Human After All
by Daft Punk
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Mar 15, 2005
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 255 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 180 out of 255
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 255
  3. Negative: 17 out of 255

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  1. user1231243
    Jan 6, 2023
    10
    Human after all shows that even with limited tools and only 6 weeks, they can still create an amazing album with songs that have become iconic like technologic and robot rock.
  2. balloonsnake
    Dec 12, 2022
    8
    I completely understand people not liking this album. Complaints of mechanical sounding repetition make sense considering songs like "Steam Machine" But this album does have it's upsides. First, even If you find it repetitive it doesn't really overstay it's welcome at only forty five minutes and ten tracks. Gone are the seven minute long (and arguably more repetitive) dance jams found onI completely understand people not liking this album. Complaints of mechanical sounding repetition make sense considering songs like "Steam Machine" But this album does have it's upsides. First, even If you find it repetitive it doesn't really overstay it's welcome at only forty five minutes and ten tracks. Gone are the seven minute long (and arguably more repetitive) dance jams found on Homework. Secondly, I love the album's themes and how well they are represented musically. This album deals with much, much darker subjects than any other album the robots have made, so the distorted, ominous sounds of the synths and guitars fit in nicely. What are these thematic elements? Technology, Paranoia, and even a wasted existence (Prime time of your life) as well as general critiques on the media and music industry with songs like "Television rules the nation." This album is not made for the dance floor. It's dark, mechanical, and honestly creepy sounding. (The music videos for "Technologic" and "Prime Time of Your Life" show these elements were obviously what Daft Punk was going for on this album.) I believe Daft achieved what they set out to do with this album, and I personally respect the hard turn away from the upbeat soundscapes of "Discovery" (Another great album.) In it's sound and simplicity. Overall this album is not easy to get into, and I'd definitely recommend a new listener start with "Discovery" if they want to get into Daft Punk, but if you do listen to this album be warned, it's not like anything else Daft Punk (Or many other artists) have ever made. TL/DR Album sound weird and dark. Me likey cuz not happy like Discovery was. Hard to get into but 8/10… Expand
  3. badmuchachob
    Aug 12, 2022
    8
    Out of all the studio Daft Punk records, this one is definitely the least accessible. Unfortunately, this album gets compared to its catchier and friendlier counterparts, even though this album should really be treated as its own entity. If you treat this album how it demands to be treated, though, it really grows on you. Every song is mechanically cold and dark. Repetitive but neverOut of all the studio Daft Punk records, this one is definitely the least accessible. Unfortunately, this album gets compared to its catchier and friendlier counterparts, even though this album should really be treated as its own entity. If you treat this album how it demands to be treated, though, it really grows on you. Every song is mechanically cold and dark. Repetitive but never stale. While it's far from Daft Punk's best, Human After All is their most interesting album conceptually and sonically.… Expand
  4. Diugo
    Jan 27, 2022
    8
    This album feels like a very well produced, catchy work of the finest satire.
  5. Fidelito
    Nov 21, 2021
    7
    Un gran retroceso musical comparado con Discovery, pero sigue siendo un buen disco

    A big musical downgrate compared to Discovery, good album tho
  6. Hendo250
    Apr 10, 2021
    7
    this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7
  7. upset-moth
    Mar 4, 2021
    10
    Critics are stupid, dont listen to them. Anyone whos complaints of the record revolve around “lack of detail” should be dismissed and ignored. Daft Punk may not be constantly flaunting their sampling and chopping abilities on this record, but all of that discovery energy is still here, it just shows up in more subtle (and sometimes more interesting) ways. The synth tones on this record areCritics are stupid, dont listen to them. Anyone whos complaints of the record revolve around “lack of detail” should be dismissed and ignored. Daft Punk may not be constantly flaunting their sampling and chopping abilities on this record, but all of that discovery energy is still here, it just shows up in more subtle (and sometimes more interesting) ways. The synth tones on this record are incredibly fun and exciting, there isn't a sound here that I don't love.

    discovery is the show and human after all is the after party, where the real fun is.

