No One's First, And You're Next
by Modest Mouse
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Aug 4, 2009
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Pitchfork
    72
    Given its years-spanning tracklist, No One's First obviously has a retrospective flavor, but it also seems to point the way ahead for Modest Mouse, if only to suggest that the band will continue moving in opposite directions--backwards and forwards--all at once.
  2. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    91
    "Perpetual Motion Machine" is about fish who wish they could walk so they could find out how it feels to fall down, and "Whale Song" bemoans Brock's metaphorical uselessness as it demonstrates his capacity for beauty.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Beyond the banjo-brushed lullaby 'Autumn Beds' and the laser show-ready 'The Whale Song,' it's a bumpy ride. Bless them for never being boring, though.
  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    These supposed table scraps left off their previous two albums, Good News… and We Were… respectively, run a gauntlet that finds the band revitalized, lively and tremendously wonderful.
  6. PopMatters
    80
    Growing more comfortable with their talents, maybe they’re learning that you don’t always have to work so hard and worry so much. Sometimes, you can just float on.
  7. The A.V. Club
    83
    So while it doesn’t exactly have the cohesive through-line of Modest Mouse’s epic full-lengths, No One’s First still captures solid energy from a band riding a long-ass peak.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 40 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 1 out of 40
  1. DerekG
    Oct 30, 2009
    10
    listen to this 10 times or more and tell me it's not fantastic.
  2. CameraBounceGod
    Feb 22, 2015
    10
    The lead singer is essentially the president of ugly people...that being said i think you'll find yourself truly wondering if these angelsThe lead singer is essentially the president of ugly people...that being said i think you'll find yourself truly wondering if these angels could be the government.....a perfect 10 if you know what I mean… Full Review »
  3. Kandraa
    Oct 8, 2010
    9
    Even though some of their songs on this album are from other albums or EPs that never really made it big it's still wonderful to listen too.Even though some of their songs on this album are from other albums or EPs that never really made it big it's still wonderful to listen too. Modest Mouse is one of my favorite badn and this album (even though not the best) still continues to make me love the. The song writing in brilliant and the sounds are bizarre at times but still modern and fresh. It's something I can just keep listening too. I love it! Anyone who hasn't heard it has to listen to it.… Full Review »
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