In Space - Big Star
Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
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  1. Uncut
    80
    A cohesive album that is simultaneously Big Star-ish (but not slavishly so) and Chilton-like (but not depressingly so). [Oct 2005, p.98]
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    It's not perfect--but no Big Star album ever was. [24 Sep 2005, p.47]
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  3. Under The Radar
    70
    Mostly fantastic. [#11, p.109]
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  4. Mojo
    70
    Mercifully, the venerable Big Star franchise emerges pretty much unsullied. [Oct 2005, p.108]
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  5. Rolling Stone
    70
    In Space is no #1 Record, but at its brightest, it is Big Star in every way.
  6. Billboard
    70
    There is enough of the original DNA in the mix to make this a worthy listen for fans. [1 Oct 2005]
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  7. Splendid
    70
    This isn't really one of those cases where bands like Wire or Mission of Burma or Vashti Bunyan come back years later with stuff that ranks among their best, but it isn't bad, either -- not bad at all.
  8. PopMatters
    70
    The songs are well-written and produced, but overall the disc is lightweight compared to what the group used to be.
  9. Stylus Magazine
    67
    A fairly enjoyable album as long as one doesn’t saddle it with expectations of being the next Sister Lovers.
  10. All Music Guide
    60
    In Space is an album that should appeal to anyone who digs Alex Chilton; however, anyone expecting a Big Star album is going to be more than a bit puzzled by most of these tunes.
  11. cokemachineglow
    56
    Problem is, In Space isn’t a Big Star album. Or particularly good, for that matter.
  12. Pitchfork
    53
    In Space would be a decent Posies album, and there's enough for a passable Chilton solo joint, but as a Big Star release, it's inescapably disappointing.
  13. Blender
    40
    It sounds as bitter and cynical as most of Chilton's solo stuff since Big Star originally imploded. [Oct 2005, p.134]
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  14. Q Magazine
    40
    It's a loose affair, typical of Chilton's slapdash attitude towards heritage curation. [Oct 2005, p.114]
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  15. The A.V. Club
    40
    Pleasant in parts, embarrassing in others, In Space sounds more like an okay album from any of a dozen Big Star-inspired bands than like Big Star itself.
  16. The Guardian
    30
    Half the 12 tracks are risible throwaway genre and covers. The other half are, at best, extremely mellifluous Big Star tribute band songs.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Mark
    8
    The album gets better with every listen, with the admitted exceptions of 'Love Revolution' and 'Make Over', which I do not get at all. Yes , there is a sense of humor about it, as alluded by Stephens in the pre-release and Auer at the time of release. This is also a journey through the genres and groups that have influenced Big Star. Keep listening, and you'll realize how good most of this album really is.… Full Review »
  2. wx
    4
    This record will make you cry. Maybe. The Star has fallen from atop the Christmas tree, but it's late January, and the whole thing should have been put away long ago. Get a broom.… Full Review »
  3. MichaelK
    10
    Like most great albums, this one takes more than one listening to get it. It seems funny how some poeple don't think this sounds like Big Star but say how good they think 3rd is, which sounds less like Big Star than In Space. If only every reunited band could sound this good.… Full Review »
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