Junk
by M83
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Apr 8, 2016
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 162 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 128 out of 162
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 162
  3. Negative: 14 out of 162
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  1. Apophis_
    Apr 9, 2016
    1
    Very disappointing album. Production value is very high, but songs are just terrible and interludes sound like some generic music from supermarket or elevator, nothing original, fresh or M83-ish in this. I understand what Anthony wanted to achieve, how much he wanted to get this 80s cheesy sound, but for someone like me, who loves M83's older albums (Before the Dawn Heals Us is aVery disappointing album. Production value is very high, but songs are just terrible and interludes sound like some generic music from supermarket or elevator, nothing original, fresh or M83-ish in this. I understand what Anthony wanted to achieve, how much he wanted to get this 80s cheesy sound, but for someone like me, who loves M83's older albums (Before the Dawn Heals Us is a masterpiece) it has nothing to do with what I expected to get. It has nothing to do with M83 I love.

    And when I read interviews with Anthony it seems for me that he takes all criticism from general audience too seriously. Instead of catering to those fans who love his work and listen to his albums from beginning to end he is annoyed by the fact Midnight City was the only song that was played on the radio. Why should you care, Anthony? People that love music don't throw 90% of albums away, they listen to it all.

    To be honest, for me it seems like Anthony had no idea what he wants to do next so he made a couple of unrelated songs and added some ideology to it, like it's a **** you to critics" or "a criticism of modern music industry". What happened, Anthony? Again, why should I care about music industry? Why you should care about music industry? I just wanted you to take me on another journey...

    One more thing: Anthony expressed in interviews that he wanted to go away from Midnight City and it's success. But instead of going back to full blown and epic post-rock he went more into disco and pop? Sorry, Anthony, but hear Midnight City all over Junk and it has nothing to do with M83 I love. At least on Hurry Up, We're Dreaming I could enjoy "Outro", "My Tears Are Becoming a Sea", "Intro" and "This Bright Flash". Here? There is nothing for me. It's not the M83 I love.    … Expand
  2. Glowguy
    Jun 22, 2016
    1
    The name of the album pretty much sums it up. This was the worst album I've heard all year. I rarely rate an album this low but I hated it. Shockingly bad compared to their first effort which I enjoyed quite a bit.
  3. franissavio
    Sep 19, 2016
    2
    It's nauseating. M83 is dead. Anthony stop experimenting. This Junk should be your the only badly done album. If I want to listen to 80's I'd rather listen to a 80's band. I live in 2016 and prefer to listen futuristic music.
  4. michael801
    Jun 11, 2019
    3
    The songs are fun to listen to, but compared to the older albums (Saturdays = Youth, Before the Dawn Heals Us, Dead Cities) this just sounds like a joke.

    The record was named very properly.

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Most Discussed Album of 2016
81
#81 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Sep 30, 2016
    40
    M83 are master recyclers of Eighties soundscapes on 2011 double-album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. First offering since then, Junk attempts the same, but jumps the shark in the process.
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  2. Magnet
    Jun 1, 2016
    70
    The touch is lighter, with more interest in groove and atmosphere than climax. [No. 131, p.59]
  3. Record Collector
    May 20, 2016
    40
    Particularly bad is For The Kids, which could come straight from an amateur production of High School Musical (complete with repellent husky spoken-word middle eight), while the just up-to-scratch Beck track, Time Wind, and his presence on the record as a whole, only really serves to illustrate how poor the songs now are.
    Read full review
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