    The pacing is fantastic and i actually think the incredibly short period they made the record in adds to that aesthetic. Human after all has me feeling like im behind the curtain, whimsically being guided through the duos creative processes. Its a really fun experience and i really cant recommend it enough.

    P.s. Anyone who compares “Technologic” and “Harder, Better, faster, Stronger ” has missed the charm and appeal of both songs.    … Expand
  8. clem666
    Dec 4, 2020
    7
    The 'Daft Punk' duo is the best for what concerns electro music. They manage to subtly alternate between repetitiveness and bright sparkles of musical ingenuity. It is hard to become used to their songs which can stay in your head for weeks like a dream impossible to forget. I however have to admit that they used a bit too much the keyboard: we can find similar songs in 'Emotion',The 'Daft Punk' duo is the best for what concerns electro music. They manage to subtly alternate between repetitiveness and bright sparkles of musical ingenuity. It is hard to become used to their songs which can stay in your head for weeks like a dream impossible to forget. I however have to admit that they used a bit too much the keyboard: we can find similar songs in 'Emotion', 'Technologic' and 'The Prime Time of Your Life' and that represents almost 1/3 of the album. In any case the tracks go on without a hitch and only 'The Brainwasher' and 'Steam Machine' were hard to listen to for me.
    Despite being a shorter album than usual, the message of 'Human After All' is neat and clear and the duo manages to play perfectly on it, especially in the 'Technologic' song which compilates the main commands you can do with a computer. I can understand how people appreciate less this album because it somehow has less lyrics and chanting parts. It is actually closer to electro-dance swinging from silences to harsh techno.    … Expand
  9. DanteSGames
    Oct 23, 2020
    9
    creo que la critica le ha jugado muy mal a este disco, lo bueno que ultimamente se esta viendo menos afectado, este que fue criticado en su tiempo por los mismos fans, se ha convertido en de los consentidos y los mas queridos, con el tiempo se ha podido mirar y escuchar la joya que es este album, tiene muchos pero muchos problemas, el mayor problema es el que sea muy repetitivo, daft punkcreo que la critica le ha jugado muy mal a este disco, lo bueno que ultimamente se esta viendo menos afectado, este que fue criticado en su tiempo por los mismos fans, se ha convertido en de los consentidos y los mas queridos, con el tiempo se ha podido mirar y escuchar la joya que es este album, tiene muchos pero muchos problemas, el mayor problema es el que sea muy repetitivo, daft punk es repetitivo, esa es la escencia, pero aqui si es mucho la repetitividad.

    lo mejor es que fue mejorado en un album posterior, Alive 2007 (Human After All Version Perfecta con mezcla de los demas albumes de Daft Punk)    … Expand
  10. 5380
    Dec 14, 2019
    10
    This is my favorite album of Daft Punk so far. Criminally underrated. I think it's their most ambitious album to date.
  11. rovert37
    Dec 7, 2018
    10
    Daft Punk can say so much in so little. Minimal maximalists. Greatest narrative I have ever heard in any platform.
  12. MacsMusic
    Aug 6, 2018
    7
    Daft Punk's HAA is not the most organic, varied electronic album, but it's still plenty of good fun. The music and repetitive lyrics are catchy, cool, and fun. The music and lyrics are admitably repetitive, but I can't say say that they aren't fun. I can jam to any of the fast songs on this album, and the slower tracks - "Make Love" and "Emotion" - are satisfying slow songs that soundDaft Punk's HAA is not the most organic, varied electronic album, but it's still plenty of good fun. The music and repetitive lyrics are catchy, cool, and fun. The music and lyrics are admitably repetitive, but I can't say say that they aren't fun. I can jam to any of the fast songs on this album, and the slower tracks - "Make Love" and "Emotion" - are satisfying slow songs that sound pretty good. HAA isn't the classiest, most varied electronic album, but is still plenty of fun with some great electronic music.… Expand
  13. CL0V3R
    Dec 15, 2016
    7
    DP HAA is a good album **** da h8rsim fskifpiasmfoijuadshfnhggvhvhjdddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd
  14. RBRock
    Jan 9, 2015
    10
    I have to say, being a new Daft Punk fan I went into this album after Random Access Memories, in other words high expectations. In all truth...I actually liked this more then any music I have previously heard from them, Robot Rock has this simple yet elegant beat that just makes you want to move and makes you really feel like at the time it was the future of music. When I look at theI have to say, being a new Daft Punk fan I went into this album after Random Access Memories, in other words high expectations. In all truth...I actually liked this more then any music I have previously heard from them, Robot Rock has this simple yet elegant beat that just makes you want to move and makes you really feel like at the time it was the future of music. When I look at the critic section my heart drops to a new low, I sincerely love this album and can't stop listening to it. This album is one that a car stereo does not do justice and headphones are the best thing to be used for listening to the album. In my opinion this is the peak they have reached and sadly I think that RAM is actually not as good. Great album, incredible thought process, and the beats are lean and mean.… Expand
  15. Aijixe
    Feb 16, 2014
    10
    Seeing the yellow tinge of average surrounding the mediocre score of this album surprises me, and frankly, most of the reviewers and critics who delivered a poor score on this album probably listened to it once and disregarded it automatically. One who sees a mere 57 out of 100 rating on an album would surely give it a miss - a mistake that many have made. Simply put, this album, whileSeeing the yellow tinge of average surrounding the mediocre score of this album surprises me, and frankly, most of the reviewers and critics who delivered a poor score on this album probably listened to it once and disregarded it automatically. One who sees a mere 57 out of 100 rating on an album would surely give it a miss - a mistake that many have made. Simply put, this album, while almost half the length of their first album and considerably shorter than their second, is a gem that deserves much warmer recognition it has now gained. A track like "Robot Rock" may be tiresome to sit through for some, but that song is an anthem. It is a rewarding listen. "Steam Machine" tinges with the whisper of the eponymous track title, darkening the album's tone further; and lighter tracks "Make Love" and "Emotion" show that Daft Punk can create a song in any positive or negative tone, and any genre they see fit.
    In my opinion, then, "Human After All" is yet another flying-colours pass by the French duo.    … Expand
  16. MusiqueReview
    Jul 23, 2013
    9
    When i heard this album for the first time i couldn't believe how bad it was. I felt like daft punk became lazy. Now, after listening to this for a few more times, my opinion radically changed and i actually see this as one of the best albums i've ever heard. It's not all good though; take "steam machine" for example. You've heard enough already before the beat kicks in. It's the same withWhen i heard this album for the first time i couldn't believe how bad it was. I felt like daft punk became lazy. Now, after listening to this for a few more times, my opinion radically changed and i actually see this as one of the best albums i've ever heard. It's not all good though; take "steam machine" for example. You've heard enough already before the beat kicks in. It's the same with "the brainwasher". But it's the masterpieces that make this album so great. And with masterpieces, i'm talking about song like the title track, "technologic" and "prime time of your life". They've really grown to me now. What i like as well, is that everything sounds so spontaneous. Behind all the robotic effects, it sounds more human than anything i hear on the radio right now.
    They only thing i don't like, is that it's so short. 9 tracks? Come on, i wanted more of this awesomeness!    … Expand
  17. hahc21
    May 26, 2013
    9
    Human After All is a piece of incomprehensible art made music; it's a classic of experimental electronic music that after being rejected at first, became one of those rare gems that people still jam, no mater how old they are. Human After All may be very far from the definition of human, but that just enlightens its dark nature, and its vast potential.
  18. benrankel
    Mar 13, 2013
    9
    Humongously underrated album. I'd take this album over Homework any day. Beat and builds that rival anything the duo had put together previously and a melodic melancholy I love getting lost in.
