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Oracular Spectacular Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 266 Ratings

  • Summary: David Fridmann produced the debut full-length album for the New York-based band.

Top Track

Kids
You were a child Crawling on your knees toward it Making momma so proud But your voice is too loud We like to watch you laughing You pick the... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Alternative Press
    90
    Oracular may be a complex effort, but the verdict is simple--it's brilliant. [Feb 2008, p.115]
  2. Hugely enjoyable and wonderfully disposable pop for the listener, who will turn round and return for more, no question. An auspicious debut.
  3. The songs on Oracular Spectacular are considered and carefully constructed, and as a result, they’re taut, hooky and highly danceable, in a hipster-dance-party kind of way.
  4. For all its musical philandering, unbridled excess and shrouds of irony, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a record with more musical depth and warmth all year than this one.
  5. Lips producer Dave Fridmann helmed MGMT's debut disc, fluffing their glitchy daydream rock into an intergalactic odyssey.
  6. It never ultimately transports you into his head or heart. All of which doesn’t stop Oracular Spectacular from being a blissful 40 minutes of high-end stereophonic joy, but it does severely hamper the listener from imbuing their own emotions back into it.
  7. It is logically a bloated, uncomfortable, saturated throwback to no genre, time period, or movement in particular.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 67
  2. Negative: 2 out of 67
  1. ChrisM.
    Mar 19, 2008
    10
    Best pure pop album in a long long time. The difference between them and anyone they may sound like is that they have a lot more melody, raw Best pure pop album in a long long time. The difference between them and anyone they may sound like is that they have a lot more melody, raw talent, sly unsmug humor, all around smarts, and are just plain better. Expand
  2. Nov 1, 2010
    10
    MGMT is different. They make me think psychedelic rock, but they use synths to seal the deal. This is hip. This is in. It's memorable and hasMGMT is different. They make me think psychedelic rock, but they use synths to seal the deal. This is hip. This is in. It's memorable and has me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait. Expand
  3. BilliW.
    Feb 1, 2008
    10
    This is the Sargeant Pepper for the New Millennium. A work of youthful genius.
  4. MGrizzle
    Apr 10, 2008
    9
    Hot fire, Unlike many other bands before them, they seem to have perfected the whole space pop rock deal. It takes a few listens to really Hot fire, Unlike many other bands before them, they seem to have perfected the whole space pop rock deal. It takes a few listens to really get into the music. Song's like Kids, Time to pretend will grab you and get you hooked. What else would you expect from a Dave Fridmann production. There amazing, Lets not jump to conclusions just yet, lets see what else they pump out before we hail them as the next great thing... Expand
  5. DolanM.
    Mar 3, 2008
    8
    Re: Sharpa That's a stretch. The only similarities those songs show are the use of synth and the tone of voice, and if we're going Re: Sharpa That's a stretch. The only similarities those songs show are the use of synth and the tone of voice, and if we're going to argue about tone of voice, then HSH stole it from Jason Lytle of Grandaddy, who got it from someone else, etc. Expand
  6. Dec 24, 2011
    8
    Although not as technical as Congratulations, Oracular Spectacular serves as the bands more fun and easy-to-get-into LP. Other than the twoAlthough not as technical as Congratulations, Oracular Spectacular serves as the bands more fun and easy-to-get-into LP. Other than the two famous electro-pop hits "kids" and "electric feel", the band creates a synthetic psychedelic sound which hasn't been heard since the 1960's. MGMT truly are the rockstars of this generation. Expand
  7. SharpaJ.
    Feb 17, 2008
    0
    In 2003, Her Space Holiday released an album called "Young Machines". In 2007/08 (retail), MGMT have received critical acclaim at the same In 2003, Her Space Holiday released an album called "Young Machines". In 2007/08 (retail), MGMT have received critical acclaim at the same time as completely ripping off HSH's 'Sleepy California' in the form of 'Time to Pretend'. Ridiculous, and pull your heads out of your asses!!! Expand

See all 67 User Reviews