User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 91 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 91
  2. Negative: 8 out of 91
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  1. Feb 3, 2013
    9
    This pays a lot of homage to 80s dance music, but it's still Tegan and Sara. They are masters of creating a pop sensibility without sacrificing authenticity. Like many alternative artists, they're transitioning to a more electro-pop sound, which isn't the inspired most choice. Heartthrob is sort of like if T&S took a stab at making a Robyn record with Hot Chip influence, but they did itThis pays a lot of homage to 80s dance music, but it's still Tegan and Sara. They are masters of creating a pop sensibility without sacrificing authenticity. Like many alternative artists, they're transitioning to a more electro-pop sound, which isn't the inspired most choice. Heartthrob is sort of like if T&S took a stab at making a Robyn record with Hot Chip influence, but they did it really, really well. They take this very bubbly, buoyant style, but can make it emotive enough to be sincere. It's a bit of a grower, but it's probably the most accessible Tegan and Sara album to date. Highly recommended. Expand
  2. Feb 2, 2013
    8
    There's no question about it; this is a divisive album. But the Quin sisters put as much of a nail in they have all their albums. If you're willing to look past the gloss you'll find that this album is rife with honesty and no less of a work of art than any of their previous outings. Hooray for Canadiana!
  3. Sep 1, 2013
    10
    This is quite possibly the most ingenious album to have come out in the last 5 years years and definitely gets my vote for best album of the year. Reasons being:
    Tegan & Sara often tend to over think concepts and over write songs. This is a common tendency of the very creative. They have had to be very thoughtful in choosing producers who can take their jungle of ideas and extract a clear
    This is quite possibly the most ingenious album to have come out in the last 5 years years and definitely gets my vote for best album of the year. Reasons being:
    Tegan & Sara often tend to over think concepts and over write songs. This is a common tendency of the very creative. They have had to be very thoughtful in choosing producers who can take their jungle of ideas and extract a clear thought. Its not about album sales. It's about giving people something to connect to. On "Heartthrob", you hear this message loud and clear. The shallow and self aware will dismiss it as "easy" or "sell out". It takes musicality and a mature appreciation to see what the Quinns are doing here. They have packaged the lifespan of a relationship into an album. There is a full spectrum of emotions and emerging maturity here. From a sweet rush of chemicals in your body to the utter heartbreak of a failed relationship, one person's life is captured in ten, well thought out tracks.
    In terms of their career, this is a massive stride forward and a marked improvement on their abilities as song writers to pen something that is honest, recognizable and catchy.
    Music does not get more perfect than this.
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  4. Feb 10, 2013
    10
    I've been listening to them for over a decade and, even though their sound has changed a bit, am loving this album. I've been listening to it/dancing to it on repeat for the past week. It's a good one.
  5. Feb 13, 2013
    9
    Though lyrically lacking in comparison to previous albums, Heartthrob is a cohesive and enjoyable record that still manages to strike chords of memories of young, unrequited love. Being of fan of the band since So Jealous, I, for one, was not upset with the change in direction. I felt Sainthood, although a great record, was lacking in many areas. As stated in many reviews, the album hasThough lyrically lacking in comparison to previous albums, Heartthrob is a cohesive and enjoyable record that still manages to strike chords of memories of young, unrequited love. Being of fan of the band since So Jealous, I, for one, was not upset with the change in direction. I felt Sainthood, although a great record, was lacking in many areas. As stated in many reviews, the album has an 80s sound to it, and despite upbeat synthesizers, the lyrics still manage to capture a sadness. Although the move from the sisters to make this record more of a pop sound has resulted in critics to call them sell-outs or less-than musicians, the album is meticulous and flows just as well as their previous records; there is in fact a brain to this creation. The Quin sisters best efforts come in the songs Closer, Drove Me Wild, How Come You Don't Want Me, and the last song: Shock to Your System, which is the best song on the entire album. After countless collaborations with prominent DJs in the music world, I feel that Heartthrob is a valuable and emotionally charged album. Expand
  6. Mar 9, 2013
    10
    There's nothing wrong with music which is more layered, or "polished", or even if it sounds "popular". It's still their voices, still their lyrics, it's also still a new sound which they approved of. And so do I.
  7. Feb 2, 2013
    9
    Before listening to Heartthrob, I'd never heard a Tegan and Sara song in my life so I came in with no long-term fan baggage, and I have no idea how this album fits into their larger discography. But let me say, on its own merits, this is a first rate pop album. Each song could be its own single, and the band has enough personality, charm and talent to prevent the whole thing fromBefore listening to Heartthrob, I'd never heard a Tegan and Sara song in my life so I came in with no long-term fan baggage, and I have no idea how this album fits into their larger discography. But let me say, on its own merits, this is a first rate pop album. Each song could be its own single, and the band has enough personality, charm and talent to prevent the whole thing from seeming too impersonal, slick, or banal. If you enjoy well constructed pop music even a little bit, buy this album. This is about as good as the genre gets. Expand
  8. Jan 29, 2013
    10
    I would actually rate this album around an 8.5, but I scored it 10 here because of the pretentious hipster jackasses who gave it a 0 and a 4. Come on, really? There's not liking something and then there's just trolling out of spite. Now to the actual review: Honestly, I enjoyed Heartthrob. After seeing Tegan and Sara put out tracks such as Alligator, Bodywork with Morgan Page, Feel It InI would actually rate this album around an 8.5, but I scored it 10 here because of the pretentious hipster jackasses who gave it a 0 and a 4. Come on, really? There's not liking something and then there's just trolling out of spite. Now to the actual review: Honestly, I enjoyed Heartthrob. After seeing Tegan and Sara put out tracks such as Alligator, Bodywork with Morgan Page, Feel It In My Bones with Tiesto, and other electro hits, this album really feels like a natural evolution of where they're at. It's synth pop at its best, but still retains some lyrical depth and Tegan and Sara soul. It will make you dance, but it can also make you cry. Highlights of the album include Now I'm All Messed Up, Shock To Your System, and I Run Empty. This album is definitely a Sara standout. That being said, this album does have its missteps. Love They Say is throwaway trope and is without a doubt the worst track on the album. I Couldn't Be Your Friend falls just short of being catchy. But still, this album is definitely one you should check out. Don't forget to purchase the Deluxe version because the two bonus songs included are both fantastic. Expand
  9. Jan 30, 2013
    10
    This is not your early Tegan and Sara. If you heard their first single, it tells you what they were aiming for. They jumped back into the synth pop of the 80s and if, like me, you embrace how Tegan and Sara aren't afraid to change things up while keeping true to their deep core, you will love this. But I have devout followers who can't stand this, and think its crap. Personally, I trust inThis is not your early Tegan and Sara. If you heard their first single, it tells you what they were aiming for. They jumped back into the synth pop of the 80s and if, like me, you embrace how Tegan and Sara aren't afraid to change things up while keeping true to their deep core, you will love this. But I have devout followers who can't stand this, and think its crap. Personally, I trust in what these girls do, and for the 7th time, I'm not disappointed in the least. Collapse
  10. Jan 29, 2013
    8
    After Sainthood, anyone could have seen this record coming. Since So Jealous, the duo have been gradually adding synthesizers and electronic elements to their sound, and they've gone all the way out with Heartthrob. T&S will probably gain a lot of fans with this record and lose a lot, too, but I'm staying along for the ride. The Con is one of my favorite records of all time and whileAfter Sainthood, anyone could have seen this record coming. Since So Jealous, the duo have been gradually adding synthesizers and electronic elements to their sound, and they've gone all the way out with Heartthrob. T&S will probably gain a lot of fans with this record and lose a lot, too, but I'm staying along for the ride. The Con is one of my favorite records of all time and while Heartthrob doesn't come close, it's still a very good record, and in my mind an improvement on Sainthood, which felt like an awkward transitional stage and came across as a little soulless at times.
