Lullabies To Paralyze
by Queens of the Stone Age
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 187 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 179 out of 187
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 187
  3. Negative: 1 out of 187

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  1. VladaJ
    Aug 15, 2007
    10
    for me this is best album ever,best album of 2007, although i spent lot of time listening to it end i'm finding that this album can't be likeable at first,and you realy must like QOTSA...so if someone say that he realy listens them and say that he don't like that album,then i can understand... QOTSA FAN
  2. Matt
    Jun 9, 2005
    5
    Lacks the creativity of Songs For The Deaf, as the guitar work is a repetitive.
  3. WinE
    Jul 30, 2007
    5
    I'm a big fan and for 2 years I've been trying to get into this album. Sadly, it's never gonna 'click'. It's a struggle. There are some real great tracks, but too much of it is nowhere near what'[s expected of Homme & Co. A really tough record to get into and the good songs against the bad don't make listening very rewarding.
  4. calcxxk
    Mar 23, 2005
    3
    After two of the greatest albums EVER and one pretty good one in Songs..., Queens just give us an album thats barely a joke. Some moments would sound great from other bands - I Never Came and Little Sister are good, but very standard in their apporach. I find this album a little insulting really.
  5. RichardL
    Sep 4, 2005
    8
    A great album in its own right. Just don't compare it to songs for the deaf.
  6. ChrisG
    Mar 22, 2005
    9
    Sounds nearly exactly what you would imagine this band would sound like without Nick Oliveri - not so much edge or fun metal antics - but instead it's been smoothed out into groove heavy tunes and a couple of extended, trippy, jams. Songs flow from one to the next amazingly. Instrument styles vary so much (except for the constant excellent use of the lapsteel) that it sounds like Sounds nearly exactly what you would imagine this band would sound like without Nick Oliveri - not so much edge or fun metal antics - but instead it's been smoothed out into groove heavy tunes and a couple of extended, trippy, jams. Songs flow from one to the next amazingly. Instrument styles vary so much (except for the constant excellent use of the lapsteel) that it sounds like they're all switching back and forth between instruments, and as the cd insert indicates, it turns out that they are. This works to their advantage as their sound never gets boring. Highlights for me were "Burn the Witch" (great riff by Billy Gibbons), "Everybody Knows that You're Insane", and "You Got a Killer Scene...". "Someone's in the Wolf" seemed drawn out to me on first listen but has gotten better with each listen., and is now one of my favorite tracks on the cd. This album is a step in a different direction than "Songs...", but still has the same dark/light mood mix that makes this one of my favorite bands, and this album may have pushed them to the top of my list.… Expand
  7. RickN
    Apr 12, 2005
    8
    You've got to hand it to QOTSA, despite being round for years, they've still not turned into commercial crap like most bands do these days. Like Songs for the Deaf, it has songs that grab you straight away (e.g. Tangled Up in Plaid, Medication) and theres other tracks that are left to grow on you, which is the true greatness of QOTSA. On the downside, some tunes to tend to be a You've got to hand it to QOTSA, despite being round for years, they've still not turned into commercial crap like most bands do these days. Like Songs for the Deaf, it has songs that grab you straight away (e.g. Tangled Up in Plaid, Medication) and theres other tracks that are left to grow on you, which is the true greatness of QOTSA. On the downside, some tunes to tend to be a bit to repetitive and just make you wish they'd wack on the distortion again!! but thats just my opinion… Expand
  8. MatD
    May 3, 2005
    8
    Good album. QOTSA always surprise us with different albums that are as interesting as previous material. Some people want the same things all the time from a band, and it's sad they don't understand the process.
