HoboSapiens - John Cale
Metascore
89 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. All Music Guide
    90
    This is the Welsh iconoclast at his most elegant, energetic, and innovative.
  2. Q Magazine
    90
    Deep voiced, disquieting and bristling with intelligence, Hobo Sapiens is a reminder of how intoxicating an artist Cale can be. [Nov 2003, p.107]
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  3. Uncut
    100
    It is music whose scope, erudition and vitriol makes everything else in this year of exceptional musical timidity seem puny. [Nov 2003, p.106]
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  4. Mojo
    90
    As complex, compelling, and at times unsettling a record as Cale has unleashed since 1982's Music For A New Society. [Oct 2003, p.105]
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  5. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    An audacious marriage of restless experimentalism and eloquent melodic craft. [10 Sep 2004, p.165]
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  6. The Guardian
    90
    His most direct, energised and modernist work in years.
  7. Stylus Magazine
    93
    There seem to be enough ideas, stories, counter-melodies and references here for three albums worth of material - if for that reason alone, Hobo Sapiens ought to be one of the avant-pop templates for years to come.
  8. ShakingThrough.net
    90
    There's an unwavering confidence and muscular focus behind the music that holds from start to finish.
  9. Launch.com
    90
    This is an astounding body of work--and definitely one of the year’s best.

User Reviews

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User Score
9.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. TripleC
    10
    Thank goodness I recently discovered this album. It's extraordinary. John Cale is amazing and displays his instrumental complexity, lyrical talents and wonderful voice on this album with moving effectiveness. I hope more people check out this striking collection of hauntingly beautiful songs, as well as the complete body of works by John Cale, a most-distinguished and accomplished artist. He is a true musical pioneer who never stops creating and growing, as evidenced by his latest album, Shifty Adventures in Nookie Wood (love it also).… Full Review »
  2. BJMorgan
    10
    This album, while a departure for Cale at times, is a fantastic masterpiece. It makes me wish Lou Reed could put out a cohesive, meaningful, and stunning like this. At this point, John Cale?s solo recordings far surpass that of his VU-counterpart. This record is evidence of a master songwriter. … Full Review »
  3. danielr
    10
    Deepening with each listen, a playful, dark, haunting journey past Mondrian and Archimedes to Charlie Brown. Good grief.
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