "good news" to a person who loves bad news. I hope Modest mouse proves me wrong. … Expand
  23. jo
    Jun 3, 2004
    10
    I love Issac!!!!
  24. JoeyM
    Sep 22, 2004
    9
    Quite an excellent album on its own terms. Yes, Modest Mouse has had some albums that are even better, but that doesn't make this one bad - just good in a different way.
  25. KellyWalrus
    Feb 20, 2005
    10
    Rarely, if ever, can I listen to a record non-stop for days on end without changing my disc. Modest Mouse, needless to say, has achieved what many other "indie" bands, or any other band, have tried to achieve this year with there fourth album. What Mouse has produced is an album that marries accessible pop songs without alienating their long running fanbase. The result is a beautiful, yet thrashy album that deserves more praise than any other band or album this year.… Expand
  26. nickr
    Jun 27, 2005
    10
    one of the best albums of all time !!!!!!
  27. BrandonS
    Mar 12, 2006
    9
    I really enjoyed this album for what it was. It amazes me that anyone who's never heard any modest mouse can call this anything less than a masterpeice. Radiohead is about the only mainstream music that could possibly compete with THIS album, and in my opinion, modest mouse's older work is holy. The CD was amazing, but barely scratches the surface on possibly the greatest band ever.
  28. AdrianC.
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    A beautifully compiled piece of art.
  29. misspixistix
    Apr 26, 2004
    10
    what can i say-- look at the wide mix of instruments used. dirty dozen brass band, acordian, etc one soung sounds like the circus songs on the 1940's Dumbo soundtrack while another is like a pirates ship dance song very upbeat from previous albums flutes, pump organs, banjos, cellos. tin whistles what can i say?
  30. JoeM
    Apr 4, 2004
    10
    Exceptional CD from start to finish. Modest mouse's second best to date.
  31. IsickB
    Apr 5, 2004
    10
    These guys just keep getting better...
  32. RyanW
    Apr 5, 2004
    9
    I love it!!!
  33. MattM
    Apr 5, 2004
    10
    Worth it in every way.
  34. MatthewF
    Apr 7, 2004
    10
    Im only giving this a ten because nine seems too low for a modest mouse cd, It's very good, I can't say its lonesome crowded west standards but if you like modest mouse buy this cd. don't buy this cd if your looking for a good charlotte "punk rawk" cd
  35. zr
    Apr 8, 2004
    9
    while not like the other albums, its a change, like the other albums. it may be different but it is different in a very Modest Mouse way. While still holding onto the negativity and writing lines that makes the listener smirk, Good News... will definately stay in my cd player for a while...if anything it also makes me want to break out the older albums and just...enjoy the Mouse
  36. BobG
    Apr 9, 2004
    10
    Me Likey
  37. TomD
    May 21, 2004
    10
    I am a long time Modest mouse fan and this has to be by far the best album i have ever heard i cant stop listing to it! So Go Out And BuY This Amazing Album!!!!
  38. wackyman
    May 25, 2004
    9
    I never was a real modest mouse fan pur sang but with their latest they hit the spot
  39. willw
    May 27, 2004
    10
    great stuff
  40. RobertA
    May 30, 2004
    10
    FUN Fun to listen to. great album entertainment? yes, this cd is fun to listen to.
  41. AshleyMonday
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    There are only a handful of bands in the past one and a half decades that deserve to cash in. Modest Mouse is an example. They have arguably created the best music of my generation. From" Interstate 8" to "the Moon and Antarctica", they have made atmospheres and moods, mythologies and biblical references. In the mid nineties Modest Mouse opened me up to alot of amazing independent label music. The new album, although a little more polished and "pop" than previous efforts, it still holds true to the Modest Mouse mood and mythology. I can honestly say that "Good News..." is a turning point in Modest Mouse's sound. I think it started with the Ugly Casanova record. Its simpler and more stark, catchier. The lyrics are of course clever and full of incredible puns and wordplay. This album to me is a nine in scope, but i gave it a ten because Modest Mouse deserves all the praise they can get. They have worked for it.… Expand
  42. briand
    Jun 5, 2005
    10
    I do not care what anyone says about any of it. It is one of the best CD's I have ever bought. I'm not sure its better than the moon and antartica but its darn close. It's really interesting, the lyrics are great. I don't know, its just an amazing group. Just because float on made them somewhat popular doesn't mean they are selling out too.
  43. DS
    Jul 16, 2005
    10
    modest mouse has to be one of the greatest bands of all time with brilliant and deep lyrics from the very skilled isaac brock
  44. AlexeyA
    Aug 23, 2005
    10
    What a great album! It is so unusual, pop, funny and sad at the same time. It's hard to believe in it, but this is really one of the best albums of all time.
  45. TBone
    Jan 16, 2006
    10
    It's hard to believe there are 30 higher rated albums for 2004 on Metacritic. When I first heard this (In 2005) I was blown away. I couldn't believe I missed it. Start with Float On, Ocean Breat's Salty, and my fav: The Good Times Are Killing Me. There is plenty more after that. Love it.