  9. JasperB
    Nov 13, 2005
    7
    Good
  10. Dr.D.
    Mar 21, 2005
    9
    Some gut-ripping songs that hit all the highs of previous QOTSA albums. Homme is not necessarily better off without Oliveri, but he doesn't seem to be missing much without him. High point include the already certified "Little Sister," the hard-riffing "The Blood is Love," and the bluesy grind of "Burn the Witch." If you like "Songs for the Deaf" you will not be disappointed by Some gut-ripping songs that hit all the highs of previous QOTSA albums. Homme is not necessarily better off without Oliveri, but he doesn't seem to be missing much without him. High point include the already certified "Little Sister," the hard-riffing "The Blood is Love," and the bluesy grind of "Burn the Witch." If you like "Songs for the Deaf" you will not be disappointed by "Lullabies to Paralyze."… Expand
  11. V.Z.
    Mar 22, 2005
    8
    The album sounds more like Rated R than Songs for the Deaf, which probably has more to do with the absence of Dave Grohl than with the absence of Olivieri. This new album offers only a few things that you haven't heard before when it comes to style and sound, and yet, it's a very creative album. By the time LIttle Sister gives you that special feeling you only get when you The album sounds more like Rated R than Songs for the Deaf, which probably has more to do with the absence of Dave Grohl than with the absence of Olivieri. This new album offers only a few things that you haven't heard before when it comes to style and sound, and yet, it's a very creative album. By the time LIttle Sister gives you that special feeling you only get when you instantly realize that a song is fantastic, the album has already sucked you in. Burn the Witch, In My Head, I Never Came and Someone's In The Wolf are other highlights. The middle part of the album seems to be the strongest, which is a bit of a pity. I like my albums having a strong final part.… Expand
  12. JohnnyFeelgood
    Mar 25, 2005
    9
    The engineering/production is HORRIBLE. The songs are BRILLIANT. This could have been a classic album, but the engineers/mixers/masterers screwed it up. This is the real issue here. The songs, themselves, are much better than the songs on Songs for the Deaf.
  13. JohnB
    Mar 26, 2005
    10
    I am a Queens fan since the beginning and Homme's talents never cease to amaze me. I thought Songs for the Deaf couldn't be topped but I am now thinking twice. I wonder if Homme thought the same when he included a DVD of the making of the album with the release.
  14. Mytasteinmusicisbetterthanyours
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    By far the greatest rock band around. This album is very much like Rated R but shows more grown in terms of song writing and Homme's ability to write the perfect hook. The line up is the tightest its ever been. Just saw them in New York; a pure ass kicking. I have to say that their self titled album is my favorite album of all time but this Homme creation is more than excellent. By far the greatest rock band around. This album is very much like Rated R but shows more grown in terms of song writing and Homme's ability to write the perfect hook. The line up is the tightest its ever been. Just saw them in New York; a pure ass kicking. I have to say that their self titled album is my favorite album of all time but this Homme creation is more than excellent. Those disappointed are those same people waiting anxiously for the next Fred Durst album. On an ending note, "You Got a Killer Scene, Man..." is the best song to have sex to.… Expand
  15. NadiaC
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    I thought this album was realy well done. I was expecting it to be weak because of Nick Oliveri's absence, but low and behold QOTSA never fail to deliver. A song I really liked on the album was "in my head", did anyone else find the guitar riffs on that song amazingly catchy?
  16. declanM
    Apr 20, 2005
    9
    I have been into these guys since kyuss way back before they were popular have all the sessions this album rocks but it does miss the nick ingredient apart from that a cool stoner album have to say one thing kyuss sound more accomplished and more experimental just listen to sky valley wow heavy man.
  17. brett
    May 29, 2005
    9
    Brilliant,moody,great record.. Should have been 3 songs shorter for consistancy and as a WHOLE body of work. Great wriring !!!!
  18. PauloD
    Jun 2, 2005
    7
    A better follow up to "Songs for the Deaf" but doens't reach the quality of "Rated R".
  19. EdC
    Aug 5, 2005
    10
    Brilliant, hard rocking, ultimate awesomeness! And who doesn't want more cowbell? Lullabies is a masterpiece, almost surpassing Songs. Sheer and obscene awesomeness.
  20. LucasS
    Sep 17, 2005
    10
    best ever
  21. NickL
    Aug 23, 2006
    10
    A great, haunting album that isn't for everyone but if you are into the style you will love it.
  22. RosscoeP
    Jun 20, 2007
    10
    when i first got this album, to tell the truth, i was alittle upset, becasue it hought this was songs for the deaf, but after listening to it, i must say, i think this is their best album
  23. sM
    Oct 14, 2005
    9
    Sexy as hell....
