Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Magnet
    Oct 24, 2016
    95
    There's nothing else like it, and once you listen, you'll never forget it. [No. 136, p.61]
  2. Uncut
    Oct 24, 2016
    90
    Yes, it's largely tuneless, the guitars and drums about as co-ordinated as a set of blindfolded square dancers, but the sisters' naive approach yields endless wonder. [Nov 2016, p.52]
  3. Oct 24, 2016
    86
    Philosophy of the World is the realest version of the Shaggs, flaws and force in full-view. A teenage symphony this is not.
  4. Oct 24, 2016
    80
    It may not be pretty, but its inherent charm lies in its mere existence. Love it or hate it, Philosophy of the World is a marvel to behold.
  5. Oct 24, 2016
    80
    The cloistered and unwilling girls’ father’s attempts to get them to do a Herman’s Hermits left them more in line with enjoyably sloppy garage rock. In fact, they went so far out as to prefigure post-punk’s plangency and jittery inclusivity: they were essentially The Raincoats, a decade ahead of time.
  6. Mojo
    Oct 24, 2016
    60
    The Shaggs couldn't play, they could barely sing and their songs are rudimentary, but you won't hear many records with such heartfelt authenticity of feeling. [Oct 2016, p.107]
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9
  1. Dec 28, 2019
    10
    This is either a 10/10 classic or 0/10 absolute fail. I honestly can't tell so I guess I'll just go with the 10/10.
  2. May 30, 2023
    10
    It's so bad that it's amazing. It will 100% make anyone who listens to it laugh uncontrollably.
  3. Apr 24, 2023
    9
    Up there with the greats (e.g, Abbey Road, Pet Sounds, or anything by AJR). I'd give it a strong 8 to a light 9