  46. JamesL
    Mar 16, 2006
    10
    Well its my favorite band and one of the best albums they ever come out with except my favorite is still the Moon and Antartic.
  47. SteveM
    Mar 22, 2006
    9
    Only Modest Mouse I've listened to and I love it. I plan on getting some of their older albums.
  48. DanK
    Jul 7, 2006
    10
    Why is it that people always think that success equals crap. Yes sometimes it is true but with this, their most successful album to date, all of the songs are still high quality. I have all of their albums and this sounds just as good as all the other ones if mot better. So don't call me a sell-out just because I like this album and the general public are catching on too.
  49. yes.
    Apr 7, 2007
    10
    The Moon And Antarctica's crazy cousin. Awesome, awesome album.
  50. ClayT
    Jul 18, 2007
    9
    This was the first modest mouse cd I'd ever heard. Quite simply it is the gateway drug to all things modest mouse. One of the best albums (if not the best) that I have ever come across.
  51. MikeL
    Aug 20, 2007
    10
    Not just their best album, best album of the year. There's a saying that music should never be safe, and that's exactly how I'd describe this album. There's something kind of chaotic and violent about it, with Brock singing like a madman over a propulsive, occasionally lurching rhythm, and guitars that kind of dig out these melodic but hard-edged lines. A classic.
  52. JoshM
    Nov 2, 2004
    10
    This CD is the best CD ever made excluding Blink 182's CD: Enema of the State.
  53. alyssam
    Dec 8, 2004
    10
    modest mouse kicks ass. period.
  54. [Anonymous]
    Apr 11, 2004
    10
    this albulm rox, distinctly MM, wonderful. may not be M&A but that is one of the great alulms of all time which will be topped by practically no one
  55. BrianM
    Apr 12, 2004
    9
    The albums not a classic, but it possesses an interesting sound and feel. Much more upbeat than their last album.
  56. davem
    Apr 12, 2004
    9
    demented and uplifting cancerous, halucinogenic, backporch poetry. the skeletons will get up from their coffins, have a few drinks, shoot off their rusty kneecaps, and dance. and that's just the good news. a mouthful of fresh dirt straight from the shovel, chased with an eyeful of cloud laced baby blue sky. no maggots just worms... yum! if you don't absolutely love it you are stupid, insane, and more than likely voting for Bush again in 2004!!! buy it now or die a stupid , helpless, and depraved egomaniacal loser. thank you.… Expand
  57. CharP
    Apr 14, 2004
    9
    I thought this album was awesome, and even better in concert
  58. JOshH
    Apr 15, 2004
    10
    If you're gonna het a mm album, get this one or Moon and Antartica.This one owns
  59. ShintoI
    Apr 23, 2004
    9
    Modest Mouse have proved they're simply too good to release a disappointing record (so far at least).. and in Good News For People Who Love Bad News, they continue to progress and expand their palette. They have created a Modest Mouse record that lightens things up - a nice clear day rather than clouds bunching up for storms. That said - Brock still hasn't lost the pissed-off cynical side, but is admitting that it feels damn good to feel good all the same. I mean, how long can you go on listening to Joy Division or Radiohead before admitting that life isn't only sad and powerless and thus might be better off listening to some good, disco/dance rhythms and shit? Modest Mouse gets this and leads us fans into a brighter, more fulfilling future while keeping in touch with the importance of "sad, contemplative, angry, meaningful" feelings. This is a record that will have long term value, and is a special record, but the band can still get better and do more.. they're Modest Mouse.… Expand
  60. misspixistix
    Apr 26, 2004
    10
    what can i say-- look at the wide mix of instruments used. dirty dozen brass band, acordian, etc one soung sounds like the circus songs on the 1940's Dumbo soundtrack while another is like a pirates ship dance song very upbeat from previous albums flutes, pump organs, banjos, cellos. tin whistles what can i say?
  61. BrandonS.
    May 13, 2004
    10
    Dudes, listen to your words and try to think you are not stupid, it probably can't happen unless You're REALLY ignorant. THis is the best modest mouse disk yet! By the way, the world is NOT at large, kiss me!
  62. chaseme
    May 16, 2004
    10
    This album isnt THE best modest mouse; but its worthy of their status. STOP PLAYING IT ON THE RADIO THOUGH!
