Has Been
by William Shatner
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. PopMatters
    90
    Somehow, it just might be the pop album of the year.
  2. Stylus Magazine
    40
    The problem, of course, is that Shatner knows he’s Shatner now. And so does everyone else. It’s the joke that stops being funny after you hear the premise.
  3. cokemachineglow
    50
    Despite somber interludes like the Shatner-only confession of his third wife’s death, “What Have You Done?” or the subtly rich “Together,” Has Been does little to rescue the Priceline spokesman from the novelty bin.
  5. Pitchfork
    75
    For an album I approached ready to shrug off as sheer novelty, its humor and candor give it a fair amount of staying power.
  6. Playlouder
    80
    'Has Been' is just about as far as you could possibly get from your regular solo offering and as such arrives as one of the year's most strangely captivating albums.
  7. AllMusic
    80
    It may not be an album that's as funny or timeless as The Transformed Man, but Has Been is every bit as bizarre.
  8. The Guardian
    50
    This CD is beyond good or bad. It is from a world where concepts such as "unique" and "indispensible" live happily alongside "hilariously, brain-tearingly wrong".
  9. ShakingThrough.net
    68
    It's that sobering confessional quality that gives the album an unexpected dose of depth and grace.
  10. E! Online
    75
    Shatner oversees some surprisingly tuneful turns.
  11. Flak Magazine
    80
    This album is stunning.
  12. The New York Times
    70
    Remarkably, the album coheres.
  13. Village Voice
    50
    On the scale of Singing Shat, Has Been ranks above the Shakespeare rap in Free Enterprise, but below "Mr. Tambourine Man."
  14. Under The Radar
    70
    Fun, sad and oddly affecting... [a] highly enjoyable album that will catch you off guard. [#8, p.112]
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  15. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Listen once, chuckle lightly, rip 'Together,' then run a fucking mile. [9 Oct 2004, p.57]
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  16. Mojo
    60
    Big issues... are chewed over with bittersweet humour and musical sophistication. [Nov 2004, p.110]
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  17. Uncut
    60
    It is definitely deserving of the cult status that it will inevitably earn. [Dec 2004, p.138]
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  18. Q Magazine
    60
    Great non-rap spoken-word albums comprise a list shorter than Wiiliam Shatner's critically acclaimed film roles. Yet [Shatner and Folds] have got closer here than most. [Dec 2004, p.144]
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Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Most Discussed Album of 2004
53
#53 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 40
  3. Negative: 2 out of 40
  1. ToddSig
    Aug 11, 2016
    10
    If there is one album that truly deserves the full-on vinyl treatment in a glorious gate-fold, and Shatner-tastic splatter colored wax, thisIf there is one album that truly deserves the full-on vinyl treatment in a glorious gate-fold, and Shatner-tastic splatter colored wax, this is it! It's a shame that this has not happened yet. The depth of the lyrics, the perfect timing of the delivery, and the guest stars - EXQUISITE! I just keep biding my time, knowing that eventually Jack White or some other visionary (Jello Biafra are you listening?) will pick up the gauntlet and make this happen. Then, all will be right, once again, with the Earth! But seriously, the entire album has such a feeling of life, its experiences and the weight and joy it can bring. Perfectly played. 10 outta 10!… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    Jul 4, 2012
    7
    I bought this record after hearing his version of Common People with Joe Jackson. Pulp's original version was always one of my favourite songsI bought this record after hearing his version of Common People with Joe Jackson. Pulp's original version was always one of my favourite songs so I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the version on this record. It's a fantastic opening and really is a whole new reintereptation of the track. The rest of the album is surprisingly good. I never imagined I'd enjoy a William Shatner record but the songs are all pretty clever and the collaborations are really good. That's Me Trying (with Ben Folds), Familiar Love and Together (with Lemonjelly) are the other highlights for me. Listen to it with an open mind and you'll find moments to enjoy.… Full Review »
  3. cracka
    May 1, 2011
    10
    I listen to this album at least once a week. It is surprisingly good, and a breath of fresh air. I don't care whether it is cool or not, butI listen to this album at least once a week. It is surprisingly good, and a breath of fresh air. I don't care whether it is cool or not, but I do know that it sounds good, it has great song writing, Ben Folds should be heartily congratulated for his efforts here.… Full Review »
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