  24. MadDog
    Mar 21, 2005
    7
    My first exposure to QOTSA was Songs for the Deaf a couple of years ago. Raised on a diet of 1970s rock, the sound was a revelation; a magnificent blend of hard rock, musicianship and (dare I say it), melody. I have still never heard a tighter outfit than that version of QOTSA. This time round, something other than the former band members seems to be missing. Some great songs, but many My first exposure to QOTSA was Songs for the Deaf a couple of years ago. Raised on a diet of 1970s rock, the sound was a revelation; a magnificent blend of hard rock, musicianship and (dare I say it), melody. I have still never heard a tighter outfit than that version of QOTSA. This time round, something other than the former band members seems to be missing. Some great songs, but many tend to drift away without focus or direction. Disappointing by their standards, but still a great piece of rock.… Expand
  25. PaulM
    Mar 22, 2005
    9
    If i had rated this album after my first listen, i would have given it a solid 4 or maybe a 5. But after i listened to the album over again, the songs began to grow on me. The critics as well as the fans are making too much of the absense of Grohl and Oliveri. A "revolving door" of musicians has always been what made QOTSA so fucking good. This time around they have a new mix of guys, and If i had rated this album after my first listen, i would have given it a solid 4 or maybe a 5. But after i listened to the album over again, the songs began to grow on me. The critics as well as the fans are making too much of the absense of Grohl and Oliveri. A "revolving door" of musicians has always been what made QOTSA so fucking good. This time around they have a new mix of guys, and once again, a bit of a new sound. But overall, every track hits just as hard as anything else QOTSA have ever done, and helps them to prove that they are the greatest fucking rock band in the world right now!… Expand
  26. GoranS
    Mar 23, 2005
    9
    An excellent album, Very mystical. The album just flows perfectly and gives you music-orgasm sometimes. Great riffs and choruses. Not better then Songs for the deaf but very, very close.
  27. CameronR
    Mar 24, 2005
    9
    very great cd. Ive been listening to queens of the stone age for about 3 years now and this is my sexcond fav album.(Behind the famous songs for the deaf). Great if your a rock fan get it even if your not get it.
  28. RandyH
    Mar 25, 2005
    9
    Partial to QOTSA's self-titled debut myself, I looked forward to a Queens record with Homme-heavy vocals. Although I do miss Oliveri's patented howl and (will miss) his stage presence, I'm digging Lullabies immensely. Standouts are "Everyone Knows You're Insane," "Tangled Up in Plaid," "In My Head (recycled from the last Dessert Sessions disc)" and "Broken Box." In my Partial to QOTSA's self-titled debut myself, I looked forward to a Queens record with Homme-heavy vocals. Although I do miss Oliveri's patented howl and (will miss) his stage presence, I'm digging Lullabies immensely. Standouts are "Everyone Knows You're Insane," "Tangled Up in Plaid," "In My Head (recycled from the last Dessert Sessions disc)" and "Broken Box." In my opinion, it's the perfect brew of the previous three albums and I could be crazy, but the bass sounds better than ever to me. Another success for one of the last bastions of quality rock.… Expand
  29. SeanW
    Mar 25, 2005
    10
    Not as excellent as 'Songs for the Deaf' (which on a scale of 1-10 was a 12) but still rocks harder than anything else you're gonna hear on the radio without a rap beat or emo screaming
  30. Johnno
    Mar 27, 2005
    9
    Darkly romantic, yet catchy. Homme is the new voice for a generation of young rock fans who need something better than the recent waves of retro bands. Each QOTSA is progressively becoming a little bit more innovative. No giant leaps, but that's what we need. If we expect too much change from one album to the next, the next big step may be a step down. It's all about baby steps. Darkly romantic, yet catchy. Homme is the new voice for a generation of young rock fans who need something better than the recent waves of retro bands. Each QOTSA is progressively becoming a little bit more innovative. No giant leaps, but that's what we need. If we expect too much change from one album to the next, the next big step may be a step down. It's all about baby steps. LTP leaves off where Songs for the Deaf ended. But like SFTD, LTP has a great variation in songs. From the fast "Medication" to the sweet n' subtle "I Never Came", from the eerie "Someone's in the Wolf" to the simply-catchy "Long slow Goodbye". this is definitely an album you press play and let the hour roll by.… Expand
  31. GaryM
    Mar 29, 2005
    9
    at times it's softer than previous efforts but still an excellent album.
