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Lucky
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  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Lucky Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth album for the trio from New York was produced by John Goodmanson.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. AllMusic
    90
    So even when Lucky tries to turn down the glow, it still radiates with the oomph of a solid power pop release, making Nada Surf's fifth album a fine finale for a weekend well-spent.
  2. Billboard
    80
    Lucky is full of jangly little gems that could put a skip in the step of even the saddest of sacks.
  3. Mojo
    80
    Possessed of hazily catchy and irresistible choruses, the end result is an endearingly affectionate blend of radio-friendly AOR and homely indie-rock touches anchoring their grand pop to something human. [Mar 2008, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. The New York Times
    80
    While Nada Surf is only a trio, in the studio it stacks up guitars and vocals, multiplying Mr. Caws’s thin voice into a dreamy or determined chorale.
  5. PopMatters
    70
    Lucky is a solid, almost reassuring album; it’s good to still have them around.
  6. Hartford Courant
    70
    Despite the subtly uplifting message, Lucky lacks the emotional heft of the former.
  7. Paste Magazine
    40
    While never unpleasant, Lucky represents a slowdown from the roll Nada Surf has been on.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. HannibalK.
    Feb 24, 2008
    10
    Best album so far this year. Really cool tunes! Love it! Best song in my opinion is "I Like What You Say".
  2. ChrisC.
    Feb 19, 2008
    9
    Another brilliant, multi-layered power pop masterpiece from one of the most under-appreciated and intelligent bands in rock.
  4. Clawed
    Aug 11, 2011
    9
    I admit that I loved the mid 90s song "Popular," but I cared little about the album 'High/Low.' I tried giving them a second chance byI admit that I loved the mid 90s song "Popular," but I cared little about the album 'High/Low.' I tried giving them a second chance by ordering 'The Proxmity Effect,' but to my dismay, I was told that my order was cancelled since the album would not be released. I figured they would fade into obscurity at that point. Much to my surprise, several years later and they have released a few more albums, in my opinion, each one better than the last. For me, 'Lucky' is about as good as it gets. It's hard for me to listen to this and come out feeling down, or to feel like I was taken on an overly exhausting musical journey. It's cautiously optimistic and lighthearted enough for you to just play it through without getting too emotionally bogged down. Yet, it definitely engages you, makes you think and more importantly, makes you feel. It's kind of an exhilarating experience, and although it may have to grow on you a bit, it's really hard to be dissappointed with this great effort. I will let you peruse the critic reviews for more detailed comments, but the standout tracks for me are "See These Bones," "The Fox," and "Beautiful Beat."… Expand
  5. Ray
    Feb 12, 2008
    8
    At first ,I wasn't all that impressed,but after 2 listens,I'm really liking it."Beautiful Beat","See These Bones","Weightless","Are At first ,I wasn't all that impressed,but after 2 listens,I'm really liking it."Beautiful Beat","See These Bones","Weightless","Are You Lightening" and "The Fox" are among my favorites.Definitely worth checking out.… Collapse
  6. DanJ.
    Feb 28, 2008
    8
    The world is truly evil. In such a world "popular" becomes a hit(ok song but c'mon). This is another great album from a group greater The world is truly evil. In such a world "popular" becomes a hit(ok song but c'mon). This is another great album from a group greater than their appearance in mainstream history. "Solid" as mentioned, but also growing.… Expand
  7. Jesse
    Feb 19, 2008
    8
    Totally matches TWIAG for quality. Though both albums can't quite compete with Let Go for sheer awesomeness, any review below 8/10 must Totally matches TWIAG for quality. Though both albums can't quite compete with Let Go for sheer awesomeness, any review below 8/10 must represent a complete lack of patience to let the experience grow and stomp out any negative impulses like it really totally deserves.… Expand
  8. ChrisK
    Feb 7, 2008
    7
    A solid record though not as good as 'The Weight is a Gift'.

See all 14 User Reviews

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