Memory Man
by Aqualung
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Mar 13, 2007
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 30
  3. Negative: 3 out of 30

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  1. LoriP.
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    I'm in love with this album. It took a few listens to discover the certain little extras hidden in each song, but it's well worth every listen. I never feel the urge to skip a track, which is rare. The guitars combined with the piano in Cinderella make for an epic song that gives me chills each time I listen. Matt Hales knew just what to add, not change, when creating this I'm in love with this album. It took a few listens to discover the certain little extras hidden in each song, but it's well worth every listen. I never feel the urge to skip a track, which is rare. The guitars combined with the piano in Cinderella make for an epic song that gives me chills each time I listen. Matt Hales knew just what to add, not change, when creating this album. The charm of the first two CDs is still fully present. One of my favorite albums by far.… Expand
  2. L.Wynn
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    I'll be honest: I wasn't sure how Matt Hales' second CD released in the US could possibly compare with Aqualung's beautifully crafted debut, Strange and Beautiful, but Memory Man keeps the masterful pop legacy alive. Matt Hales (Aqualung) is consistently compared to other Brit-Rock/Pop bands, but he creates music that is generally much more intricate and layered than I'll be honest: I wasn't sure how Matt Hales' second CD released in the US could possibly compare with Aqualung's beautifully crafted debut, Strange and Beautiful, but Memory Man keeps the masterful pop legacy alive. Matt Hales (Aqualung) is consistently compared to other Brit-Rock/Pop bands, but he creates music that is generally much more intricate and layered than many other mainstream "piano rock" bands. This album showcases his many other talents. Not only does Hales utilize digital instrumentation to create unique, wonderful sounds on tracks such as "Pressure Suit" and "Broken Bones," but he also creates delicate arrangements that further add to the power of the music. He also seems to be one of the few artists that pay close attention to the order of the tracks on the CD itself: a mood is created through the ordering of the tracks that is hard to come by on many of the CDs you'll find being released today. So, what exactly is Memory Man? Well, it's a masterfully arranged, beautiful set of songs that add a touch of melancholy and even hope to the listener.… Expand
  3. KentW
    Mar 28, 2007
    9
    Great album. Loved Strange & Beautiful, and this is even stranger and more beautiful. Sounds like Radiohead gone pop and a little bit more melodic. Absolutely worth the wait. Must-buy!
  4. jkm
    Mar 20, 2007
    2
    ugh.. sorry, but this album is a mess. if your record collection includes five for fighting, john mayer, and keane - you're in for a treat. if you're not a fan of that kind of packaged pop, then stay away from memory man. strange and beautiful at least contained moments of interesting, moody, and creative songwriting... unfortunately, memory man contains nothing but sappy, ugh.. sorry, but this album is a mess. if your record collection includes five for fighting, john mayer, and keane - you're in for a treat. if you're not a fan of that kind of packaged pop, then stay away from memory man. strange and beautiful at least contained moments of interesting, moody, and creative songwriting... unfortunately, memory man contains nothing but sappy, predictable pop.… Expand
  5. LauraR
    Apr 8, 2007
    10
    This new cd is simply brilliant. As an avid fan of Coldplay, I am attracted to the calm and mellow tone of the music, but unlike Coldplay, Aqualung's music is just so reachable. His normalcy is what makes him so special. His music is incredibly heartfelt and theres no way to describe it other than amazing. This CD is great.
  6. Matthew
    Jun 18, 2007
    7
    Matt delivers the grandeur of Coldplay while still keeping a quaint, unpolished feel. A quality work from an up and comer; he's definitely someone to watch in the future.
  7. FarhanJ
    Jul 22, 2007
    10
    The greatest 3rd album by any new comer!!!!!!!!
  8. HannaM
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    The album is simply genius, there's nothing more to say about it.