    Make no mistake about it; Heartthrob is a pop album. If that's not your thing, then you probably won't like it. But in my mind, Heartthrob proves that there is such a thing as pop music done right. This is the same T&S of old, just in a more accessible, danceable package.
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  11. Jan 30, 2013
    10
    I don't understand why people don't like it? It's not at all generic or mainstream at all because it sounds like nothing on radio right now. With Heartthrob, they put their own spin on groovy synthpop songs with catchy hooks and choruses. The lyrical content and writing style is the same, but the only difference from their previous material is that the album has pop production instead ofI don't understand why people don't like it? It's not at all generic or mainstream at all because it sounds like nothing on radio right now. With Heartthrob, they put their own spin on groovy synthpop songs with catchy hooks and choruses. The lyrical content and writing style is the same, but the only difference from their previous material is that the album has pop production instead of indie rock production. From a pop music point of view, this album is perfect and deserves to be recognised as such. The fans who do not like this sudden leap into pop music may not like this, but, oh well, you win some, you lose some. Don't be so mad that it's different. Different is good. Expand
  12. Feb 6, 2014
    7
    It's a good album. The music is fine, and so are the lyrics. But for a dance album, i expected it to be more exciting than this. The tracks i enjoyed the most are: "Goodbye, Goodbye", "Love They Say", and "Now I'm All Messed Up".
  13. Mar 23, 2013
    8
    I knew a minimal amount about this (formerly) indie-rock duo aside from the inclusion of their 2007 song The Con in Rock Band 3 & some buzz in the indie scene once I started keeping up with that kind of stuff. Then lead single Closer came out & they seemed to just blow UP in the mainstream. And it’s no mystery as to why, since on Heartthrob they’ve definitely gone in a more accessible &I knew a minimal amount about this (formerly) indie-rock duo aside from the inclusion of their 2007 song The Con in Rock Band 3 & some buzz in the indie scene once I started keeping up with that kind of stuff. Then lead single Closer came out & they seemed to just blow UP in the mainstream. And it’s no mystery as to why, since on Heartthrob they’ve definitely gone in a more accessible & poppy direction. I recently heard their album The Con (which many consider their magnum opus) for the sake of discography context & was pretty impressed. It had a much more rock-leaning & alternative feeling throughout, and the controversy’s Heartthrob caused among Tegan & Sara’s fanbase became a bit clearer. Even though they seem to have always had a pop sensibility in terms of structure & melodies, everything surrounding it on previous efforts was raw, poetic & a touch dark, whereas on this new album they've embraced glossy production, bright synths & more literal & straightforward lyrics. Now at face value this would imply a blatant sellout to crappy mainstream pop music that shreds any bit of artistic merit a band possessed, right? I mean longtime fans have been claiming that left & right. Well... that’s not quite the case. Here Tegan & Sara have merely taken their knack for catchy hooks & relatable lyrics about love, both in good times & bad, and made them the main focus. If anything I’m reminded more of an updated version of the synth pop of the 1980’s than modern crap-pop that panders to the lowest common denominator & puts in little-to-no effort in the area of substance. I’m not completely opposed to squeaky-clean pop production; only when good music isn’t being made in it, or when it just doesn’t fit the songwriting, do I have a problem. Here however the pop production fits very well with this newly simplified songwriting style. And I wouldn’t call this “dumbing it down” like some have. Tegan & Sara themselves put it best in an interview with Qtv (look it up on YouTube, it’s very worth watching) when they said they basically wanted to stop masquerading their messages in metaphors & symbolism in order to let the raw meanings shine through. And in my opinion they pull this off very well in these 12 songs (including the bonus tracks), showing themes mainly of finding love & losing it. Though 2 tracks that provide a slight diversion are I’m Not Your Hero, which reflects on past victories above adversity, and Shock to