HoboSapiens
by John Cale
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. AllMusic
    90
    This is the Welsh iconoclast at his most elegant, energetic, and innovative.
  2. Billboard
    80
    Instead of coming off as dilettantish, Cale instead sounds intrigued with how these new tools can enhance his music.
  3. Blender
    70
    He is clearly invigorated by the tensions between pretty and ugly, simplicity and chaos. [Nov 2004, p.130]
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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. Launch.com
    90
    This is an astounding body of work--and definitely one of the year’s best.
  7. 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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  8. Paste Magazine
    70
    Like a Fellini movie, filled with rich textures and intriguing characters.
  9. Pitchfork
    65
    About half of it works reasonably well, though the end result is somehow closer to Low-era Bowie or Eno's Taking Tiger Mountain than anything truly contemporary or avant-garde.
  10. PopMatters
    80
    HoboSapiens is still dense and difficult for much of its running time, but the challenge comes from following the author through his many compositional twists rather than sitting through passages that drone on far too long.
  11. 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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  12. Rolling Stone
    80
    A luxuriant union of black-ice electronics and chamber-pop instrumentation. [14 Oct 2004, p.98]
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  13. ShakingThrough.net
    90
    There's an unwavering confidence and muscular focus behind the music that holds from start to finish.
  14. 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.
  15. The Guardian
    90
    His most direct, energised and modernist work in years.
  16. The Wire
    80
    Hobo Sapiens is a confident and consistently rewarding record, and some of its songs rank alongside Cale's best. [#236, p.56]
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  17. 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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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. TripleC
    Feb 3, 2013
    10
    Thank goodness I recently discovered this album. It's extraordinary. John Cale is amazing and displays his instrumental complexity, lyricalThank 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
    Oct 6, 2004
    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, 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
    Sep 12, 2004
    10
    Deepening with each listen, a playful, dark, haunting journey past Mondrian and Archimedes to Charlie Brown. Good grief.
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