  9. N.Reardon
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    Worth the long wait
  10. AliceM
    Mar 26, 2007
    10
    the new album is awesome! it not very aqualungy but i think thats something that make this album stronger, not that im saying that it being aqualungy is a bad thing!!! cos its soo not! im liking the new techno sound especially on Black Hole, as i am a fan of that sound. i find the album really uplifting and fresh, and though their are these new sounds in between them we gat a little of the new album is awesome! it not very aqualungy but i think thats something that make this album stronger, not that im saying that it being aqualungy is a bad thing!!! cos its soo not! im liking the new techno sound especially on Black Hole, as i am a fan of that sound. i find the album really uplifting and fresh, and though their are these new sounds in between them we gat a little of the old blissful aqualung to reassue us its still them! i believe people will find the album a little too much of a jump but if like me you've seen them in concert you'll know that they are just showing their true colours! a beautiful yet strange album! 5stars! (excuse the pun please. lol.) Alice XX aka alicelovesmatt… Expand
  11. RachelN.
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    This is a great album! Prior to the release, I was wondering what direction this album would go in, and to be honest, I was a bit worried that nothing could match the prior work released by Mr. Matt Hales. However, this album is a great step forward and is also a logical one. While much of the past Aqualung music is focused on piano pop + singer songs, "Memory Man" goes to the next level This is a great album! Prior to the release, I was wondering what direction this album would go in, and to be honest, I was a bit worried that nothing could match the prior work released by Mr. Matt Hales. However, this album is a great step forward and is also a logical one. While much of the past Aqualung music is focused on piano pop + singer songs, "Memory Man" goes to the next level by really focusing more so on full, lush sounds (more guitars and more 'noises'). It's really a great step for the band, and if you've seen them live, this sound comes as no surprise. The album in its entirety is lovely and a great piece of work, but if you are looking for select tracks, my advice would be to listen to "Cinderella," "Rolls So Deep," and "Outside" along with the first single, "Pressure Suit." But honestly, do yourself a favor and listen to the entire album -- you'd be missing something great if you skipped over any of it!… Expand
  12. RonakP
    Apr 12, 2007
    10
    amazing cd, so relaxing, great vocals and great use of piano... love this cd
  13. timp
    Apr 15, 2007
    9
    The album, unlike many other musicians' works, kept me listening from beginning to end. The lyrics, the music itself, all beautiful and soothing. If you don't buy this CD, you'll be missing out on one of the greatest albums of the year!
  14. ColleenH
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    Memory Man is outstanding. It's an album that suits any mood and what can be better than that?
  15. yashaez
    May 1, 2007
    10
    This is an incredible album with so much creativity in it. A definite must for music lovers.
  16. MelissaN
    May 2, 2007
    10
    This album is crazy good. Though initially I was a bit turned off by the harder edge....after a few listenings, however, I changed my mind and lets face it....if you go to a show you want to rock a little instead of sitting their crying and after seeing them play Memoryman songs live twice I can say that they ROCK as well as roll!!!!
  17. SarahM.
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    I have been an Aqualung fan for years, and Matt Hales is continuing to impress me with the new material. Memory Man surpassed even my own high expectations. The new single "Pressure Suit" is great, but you should definitely check out the rest of the album to hear the other tracks- they should NOT be missed. One of my favorites is "Rolls So Deep".
  18. JenniferR
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    Exactly what you would expect of the master Matt Hales. Another 10 for Aqualung. Memory Man is a masterpiece especially Cinderella, Pressure Suit and Glimmer
  19. IanB
    Apr 24, 2007
    10
    This album has an intensity no other posesses.
  20. DanielleD.
    Jul 13, 2007
    10
    Memory Man is one of the greatest albums I've ever heard. Each and every track is a masterpiece of music and lyrics. It seems like you enter his world with the first track titled Cinderella. The song Pressure Suit is a profound love song, avoiding cliches and sappy lyrics. Memory Man is a wise addition to your CD collection

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Amazon.com
    70
    He's an expert at creating mesmerizing, sophisticated pop.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Hales works admirably hard at selling his world. [16 Mar 2007, p.68]
  3. Lost At Sea
    90
    Memory Man will be one of the strongest efforts released in 2007.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »