Magic Hour - Scissor Sisters
Metascore
67 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 22
  2. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Oct 12, 2012
    80
    They pull it out of the hat in quite an extraordinary fashion here. [Jul 2012, p.94]
  2. Jun 27, 2012
    80
    Smoky, slow- paced, disco soul with Bee Gees-style falsetto harmonising, it's the type of grown-up pop Scissor Sisters can pull off like few others.
  3. Jun 4, 2012
    80
    Even with such hitmaking producers as Calvin Harris and Diplo on board, Magic Hour is refreshingly out of step with current tastes in pop music.
  4. With a little luck, and the careful choice of singles, there might be life in this party yet.
  5. May 25, 2012
    80
    This is full of melodies that feel effortless and instantly classic. [Jun 2012, p.83]
  6. May 25, 2012
    80
    This is the sound of a band truly enjoying themselves in the studio, confident enough in their abilities to freely collaborate with other big names.
  7. 75
    They've adjusted accordingly, adding next-gen names like Calvin Harris and Azealia Banks to the guest list to keep things at least semi-fresh. [1/8 Jun 2012, p.117]
  8. 70
    Magic Hour is just another reason why people keep Scissor Sisters perpetually on their musical menu.
  9. May 29, 2012
    70
    While Magic Hour may not be as satisfying to fans who just wanna dance as albums like Night Work and Scissor Sisters were, it should please those who enjoy the band's formidable songwriting skills as much as cutting a rug.
  10. May 22, 2012
    70
    Scissor Sisters have rediscovered a magic touch lacking slightly on Night Work. Their progress is marked by a developed sense of reflection, which balances their familiar flamboyance – surely to resurface with their Fraggle Rock soundtrack – quite wonderfully.
  11. May 31, 2012
    60
    The production sometimes eclipses the songwriting.
  12. May 31, 2012
    60
    Magic Hour won't blow your mind but it conjures enough spectacle to highlight why Scissor Sisters remain one of pop's smartest, most entertaining bands.
  13. 60
    A mixed bag, sure, but there's signs that they are still fighting the good fight for weirdos everywhere.
  14. May 29, 2012
    60
    'Magic Hour' is an album that equally frustrates and enthrals. The collection of excellent electro pop tracks show the band still know their way around a melody but the album is let down by a few too many tired and morose ballads and witless appropriations of chart successful sounds.
  15. 60
    There's no surprises here.
  16. May 24, 2012
    60
    A record light on substance but packed to the rafters with melody - there are plenty of cheap thrills to get jiggy with.
  17. May 24, 2012
    60
    A remodel was probably overdue, but the best moment here is another signature stomper: Baby Come Home, a late-night insecurity confessional boasting their catchiest tune since I Don't Feel Like Dancing.
  18. May 29, 2012
    53
    While it is certainly admirable that the Scissor Sisters' creative vision is strong enough that they sound very much like themselves no matter who they work with, they really could have used a strong push from their collaborators this time around.
  19. May 29, 2012
    50
    A muddled, uneven album that, for a few interminable stretches, sounds like it could've been recorded by just about anyone.
  20. May 29, 2012
    50
    The Brit–pop and Elton John moves here feel phoned in.
  21. May 22, 2012
    50
    For a while, Magic Hour - the band's fourth full-length - lives up to the promise of its hilarious, zebra-centric-2001: A Space Odyssey cover art. But the wheels fall off with "Year of Living Dangerously," a campy, aimless doodle not even rescued by its random violin solo.
  22. Jun 19, 2012
    30
    Magic Hour's never exactly bad. It's worse than that. It's boring.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 12
  2. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Not Going To Jump For Joy Over The Very "Plain" Songs Again...
    Just Plain Boring.....
    Just Not Original...
    Sorry Sisters You CAN DO BETTER!
  2. 6
    Just finished my first listen of Magic Hour. I am not feeling magical yet that's for sure! I will have to give it a few more spins because I didn't feel much on the first listen. What I did feel is this, Magic Hour seems generic and falls flat with the ballads. Jake Shears isn't known for his vocal ability (or lack there of) so when he's singing ballads on this album it's confusing and it doesn't work effectively. KEY TRACKS: Somewhere, Shady Love, Let's Have A Kiki, Only The Horses and Baby Come Home. DUDS: Inevitable, Self Control and The Secret Life of Letters. And sadly I don't remember the others tracks. I give it a modest 3 out of 5 stars. Just my opinion. I LOVE them though! Night Work was basically the only album I listened to in 2010! Maybe next album them can make HAWT dance beats again. And less ballads. Full Review »
  3. I think Magic Hour was a slightly new direction for the band but one they shouldn't have tried. It does nothing for what they're capable of, especially the slower tracks that don't sound like Scissor Sisters or suit them at all. Ultimately I believe that's why their popularity has been dying out over the years. They do switch up and try new things, but the quality of their music declines steadily with time. The Scissor Sisters people fell in love with seem to be gone and replaced by mind-washed robots who are making music as if they're forced to, not for the love of it. I think it's great they've taken a hiatus, and I really hope it helps them gather themselves and find their passion for music again. I think they have it in them to create really great music, but they just have to give it time and believe in what they're making. Otherwise it will just turn out a mess like Magic Hour. Full Review »