  32. jamesr
    Mar 29, 2005
    9
    not as good as songs for the dea,f but still has its own brilliant style and is still way ahead of everything else
  33. EricR
    Mar 29, 2005
    9
    Maybe not quite as good as Songs for the Deaf, but a strong album all the same. Maybe it's because they opened their show with "Someone's in the Wolf", but I really love that song despite multiple reviews dismissing it as "limp." With a few more listens, I might put this album equal with Rated R and Songs for the Deaf.
  34. IntoQueensforLongerThanYou.
    Mar 31, 2005
    7
    I think there are informational inaccuracies in every fucking review posted here. Amazing. As for the album, a few great tunes, some good ones, and a lot of repetition.
  35. DaxxR
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    Another Josh road trip, with lost love, sadness and tones of lullabies which will paralyze every nerve ending.
  36. KeithVanL
    Apr 15, 2005
    8
    I was disappointed at first. Then I grew to love this disk. Great tunes, great lyrics...and it's pretty faithfull to the rest of the their other albums. If you're a QOTSA fan, and have been waiting to get this disk...stop waiting and buy it!
  37. TroutS
    Apr 5, 2005
    8
    Pretty good stuff not much to complain about other than the repatition in some parts of the album. It's great to see a rock band stick to its roots. Unlike Greenday!
  38. JohnR
    Apr 6, 2005
    10
    It kills and you know it. Like Josh says "We could come off sounding like Slayer, and people would still be saying 'their edge is gone'. Bull! This chugs in all the right places while ending up even more eclectic and strange than the similar Rated R. As fun, innovative and loud as any rock out there.
  39. RyanL
    Apr 9, 2005
    10
    Anyone who didn't think this worth the cash, need only listen to "Burn The Witch" a few times on a friends CD, cuz you know your friends got it. The layered guitar riffs, melodic vocals, blending Homme, Billy Gibbons, and Lanegan in a alto, soprano, whiskey-drinking smoker trio that bring life to words that are so simple. Go ahead. Prove me wrong. I dare you.
  40. MikeC
    May 15, 2005
    8
    This is probably on a par with songs for the deaf. There maybe aren't as many good tunes, but it is more adventurous in many ways. The sense of humour is still there, it's just burried a little deeper than previously.
  41. Mark
    May 19, 2005
    9
    This is another fine effort from the queens, with this album being far darker than some their earlier albums. The album obviously lacks the explosiveness that Nick Oliveri brought to the group, but with tracks as amazing as 'Someone's In The Wolf', who actually cares? Brilliant.
  42. AndrewG
    May 25, 2005
    8
    It took me about 7 listenings to start to enjoy this album. I loved Songs for the Deaf. This album while not as good, is still way above the average album released these days. QOTSA is one of those special bands that sound completely different than any other band.
  43. OlivierB
    May 27, 2005
    8
    A bit disapointing compared to Songs for the Deaf but still an interresting album. It's less energetic, more hypnotizing. Their metal aspect has almost disappeared but has not really been replaced by anything new unfortunately.
  44. Dor
    Jun 24, 2005
    9
    Fantastic.
  45. JohnN
    May 16, 2006
    8
    Excellent shakes you outta your bones with every listen bistling with energy my only quandry is the first eight songs are great (Burn the Witch and In my Head especially) but the rest is not that memorable.