Your System, a message to the miserable loners of the world to go out, live life to its fullest & maybe find love in the process. Speaking of diversions, Shock to Your System & bonus track I Run Empty provide refreshing changes musically & sonically to keep the album from being completely monochrome. Shock to Your System is a great piano-driven indie-rock song with pounding drums & echoing vocals, while I Run Empty is, despite the presence of multiple ballads on the album, their only song here that strips everything down to vocals, piano, acoustic guitar & sparse synths in the background. I really wish this song & other bonus track Guilty as Charged weren’t relegated to just the iTunes release, because they would’ve been great additions to the standard edition. If there’s one fairly consistent gripe I have with this album, it’d be the blatant identical rhymes & repeated lines within verses on a lot of songs here. It sounds nice but when analyzed gets a bit monotonous & comes off lazy lyrically. Still I’m overall very pleased with this album. I’m a sucker for a well-written & sincere pop song & this album is chock full of those. Don’t get the hipsters convince you this is some cheap sellout. Top 5 tracks: I Run Empty, Now I’m All Messed Up, Shock to Your System, Closer, Love They Say. Rating: 80/100 Expand
  14. May 7, 2013
    8
    Such a mainstream record for a pair of pop-underdogs like Tegan and Sara! I'm not a big fan of ballads, but Greg Kurstin does an impeccable job in producing these tunes. "I Was A Fool" is a stand-out, and "I'm Not Your Hero" is amazing too.
    If you were a Tegan and Sara fan, you'll be a little bit disappointed about their new approach, but if you haven't heard nothing from them, you'll
    Such a mainstream record for a pair of pop-underdogs like Tegan and Sara! I'm not a big fan of ballads, but Greg Kurstin does an impeccable job in producing these tunes. "I Was A Fool" is a stand-out, and "I'm Not Your Hero" is amazing too.
    If you were a Tegan and Sara fan, you'll be a little bit disappointed about their new approach, but if you haven't heard nothing from them, you'll become a fan right away. Love at first listen.
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  15. Sep 17, 2013
    8
    Felt the urge to review as well, due to the negative reviews. Let's say your favorite artist comes out with an album. They felt the urge to evolve musically, to open to a wider audience (that was the goal of Hearthrob, after all). Lets say it comes out, it's pop-radio friendly, and musically very interesting. Then lets say you are an uber-hipster piece of crap that compares apples toFelt the urge to review as well, due to the negative reviews. Let's say your favorite artist comes out with an album. They felt the urge to evolve musically, to open to a wider audience (that was the goal of Hearthrob, after all). Lets say it comes out, it's pop-radio friendly, and musically very interesting. Then lets say you are an uber-hipster piece of crap that compares apples to oranges constantly. That person would not like this album.

    Listen to this album with an open mind. Melodically, they are geniuses. You've never heard these vocals before. Yes, the beats on some songs are uninspired, but they are digging deep for the lyrical content. Seriously, give this a listen. It's not the best pop album ever, but it's up there with the best Tegan and Sara works thus far. And give the girls a break. You can only wallow in super-unknown hipster territory for so long before you realize you actually have to make money to live.
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  16. Jul 1, 2015
    9
    This album is a near perfect pop album, as far as I'm concerned... every song is catchy and fun... and I've listened to "Drive Me Wild" on repeat and I'm pretty sure I will never be sick of it!!!
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 31
  2. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Mar 13, 2013
    50
    Beginning with the naughty promise of "Closer," which voices a transgressive assertion of female sexual desire, the duo rapidly devolves into a string of whiny mash notes accentuated by tinny, synth-heavy instrumentation.
  2. Mar 4, 2013
    60
    This was an interesting direction to go in and it definitely has a lot of potential. But the duo will need to do a better job balancing the synths and the songs to succeed.
  3. They have now cracked out the synths, ramped up the drum machines, and found their calling in giddy, lovelorn electro-pop.