National Anthem Of Nowhere
by Apostle Of Hustle
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. NOW Magazine
    100
    Though the songs here are so much crisper and more exciting, they don't sacrifice the easygoing looseness of Apostle's Folkloric Feel debut.
  2. Prefix Magazine
    85
    An album that is warm and inviting without being overpowering and rich and varied enough to warrant repeated listening.
  3. Filter
    84
    These touches of color set this album above its pasty-skinned, post-rock cronies and prove National Anthem of Nowhere an apt title. [#24, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Magnet
    80
    [It] sounds like the album Whiteman has been waiting to make his whole life. [#75, p.99]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Pitchfork
    70
    Where Folkloric Feel opted for cobwebby murk, National Anthem of Nowhere dovetails in bright, tidy corners. It's at once straight-laced and funky in the way that only indie rock can be.
  7. Spin
    70
    Whiteman recombines mambo, Americana, and mesmerizing BSS-style rock with infectiously rambling results. [Mar 2007, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. The New York Times
    70
    A dozen tracks of modest but clear ambition. [12 Mar 2007]
  9. PopMatters
    70
    Compared with Folkloric Feel there’s more pop and accessibility here.
  10. AllMusic
    60
    Unfortunately, the times the band steps into more lighthearted -- at least musically -- territory are not nearly as successful.
  11. Under The Radar
    60
    A decent—but not quite perfect—pop album. [#17, p.90]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Stylus Magazine
    58
    National Anthem, is monochrome and even somewhat sterile, characteristics often overcome by Whiteman’s increasingly excellent craftsmanship.
  13. The A.V. Club
    58
    National Anthem Of Nowhere is intermittently compelling, but it's more often disjointed and unduly harsh.
  14. Tiny Mix Tapes
    50
    I think a big part of the problem is the singing. The lyrics are alternately cloying and curious, and they’re sung in a pretty and formal manner.
  15. Austin Chronicle
    40
    Apostle of Hustle loses focus halfway through.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. NatashaE
    Apr 6, 2007
    7
    Some great beats and interesting instrumentation, but overall few songs have either teeth or heart.
  2. jaym
    Mar 12, 2007
    9
    8.5, definately stronger than BSS's last album. Great album, alot better overall than their debut which was a bit out there and slow 8.5, definately stronger than BSS's last album. Great album, alot better overall than their debut which was a bit out there and slow (with a few really really good songs). Arts and Crafts for the most part can't miss.… Full Review »
  3. quixotic
    Mar 12, 2007
    7
    Richer and wilder than his first album, still a little too repetitive as you reach the end of the experience. Some of the songs create very Richer and wilder than his first album, still a little too repetitive as you reach the end of the experience. Some of the songs create very cinematic atmospheres, like a weird and hypnotic roadmovie soundtrack.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »