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Nine Types of Light Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 79 Ratings

  • Summary: The Brooklyn art-rock quintet releases its fourth studio album.
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Top Track

Will Do
It might be impractical to seek out a new romance we won't know the actual if we never take the chance I'd like to collapse with you and ease you... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 39
  2. Negative: 0 out of 39
  1. Apr 14, 2011
    100
    Nine Types of Light proves how hard this quintet can hit, experimental New Yorkers or love-sick idiots.
  2. Light, more than anything I've heard lately, sounds complete and self-contained, and like most of the TV on the Radio catalog, it largely transcends genre. No other context is necessary. Nine Types of Light simply is what it is.
  3. Apr 8, 2011
    88
    Though this is TV on the Radio at its most melodic and accessible, the music never succumbs to formula.
  4. Nine Types...will make those who over-contextualise TVOTR finally quit their chin-stroking and live a little.
  5. Apr 11, 2011
    80
    Maybe it's time to alter our exercitations for new TV on the Radio albums: We might not be blown away, but TV on the Radio's sonic environment is still one of the most interesting venues in music.
  6. May 19, 2011
    78
    Ultimately, Nine Types of Light offers a reminder that love's sometimes best at the bitter end.
  7. 40
    The sort-of-romantic themes and sort-of-funk grooves lend a greater unity than usual, but save for a few tracks, the general impression is of lots of bustling, itchy industry – the scratchy guitars, the scuttling beats, the dying-firework synths – to no particularly attractive end.

See all 39 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. Apr 21, 2011
    10
    Nine Types of Light is easily TV on the Radio's most accessible album to date. The album is less congested with experimental sounds and isNine Types of Light is easily TV on the Radio's most accessible album to date. The album is less congested with experimental sounds and is much more cohesive than say 'Return to Cookie Mountain'. The level of quality has not dropped but the sound has definitely progressed since 'Dear Science'. The funk pop is still very strong in this album, with the inclusion of more love songs, which seems to be the base theme for NToL. The only amendment I would personally make to the album is to include the song 'Troubles' which is available only on the deluxe version to be included in the regular tracklist. If you're looking for powerful lyrics, sharply crafted songs and possibly even something to vibe to, I highly recommend Nine Types of Light. My personal favorite Album from 2011 thus far. Expand
  2. Sep 20, 2011
    10
    It's easy to see why this album might not sit well with some, as it is an album dedicated to one concept (Love). As a long time fan I see thisIt's easy to see why this album might not sit well with some, as it is an album dedicated to one concept (Love). As a long time fan I see this as a great departure, very uplifting. Kyp & Tunde once again raise their vocal bars and set their selfs apart from one another in great fashion. Musical it's not too far from dear science's softer songs, Return to Cookie Mountain this is not. That being said I can't see any TVOTR fan not loving this. It's my favorite album this year Expand
  3. Apr 12, 2011
    9
    As someone who never found Cookie Mountain to be inaccessible and Dear Science, to be a bit lesser than it, Nine Types Of Light is the perfectAs someone who never found Cookie Mountain to be inaccessible and Dear Science, to be a bit lesser than it, Nine Types Of Light is the perfect mix. This is the record that should be getting the universal acclaim because honestly, it feels like a complete representation of the band. It's a bit like how Yo La Tengo had "I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass" which combined all of that band's work into one perfect record. Return To Cookie Mountain may always be looked at as TVOTR's highest point by most people but I'll be damned if this isn't right there with it.

    The best tracks are up to which qualities of the record you enjoy most but for me, it has to be either Forgotten or Will Do. Easily two contenders for song of the year and I expect the latter to be mentioned in that respect when 2011 comes to a close.

    This may not end up being your favorite CD if you disliked the band beforehand but it may very well be the easiest record you listen to all year.
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  4. May 9, 2011
    9
    Pretty good. Nothing amazing like "Dear Science" or anything, but still a great album. This album, I find, is a lot calmer overall (with morePretty good. Nothing amazing like "Dear Science" or anything, but still a great album. This album, I find, is a lot calmer overall (with more slow songs than previous albums). Even though I don't have very much to say about this album, I will say that this was a valiant effort from TV on the Radio. The best songs are "Second Song", "No Future Shock", "Will Do", "New Cannonball Run" and "Repetition". Not bad, but not phenomenal. Expand
  5. Apr 20, 2011
    9
    I'm loving it. Although not as cohesive or varied as Dear Science, it's barely a step down and has a clutch of songs that really rise aboveI'm loving it. Although not as cohesive or varied as Dear Science, it's barely a step down and has a clutch of songs that really rise above the standards that they've set for themselves - Keep Your Heart, You, No Future Shock and All Falls Down are stunning. I'm not sure about Will Do, but most of the rest is soulful and deep, textured, melodic, groovy ... basically everything we look for in music. And, just as an aside, I hate the fact that the so-called 'black' music world of modern hip-hop (Kanye, Lil Wayne et al) is getting rated over these guys. TV are mature and sophisticated without seeming pretentious. I wish there were more artists like them in the current scene. Collapse
  6. Jun 22, 2011
    7
    For better or worse "Nine Types Of Light" marks a significant step away from the bold experimentation of previous releases in favour of moreFor better or worse "Nine Types Of Light" marks a significant step away from the bold experimentation of previous releases in favour of more rounded song structures, conventional rhythms and clearer melodies. It is still unmistakeably TV On The Radio, and there is still a unique level of creativity given to each song, but overall the album leans more towards mainstream than any preceding recording. Never before has the influence of Prince been more apparent as Tunde Adebimpe delivers his soulful mix of baritone and falsetto whilst the band maintain the supportive grooves which range vastly in tempo throughout the whole experience.Of the down tempo numbers "Killer Crane" superbly transports the listener to the late 60s world of wilfully spaced out invention, with a sitar and mellotron for added authenticity. When the rhythms and noise ratchet up a notch, "Repetition" and "Caffeine Consciousness" highlight the band's continued ability to create alternative music with addictively stomping beats. The sad loss of bass player Gerard Smith to lung cancer just days after release casts a sombre shadow over this and past projects, emphasising his vital input to some of the irresistible songs the band have delivered over the last decade.

    Overall, itâ
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  7. Sep 25, 2011
    0
    Whenever I read reviews of Nine Types of Light I'm pretty sure I'm listening to a different album. So, I take it off the shelf and reread theWhenever I read reviews of Nine Types of Light I'm pretty sure I'm listening to a different album. So, I take it off the shelf and reread the cover and take the record out of the sleeve to make sure it does, indeed say TV on the Radio. TVOTR have gone from making some the most interesting and innovative rock n' roll I've ever heard with their first two albums to very traditional, easy-listening pop-rock. Very predictable, safe and, though sometimes catchy, ultimately boring music. I wanted to like this album so much. I listened to it over and over thinking maybe it just had to grow on me but this album is so mediocre. Even the three or four decent songs on it are just "fun". I'm not saying they've sold out. To me that means they specifically changed the sound of their music in order to sell more albums. No, I think this is the direction they honestly wanted to go in and that's great. That's fine. But it sure isn't as interesting. Expand

See all 16 User Reviews

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