  19. ArturB20
    Jan 16, 2012
    10
    Human After All is an excellent album by one of the best artists that have ever existed. Maybe is not as good as its predecessor, but in my opinion at the same place as Homework, this record shows to the world what is real electronic music. Because a lot of people thinks that this dance-pop parasites and the awful remixes of their songs are electro. Nothing as far as reality. Human AfterHuman After All is an excellent album by one of the best artists that have ever existed. Maybe is not as good as its predecessor, but in my opinion at the same place as Homework, this record shows to the world what is real electronic music. Because a lot of people thinks that this dance-pop parasites and the awful remixes of their songs are electro. Nothing as far as reality. Human After All is the perfect example of this. Beginning with a masterpiece, the title track is simply awesome, one of the best Daft Punk songs. Prime Time Of Your Life is a strange song, with a lot of industrial music, but still cool. And then, Robot Rock. Epic. How, with a single riff, create something as brilliant. The best song of the CD. Steam Machine is the same story of the second track, but this kind of songs rules and make us see that DP is a very original band. Make Love is the opposite. A calmed song, with a single riff, but that really fits with the concept of art. Absolutely great. The Brainwasher is a great song to, direct to the spirit, effective. On/Off is only an introduction for what comes next, the best song with Robot Rock, Television Rules The Nation. Describe how amazing it is is impossible. Technologic is a fun song, that improves as it progresses. And the last song, Emotion, is a calmed song with a lot of feeling. In conclusion, a great album. Maybe some parts are repetitive, but who cares. It's Daft Punk, and Human After All is one of the tops of music in the 21st century.… Expand
  20. Vampire25
    Dec 15, 2010
    10
    Human After All is a bit of a mixed bag for me. I don't really agree with all the atrocious reviews for it, but I can understand what these critics are trying to say. Most of the tracks don't really go anywhere. It's like the chorus the whole song. Some are catchy the whole way through, others are just a bit annoying after a bit. All In All, Daft Punk's Discovery was brilliant, but HumanHuman After All is a bit of a mixed bag for me. I don't really agree with all the atrocious reviews for it, but I can understand what these critics are trying to say. Most of the tracks don't really go anywhere. It's like the chorus the whole song. Some are catchy the whole way through, others are just a bit annoying after a bit. All In All, Daft Punk's Discovery was brilliant, but Human After All could 've been so much better. C+… Expand
  21. JJones71
    Sep 1, 2010
    8
    This is a very good album. Personally even though i love Daft Punk they were a bit repetitive on tracks such as Steam Machine or BrainWasher. However the electric flow and robotic feel never quite leave you and keep you tuned in through the whole album. My biggest problem with this album is that it's toooooooo short. It's essentially 9 songs. 9 songs! Not enough daft punk :/.
  22. Evan
    Jul 23, 2007
    9
    It's the sound of genius. Try listening to it again!
  23. SaverC.
    Jul 6, 2007
    9
    under s timated
  24. GCB
    Jun 27, 2007
    7
    To be honest when I first heard this album I thought that the critics had got terribly wrong but after about 6/7 listens the repetitiveness just started doing my head in. There are some good moments on here and in Robot Rock a genuine Daft Punk classic, but most of the song
  25. Stafford
    Feb 21, 2007
    10
    This album is a bit of shameful point for me. Rarely do I listen to reviewers, but for some reason or another I did with this one. I think it was the universal critial panning of the album that let me to ignore it for so long. For almost a year after it was released I went merrily on my way, driving around late at night with "Discovery" still cemented into my CD player. By some odd stroke This album is a bit of shameful point for me. Rarely do I listen to reviewers, but for some reason or another I did with this one. I think it was the universal critial panning of the album that let me to ignore it for so long. For almost a year after it was released I went merrily on my way, driving around late at night with "Discovery" still cemented into my CD player. By some odd stroke of fate though, this began wriggling its way into my life track by track. First one track, then two, and once I was up to three tracks that I really found amazing, I asked myself what the reviewers were blabbering about. So I began listening to it in its entirety. Since then the album has creeped its way into my subconcious. I'll find myself listening to something else and then, without even thinking change it to "Human After All." Certain facets of all those negative reviews are true. It is simpler and darker than "Discovery." But almost all of the negative statements made by the reviewers have ultimately become why I completely have become obsessed with this album. There are few albums in the recent past that I find myself thinking about the day, wishing I was listeing to it. It works on both a "headphone" level as well as purely in the background. I honestly can't put into words why this album has taken a hold of me as it has. But if you go into this not expecting "Discovery Deux" it becomes an extremely addictive and ultimately rewarding album. Whereas "Discovery" was the consolidation of 30 years of dance music into one cohesive brilliant statement, "Human After All" is future music. It's uncomprimising and like nothing you've really heard before. Brilliant in both its simplicity and complexity, the album confounds in the best of ways and presents plac ein music where computers begin to have emotion.… Expand
  26. CharlesM
    Jan 23, 2006
    10
    Ever since I heard Daft Punk's "Around the World" I have been entranced by their incredible ability to create great music time and time again. Whenever someone mentions techno, I automatically think of Daft Punk. This album, if anything, makes me think of them even more highly (if that were possible). They're innovative, provacative, and above all else, they have a gift. A+++!