  46. DimitriV.
    Dec 6, 2007
    7
    This album is quite different. Whereas QOTSA had groovy rocksongs all along, its as they (Josh Homme) decided to make more "rythmical" music. So this is a sometimes very basic and repetitive album. It contains some good songs but it took me a while to get "in" the album. And i started listening to it again to make my final opinion and there are just some songs that aren't quite good This album is quite different. Whereas QOTSA had groovy rocksongs all along, its as they (Josh Homme) decided to make more "rythmical" music. So this is a sometimes very basic and repetitive album. It contains some good songs but it took me a while to get "in" the album. And i started listening to it again to make my final opinion and there are just some songs that aren't quite good enough and the other songs, some pretty decent, just don't stick in the head despite how much i listen to it. I sometimes catch myself thinking about pushing the NEXT button to skip some songs. I still do give it a 7 because, like i mentioned earlier, it does contain some pretty good songs but all in all, i expected better.… Expand
  47. jen
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    this is one of the greatest albums of my time if you are in any doubt buy it put it in the cd player of your car head out to the country with a pack of marlboros and a few friends and go for it. thats what this album is all about
  48. MarkK.
    Feb 8, 2008
    9
    These lullabies indeed paralyze with pure brilliance.
  49. KarlipattickNiot
    Nov 27, 2005
    9
    Go read about how awesome "Songs for the Deaf" is. Now, imagine all that extreme coolness that everyone regards "Songs.." with, but then imagine somthing even COOLER. That something cooler is "Lullabies to Paralyze," child, and it's gonna eat you alive. And you'll probably like it. I know I do.
  50. ChristopherH
    Dec 2, 2005
    8
    Good stuff.
  51. KeytonE
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    If you're a Queens fan, this album is amazing. Forget all this crap about mediocrity, this is the Queens at their best.
  52. KristjanH
    Mar 23, 2005
    10
    Agreed, Keyton E... Queens at their best. Start to finish a very solid album.
  53. DustinL
    Mar 24, 2005
    8
    Well, I've been a fan of qotsa for a while now and though I'd say Rated R was better, this is a solid album. Josh uses his low tonned falsetto voice quite effective in most tracks, giving him an odd "creep factor". If the devil could sing it wouldnt sound like Danzig it'd sound like QOTSA, falsely poetic, suggestive and sick overtones. While the track "Little Sister" isnt Well, I've been a fan of qotsa for a while now and though I'd say Rated R was better, this is a solid album. Josh uses his low tonned falsetto voice quite effective in most tracks, giving him an odd "creep factor". If the devil could sing it wouldnt sound like Danzig it'd sound like QOTSA, falsely poetic, suggestive and sick overtones. While the track "Little Sister" isnt the high point of the album, it is also a solid single. Hopefully the next single will be "burn the witch" or "you've gotta killer scene there man". More melody than their last album but not creative as "R". Good to see Josh going back to their more early style of music. I'ts a must buy for the few of us who are tired of silly pop, r&b, rap and emo rock, this is for honest rock fans.… Expand
  54. aaronm
    Mar 24, 2005
    9
    i'm so sick of hearing people bitch about the absense of oliveri..even more so about grohl (absolutely no disrespect meant to either musicians..especially the mighty grohl). yes oliveri letting loose and screaming like a demon on previous records made for some serious ass-kickery but i didnt listen to this album missing that. Josh Homme is an immensily creative individual who makes i'm so sick of hearing people bitch about the absense of oliveri..even more so about grohl (absolutely no disrespect meant to either musicians..especially the mighty grohl). yes oliveri letting loose and screaming like a demon on previous records made for some serious ass-kickery but i didnt listen to this album missing that. Josh Homme is an immensily creative individual who makes music that is far more unique and so so much better then most of the crap bein produced. LTP might not be as balls to the wall as previous albums but it seriously rocks without a doubt and has some gorgeous melody to boot. If u love the queens, you'll love this CD… Expand
  55. EricB
    Mar 27, 2005
    10
    There is alot of great stuff going on in "Lullabies." It is vastly different than "Songs for the Deaf." (not nearly as hard, AKA, no Dave Grohl) "Lullabies" is more of a mystical, multi-layered album. It took me a couple of listens to get into, but I'm already liking it better than anything they have ever done. Give it a chance, and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
  56. carlos
    May 17, 2005
    8
    LOVE IT!!!!
  57. jefff
    Apr 12, 2006
    9
    Brilliant. Josh Homme is a real genius.The best album of 2005.