  63. JonG
    Sep 23, 2004
    10
    First to Spring E: You must be reffering to Bukowski. That lyric is actually referring to Bukowski as an a$$hole, not God. God was just used as an intensifier like "god, what's his problem" or "god, that was great" But about the album, this piece is nothing short of an absolutely mystical journey through the insane mind of Isaac Brock. Brock churns out beautiful songs with a voice that growls in contempt. Or quivers in urgency. Or yells in robust showmanship. Or wafts in immense joy. Either way you look at it, Good News pokes at your heard and persuades you to finally enjoy the pleasures of bad news.… Expand
  64. RobJ
    Sep 25, 2004
    9
    Fabulous collection of modest mouse, yet not their best CD
  65. Carp
    Nov 24, 2005
    10
    Never before has an album stayed in my CD player for over four monthes, and counting. If you're thinking of buying this album, stop, and buy it already. "Float On" is possibly the best song I have ever heard, and even the track sthat you hate at first will just grow on you and you will come to love every song on this disc.
  66. TimE
    Jan 13, 2005
    9
    It's like putting the best of the Pixies, the Flaming Lips, the Eels and the Magnetic Fields in one and coming up with something of pure genius. Spectacular!!!!
  67. Awhina
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    Modest Mouse at the top of their game. Isaac Brock's songwriting at its very best. Definitely up there with Moon and Antarctica as one of the best Modest Mouse albums ever. I have been listening to it on a regular basis for about 8 months now... that's very impressive for somebody who usually gets sick of an album within a couple of weeks! The View and Float On are definitely highlights of this consistently great album.… Expand
  68. CharlieS
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    listen to it twice and youll listen to it forever after. You need to get used to it first then you can enjoy the music.
  69. Julia
    Jun 23, 2005
    10
    What makes this album rate so high is the originality of each song. From multiple instruments and sounds blended together to simple banjo and horn, no song sounds like the other and each is refreshing to listen to. I absolutely love this album and rate it with Modest Mouse's previous ones, even though it sounds so different from them.
  70. danh
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    I have been listening to modest mouse, way back when they frist relased "This is a long drive for someone with nothing to think about" in 1997. I like "Good news for people who love bad news" because it stays not to far off of what they started with music wise. rock and inde music. I think this is there best alubum yet. But better alubums are yet to come for this inde rock band!!!!!
  71. StanH
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    Quite possibly the greatest album of all time...absolutely mind-blowing for me...Brock is a genius.
  72. time
    Nov 21, 2006
    10
    The Moon and Antartica is quickly becoming the most overrated albums of the 00s. People are turning that album into the new Sufer Rosa. People like it because it came out first and doesn't have hits. I've heard the Moon... and for once Spin was right on the money for giving it a 3 out of 10. It's crap! This album is far superior in every aspect of the word. Don't believe the hype that their last records have gotten. These people are bitter old farts who have no understanding of what good pop music is. To all you that hate this record, you're the biggest sellouts and you can all drop dead… Expand
  73. aSsh0le
    Dec 19, 2010
    10
    Their best album. there's not much I can say about it except that it has many songs I liked, only downside is that I'm christian and I've heard they're disrespectful to god but I guess that's OK with me since I like to play marilyn manson's the reflecting god before I go to sleep sometimes( and I usually pray after), maybe I just like the music or maybe my subconcius is a hypocrite but I try not to listen to the lyrics on a song when they say something i hate instead of hating the song when the song is awesome, so I'm just gonna say it's a good album.… Expand
  74. Ricko
    Feb 28, 2012
    9
    This is a real favourite of mine. Pure class, Modest Mouses best work by a country mile and one of the albums of the 00's. Not a bad track to be found and several classics here including the brilliant rockers "Float On", "Bury Me With It" and "One Chance" along with the magnificently gentle "Blame It On The Tetons". Modest Mouse and Isaac Brock are unique, so I don't like comparing them to anyone but this record reminds me a lot of the Pixies Doolittle. It may be Brocks crazy sounding vocals reflecting Black Francis in parts, not quite sure. If you like your indie/alternative rock then buy this record - you won't be disappointed. I'd give this a 9.3 but unfortunately rounding to the closest number leaves it with 9.… Expand
  75. JoaoRodarte
    Nov 3, 2011
    10
    I really like this album.

    The song lyrics are just awesome, even people who didn't like the music should read the lyrics to think about it.

    Rate of 10 for the Music and the Lyrics.
  76. Mrtheownageman
    Jan 29, 2013
    9
    An amazing album by far. You should definitely buy this album if you love listening to indie rock music and if you are doing homework because it is amazing when doing homework. definitely a must have (I think I am repeating myself but oh well) not the best for gaming and such but its also a great roadtrip album as well so i really do recommend you buy this album because it really is good

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Nude As The News
    60
    A lot of major label-imposed ideas, like rhythm guitar and a heartbreakingly conventional new bass sound, combine to utterly ruin the record's first half. If you can make it through to News' innards, however, an EP's worth of something like better-recorded, more thought-out Lonesome Crowded West material awaits.
    Read full review
  2. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    Weathered now, their herky-jerk stands up smartly to interjections from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    60
    [Brock is] adept at wringing out emotion while straddling sentimentality, but too often here, gauche studio affectations make his sap sound plain cheap. [Apr 2004, p.134]
See all critic reviews »