Observator
by The Raveonettes
  • Record Label: Vice
  • Release Date: Sep 11, 2012
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 1, 2012
    80
    The influence of Chairlift, Warpaint, Alt-J and The xx all subliminally creep into adorable but chilling laments on dying young and wrecked romances.
  2. AllMusic
    Sep 13, 2012
    80
    The record may not be their masterpiece, but it is an important piece of a surprisingly strong career.
  3. Alternative Press
    Sep 7, 2012
    80
    It contains the band's most focused songwriting since the last album Gottehrer produced, 2005's Pretty In Black. [Oct 2012, p.92]
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  5. Q Magazine
    Sep 7, 2012
    80
    Charming, dexterous and completely compelling. [Oct 2012, p.108]
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  6. Filter
    Sep 12, 2012
    78
    As if the Everly Brothers channeled Norma Desmond, Observator is the sweet sound of summertime sadness.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Sep 11, 2012
    75
    Get past the gear-head guitar textures and tones, and Observator can stand as a pure pop album on its own merits.
  8. Under The Radar
    Sep 7, 2012
    75
    Smoky nostalgia, bi-coastal American malaise, downy shoegaze, restrained noise and garage rock are all expert;y combined to create their shortest and most focused collection to date. [Aug/Sep 2012, p.113]
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  9. The Boston Phoenix
    Sep 7, 2012
    75
    It's a crucial listen and one of the most rewarding releases of 2012.
  10. Magnet
    Oct 4, 2012
    70
    The music is starting to shift into a sort of Hipster Triple-A agreeability that robs it somewhat of the flavor that made the Raveonvettes so distinct, but suggests a maturity taking hold. [No.91 p.60]
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  11. Prefix Magazine
    Sep 12, 2012
    70
    You'd be forgiven to not have the hooks of these songs stuck in your head, or worse, confusing them for some other band.... Ignoring this, you have another quality catalog entry from one of modern indie rock's somewhat more surprising career bands.
  12. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 7, 2012
    70
    While Observator may be no step forward, it is affirmation of a great formula.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. BillyWhite
    Sep 12, 2012
    9
    Unfamiliar with the Raveonettes, I gave this album a try and was struck by their dreamy sound from beginning to end. It sounds like a lo-fiUnfamiliar with the Raveonettes, I gave this album a try and was struck by their dreamy sound from beginning to end. It sounds like a lo-fi production for todays standards, but this only helps the overall sounds. The vocals echo harmoniously with the noisy guitars and this never gets tiresome throughout the album. Very nice album!… Full Review »
  2. tapo
    Sep 11, 2012
    9
    This is thoroughly enjoyable. Different feel from past Ravies albums. Much more layers with the guitars and different sound. Unmistakable.This is thoroughly enjoyable. Different feel from past Ravies albums. Much more layers with the guitars and different sound. Unmistakable. Loving it.… Full Review »
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