MGMT
by MGMT
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Sep 17, 2013
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 119 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 119
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 119
  3. Negative: 19 out of 119
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  1. kyle_aaronson
    Sep 26, 2013
    6
    It's pretty fun, but it's certainly the worst of their three albums. Oracular Spectacular was loaded with great, catchy singles, whereas Congratulations saw them venture into uncharted territory and explore what their true, wacky potential was. This just feels a little bit too safe. It's worth the listen, especially if you're an MGMT fan, and ESPECIALLY if you're an MGMT fan that likedIt's pretty fun, but it's certainly the worst of their three albums. Oracular Spectacular was loaded with great, catchy singles, whereas Congratulations saw them venture into uncharted territory and explore what their true, wacky potential was. This just feels a little bit too safe. It's worth the listen, especially if you're an MGMT fan, and ESPECIALLY if you're an MGMT fan that liked Congratulations more than Oracular Spectacular, but it will not return them to popularity amongst the public or indie spheres.… Expand
  2. WadeVS
    Sep 17, 2013
    5
    Here's the thing I think we are going to have to expect: MGMT will never sound like they did on their first album. Whilst this new record is not as much of an overworked, contrived mess as 'Congratulations', it really fails to stand out ahead of the popular neo-psyche movement that is happening all over the place now. There are a few catchy moments (who would have thought the two chordHere's the thing I think we are going to have to expect: MGMT will never sound like they did on their first album. Whilst this new record is not as much of an overworked, contrived mess as 'Congratulations', it really fails to stand out ahead of the popular neo-psyche movement that is happening all over the place now. There are a few catchy moments (who would have thought the two chord wonder "Your Life Is A Lie" would stand out as a catchy track. They make soundscapes indistinguishable from Of Montreal. But still light years better than what Daft Punk attempted on RAM. Not awful. Not exceptional. It may be one of those albums that grows on you. It may just grow incredibly slowly.… Expand
  3. backstagetour
    Sep 30, 2013
    5
    In our opinion the best song on their new album is Your Life Is A Lie. It’s a psychedelic teasing to all their fans. Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser did their best to sound different, more abstract, more psychedelic. http://backstagetour.co/mgmt-mgmt-review/130/
  4. Spangle
    Oct 10, 2013
    5
    Love MGMT, but not really feeling this one at all. Far too often, I'd doze over during a song or when I would listen, the singing was more like mumbling. This one is easily one of the bigger disappointments of the year and never seemed to really grab me and leave me wanting more. In addition, it seems to be all over the place. There's no direction and you can tell they just kind of justLove MGMT, but not really feeling this one at all. Far too often, I'd doze over during a song or when I would listen, the singing was more like mumbling. This one is easily one of the bigger disappointments of the year and never seemed to really grab me and leave me wanting more. In addition, it seems to be all over the place. There's no direction and you can tell they just kind of just rushed through this. For a 40 minute long album, this one feels like double that time.… Expand
  5. Slowave
    Oct 1, 2013
    6
    I suspect this is a grower. That said, am I going to give it enough time to grow? Probably not. I won't force myself to "like" this, and at best will probably tolerate most of it when it comes on through a "random" on my iPod. I loved Oracular. Was impressed with Congratulations. And now I'm underwhelmed with MGMT. And by that I mean I don't even find this "weird" or "experimental."I suspect this is a grower. That said, am I going to give it enough time to grow? Probably not. I won't force myself to "like" this, and at best will probably tolerate most of it when it comes on through a "random" on my iPod. I loved Oracular. Was impressed with Congratulations. And now I'm underwhelmed with MGMT. And by that I mean I don't even find this "weird" or "experimental." I just find it boring and murky, and a chore to listen to after a few "decent" songs which could have been B-sides at any point in their career. Generally, I don't get the "weird" thing or the "we want to make music we like" thing. Truth be told, the first album was "weird," and if you asked an oblivious listener to arrange the albums in the order they thought was chronological, this self-titled would be the most amateur and lowfi. My point is this duo is not progressing. They are regressing. Simply, a boring album.… Expand
  6. soaringrobin
    Oct 9, 2013
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I lost my original review so this one won't be nearly as descriptive.

    To put it simply, the album is confusing and a bit annoying. So many of the songs could have been so much better if not for the random beeps, synthesizers, and unnecessary repetitiveness (I Love You Too, Death and Plenty Of Girls In The Sea, for example). Some were just pointless, irritating, monotone, etc. (Astro-Mancy, Your Life Is A Lie). Some were really good, except for the noises (A Good Sadness). Not a terrible album, but not a great one either. About at the same level as Congratulations in my opinion.    … Expand
  7. PRTYNTGRVS
    Oct 23, 2013
    6
    MGMT ("The Optimizer" Deluxe) is a great experience, don't get me wrong. There's a weird, surreal aspect of the music and it overflows with psychedelic flair, passionate instrumentation and fuzzy production. If anyone wants to know what psychedelic music is, show them this, it'd be perfect. The problem here is the nomadic state of the band. The album provides a great trip and experienceMGMT ("The Optimizer" Deluxe) is a great experience, don't get me wrong. There's a weird, surreal aspect of the music and it overflows with psychedelic flair, passionate instrumentation and fuzzy production. If anyone wants to know what psychedelic music is, show them this, it'd be perfect. The problem here is the nomadic state of the band. The album provides a great trip and experience however it isn't memorable or on point. Let's hope MGMT return to their roots and rise in the psychedelic genre, for now these are alien days and they're holding themselves back… Expand
  8. MCRR
    Jan 14, 2015
    5
    Following the musical path of MGMT is an interesting one to say the least. They refuse to sell out are unafraid of laying their musical discourse on the table, without pretense and refuse to pander to expectations. This their 3rd album provides a number of recognisable MGMT classics but on the most part is overly melancholic and at times a little drab. Still worth a butchers though.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2013
31
#31 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 37
  3. Negative: 2 out of 37
  1. Q Magazine
    Jan 27, 2014
    60
    These ever-changing moods don't make MGMT an easy listen. [Oct 2013, p.105]
  2. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 7, 2013
    50
    MGMT's still reacting to the mainstream triumph of 2008's Oracular Spectacular, trying too hard to sound genuinely weird, as if determined to fail at any cost.
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  3. Magnet
    Oct 18, 2013
    70
    The cosmic expanses of "I Love You Too, Death" and "Astro-Mancy" are particularly engrossing, but this record boasts more than enough quality head trips to keep you in it pull 'til the next go-round. [No. 103, p.57]
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