Pocket Symphony
by Air
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 36
  3. Negative: 2 out of 36
  1. Amazon.com
    60
    Pocket Symphony won't yield any pop hits, but it could be the soundtrack to endless rainy afternoons.
  2. Urb
    60
    A big, heaping spoonful of bland. [Mar 2007, p.96]
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  3. Spin
    60
    Occup[ies] a hushed netherworld between classical minimalists like Erik Satie and Timbaland (without the beats). [Mar 2007, p.86]
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  5. PopMatters
    60
    Pocket Symphony is downright somnolent, like Talkie Walkie on Quaaludes.
  6. Hartford Courant
    60
    An atmospheric downer.
  7. Slant Magazine
    60
    The worst of Pocket Symphony is dull and overly familiar; the best is familiar and gently gorgeous.
  8. Uncut
    60
    Pocket Symphony drifts inconsequentially along. [Apr 2007, p.92]
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  9. Mojo
    60
    It's impeccably stylish, idiosyncratic stuff, as ever, but is a little more heart too much to ask for? [Apr 2007, p.108]
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  10. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    This is meant as a return to the film-score sounds of Safari. Unfortunately, "hummability" is missing fromthe formula. [9 Mar 2007, p.106]
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  11. Prefix Magazine
    55
    Symphony may have more of a cinematic steadiness and flow, but the absence of songs as hauntingly memorable as "Cherry Blossom Girl" or "Surfing on a Rocket" does not make for a better work.
  12. Alternative Press
    50
    The baby-making music never reaches above its already-set guidelines to become something truly special, preferring to explore already charted (and re-charted) territory. [Apr 2007, p.180]
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  13. Rolling Stone
    50
    Pocket Symphony reverts to the textured beat-and-bass-line rifflets of Air ordinaire. [8 Mar 2007, p.82]
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  14. Boston Globe
    50
    Where "Pocket Symphony" springs to life are tracks when Nicolas Godin and J.B. Dunckel dabble with 1960s-influenced folk-pop.
  15. Playlouder
    50
    'Pocket Symphony' fails to grab in the same way that previous Air albums have and places too large an emphasis on mood, texture and composition to ever really be anything other than polite background music.
  16. Q Magazine
    50
    This is music so guarded it's all but impenetrable. [Apr 2007, p.117]
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  17. Austin Chronicle
    50
    The heart of Pocket Symphony is simplicity, like wind chimes echoing the breeze's sentiment.
  18. Drowned In Sound
    50
    File under "Music for Somnambulists".
  19. NOW Magazine
    40
    There are some pretty moments, and the production is immaculate, but it's plodding and dull for the most part.
  20. Blender
    40
    What was once joyful, now sounds careworn and overly precious.

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Most Discussed Album of 2007
66
#66 Most Shared Album of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 50
  3. Negative: 3 out of 50
  1. Nbktginger
    Oct 31, 2021
    9
    In my opinion this is the Air album which remains the most "current" 15 years after. As a good symphony, there is something completely out ofIn my opinion this is the Air album which remains the most "current" 15 years after. As a good symphony, there is something completely out of time in this album. Space Maker is a magic opening and prepares us for the record. Once Upon a Time and One Hell of a party are fine, introducing us to new instruments in Air music. For me however, the 4 following titles make the album come into an other dimension : Napalm Love, Mayfair Song, Left Bank and Photograph are just incredible for your ears. The remaining 5 titles are fine, with a plus plus for "Lost Message" and the "somewhere between waking and sleeping". It is an absolute 9, as an overall magic wedding between melancholy, clinical arrangements and pure sound quality. Why not 10 : in my mind this album is missing a typical "hit" to be complete, "Mer du Japon" falling a bit short in my view. This is a great album, and our ears would be so thankful if Air could release soon an other album of this quality. Note : this album is to be heard with a very good sound system or good headphones to take the upmost of it.… Full Review »
  2. RyanC
    Apr 25, 2009
    10
    Atmospheric, ethereal, and dreamy, Pocket Symphony makes up for its lack of pop appeal by perfecting the sound that Air is so famous for.
  3. Earth74
    Oct 6, 2008
    10
    The thing that I like so much about AIR is that they are creative and quite 'subliminal'. Pocket Symphony is something that will The thing that I like so much about AIR is that they are creative and quite 'subliminal'. Pocket Symphony is something that will grow on you... it communicates in a sub-conscious level. Quite intense experience for me.… Full Review »
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