  58. Cfreedomz
    May 6, 2011
    8
    classic album 8.9,this is a wonderful albums the lyrics are spot on.a blues experimental type from qotsa.
    good for when your sick of something.i recommend this album ..a true journey
  59. j30
    Sep 4, 2011
    7
    A really good album, but with the departure of Nick Oliveri, the album is missing it's edge.
  60. Ricko
    Dec 10, 2014
    4
    My first impressions of this album comprised mainly of disappointment. Having revisited it several times, I'm still left disappointed but tend to force myself to see the positives as well. After opening their career with a trilogy of outstanding albums where they redefined hard rock, this 4th effort from QOTSA is relatively mild and watered down. Things open nicely with a trio of strongMy first impressions of this album comprised mainly of disappointment. Having revisited it several times, I'm still left disappointed but tend to force myself to see the positives as well. After opening their career with a trilogy of outstanding albums where they redefined hard rock, this 4th effort from QOTSA is relatively mild and watered down. Things open nicely with a trio of strong tracks, the acoustic "This Lullaby" followed by the blistering "Medication" and then lead single "Everybody Knows That Your Insane". From this point on the only real burst of energy we get is on "Little Sister". The rest of the album lacks pace and energy and is generally quite a dull affair, something I never thought I could say about a QOTSA album. "Lullabies" represents a mis-step in an otherwise brilliant career. It's not that its really bad, they just play it so safe and fail to show any bravery in their approach to the material. Almost as if they had blown all their rock energy when making Songs for the Deaf and "Rated R".… Expand
  61. shprea
    Jul 1, 2013
    6
    The Queens of the Stone Age is my all time favorite band. I love almost all of their albums with a burning passion... "almost".
    Lullabies to Paralyze, really, was a large disappointment. To be frank, most of the songs bore me and are not memorable at all (the only exception being Little Sister, which is amazing).
    If you want to get into the QotSA, listen to any of their other albums,    The Queens of the Stone Age is my all time favorite band. I love almost all of their albums with a burning passion... "almost".
    Lullabies to Paralyze, really, was a large disappointment. To be frank, most of the songs bore me and are not memorable at all (the only exception being Little Sister, which is amazing).

    If you want to get into the QotSA, listen to any of their other albums, just not this one.    … Collapse
  62. Josh_Forrest
    Nov 22, 2013
    9
    Again, as QOTSA release another album with a completely different sound to any of their others. A lot of my faovurite QOTSA songs are included on this album (Tangled Up In Plaid, Burn The Witch, Little Sister, Someone's In The Wolf) and had the last few songs been as good as the first 3/4s of the album, it really would be a perfect 10.
  63. DDD99
    Oct 24, 2014
    10
    This is a fantastically dark and atmospheric album from QotSA. The album maintains a unique and hypnotic tone that is equal parts dreadful, cocky, and creepy. The musical arrangement is phenomenal with great use of heavily distorted, fuzzy guitar tones and lap steels. This album is quite varied with each song containing it's own unique and memorable take on the Queens sound. An instantThis is a fantastically dark and atmospheric album from QotSA. The album maintains a unique and hypnotic tone that is equal parts dreadful, cocky, and creepy. The musical arrangement is phenomenal with great use of heavily distorted, fuzzy guitar tones and lap steels. This album is quite varied with each song containing it's own unique and memorable take on the Queens sound. An instant classic and an extremely underrated album.… Expand
  64. Demilith
    Dec 27, 2018
    8
    Album en el cual se destacan varias canciones que fueron exitos comerciales de la banda, lo cual no debe tomarse como algo malo pues este album es el responsable de que himnos como burn the witch , my head, medication entre otros, sean coreados por todos en los conciertos de esta grna banda, un infantable en la discografia de los queens of the stone age sin duda.

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed Album of 2005
34
#34 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    The macho posturing can get obnoxious.... That said, anyone looking for a band that can mix and match metal, blues, thrash, punk, psychedelia, and grunge as the mood suits will be floored by Lullabies. [25 Mar 2005, p.70]
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    It's the tension between Homme's conflicting impulses that pressurizes Lullabies to Paralyze's highest points and accounts for its lows.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    60
    Sounds routine, obscure without much mystery. [Apr 2005, p.124]
See all critic reviews »