Liz Phair - Liz Phair
Liz Phair Image
Metascore
40 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 91 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The far-from-prolific singer-songwriter's fourth album finds a 36-year-old Liz Phair trying to be... Avril Lavigne? Yes, her sound has changed quite a bit since her acclaimed 1993 debut 'Exile in Guyville,' taking on a glossy pop sheen on this release, thanks to production by the Matrix (as well as Michael Penn and Pete Yorn, we might add--but the Matrix????).… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 11 out of 21
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    An honestly fun summer disc. [Jun 27/Jul 4 2003, p.136]
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  2. Blender
    80
    Beneath the highlights, she's still a messy troublemaker whose brain is as spicy as the rest of her body. [#17, p.146]
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  3. All Music Guide
    60
    There's nothing wrong with a change of pace, but there's a startling lack of depth in either the words, which are entirely too literal, or the music, whose hooks are at once too obvious and not ingratiating enough.
  4. Q Magazine
    30
    Embarrassing. [Dec 2003, p.134]
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See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 71
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 71
  3. Negative: 18 out of 71
  1. gagaforever
    10
    Liz really did a good job on the album!!!!!!!. "Why Can't I": was the most popular song the yuear it came out....Such good lyrics and sounds.....I still dont know how this album only got a 40… Expand
  2. GaryB.
    8
    This is my favorite Liz CD. I know that everyone was upset that she released something commercially acceptable but it sounds great and the lyrics are still .. Liz. The CD is worth it's cost just for "Extraordinary". I think it's the perfect pop song!… Expand
  3. PeteR
    7
    While she's definately trying to go mainstream with this one, it's not THAT bad. Still not used to the Matrix produced tracks - I think Michael Penn's production suits her better.… Expand
  4. JustinN
    4
    Ok i'll admit...pop fans should like it. It has catchy songs. But Liz Phair used to have depth and she used to be interesting. Now she sounds like Avril Lavigne. She also doesn't have the chops to sing these kind of songs. Okay, i'm an indie kid but I have no problem with her becoming commercial. I just wish she would've brought her personality to the charts. Oh and not worked with the matrix.… Expand

See all 71 User Reviews

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