  27. DaveM
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    If anyone should know better than to listen to critics, its every person who's ever gone to a movie, or listened to a new album, or played a new game which they absolutely adored, only to be bashed down by some nutjob who looks for the "code" or the "formula" of all the mainstream garbage thats out there. And who says it has to be exactly like their previous work? I absolutely love If anyone should know better than to listen to critics, its every person who's ever gone to a movie, or listened to a new album, or played a new game which they absolutely adored, only to be bashed down by some nutjob who looks for the "code" or the "formula" of all the mainstream garbage thats out there. And who says it has to be exactly like their previous work? I absolutely love this album, because its so original and different from what they've done before, yet it still carries that Daft Punkish-air. Its "chilling" music...something thats to be played in the car, or in the background of some club. You don't listen to electronic music like you would pop or hip-hop. Its soaking in the feeling of the music itself, and the subtle changes in its rhythm. Its not repedetiveness...its mixing, tweaking and capitalizing on a single catchy beat. Don't critique it like you would a new Nickelback album, or the latest R&B rehash of "my boyfriends cheating" or "guys in over-sized jerseys like to look at me while I shake my butt". As for Human After All, the Daft Punk duo give us a welcomed break from the cookie-cutting, formulaic problem that is today's music industry. Thank God that music distribution wasn't up to these "Music Critics". We'd all be mindlessly conforming to one mindset of what music is...oh wait, its already been done!… Expand
  28. carlosa
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    critics are wrong....if you just listen to it and take it for what it is you'll see how focused and powerful daft punk is on human after all
  29. JayA
    Oct 3, 2005
    10
    Daft Punk delivers yet again with a stylus of music that can both recede into your background subconscious and at the same moment push itself forward until it is all that fills your head, blasting its technatronic melody into your unprotected face. It's ironic humor and robotically produced structure is as enjoyable as it is intriguing. If computers could make music, it would be Daft Punk.
  30. DaftPunk
    Sep 27, 2005
    9
    The ratings are obviously wrong, so much with trying to get a 10 scale going for music when "it's good" means a 6. This album is great, albeit nothing new but obviously so much better than stuff released these days. Like new episodes of the Simpsons, they might not be classics but still outclass the rest of the crap on TV. If you like the previous albums you won't be The ratings are obviously wrong, so much with trying to get a 10 scale going for music when "it's good" means a 6. This album is great, albeit nothing new but obviously so much better than stuff released these days. Like new episodes of the Simpsons, they might not be classics but still outclass the rest of the crap on TV. If you like the previous albums you won't be disappointed, if you don't know what to expect it may give you a little surprise.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2005
74
#74 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 28
  3. Negative: 4 out of 28
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    Dominated by overly repetitive, lumbering throwaways. [18 Mar 2005, p.68]
  2. The Guardian
    30
    Apparently knocked off in just six weeks, Daft Punk's third album sounds like it took six days. Six short days. With long lunches.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    50
    Feels desultory and numb, verging on autistic. [Apr 2005, p.116]
See all critic reviews »