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Puberty 2 Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 160 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the New York indie artist was produced by Patrick Hyland.
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Top Track

Your Best American Girl
If I could, I'd be a little spoon And kiss your fingers forever more But big spoon, you have so much to do And I have nothing ahead of me You're the... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Jun 17, 2016
    100
    Puberty 2 exposes new dimensions to Mitski’s voice, revealing its true richness and range. Mitski is an exceptionally keen observer of the human condition, and Puberty 2 marks a triumphant new step in her evolution.
  2. Jun 16, 2016
    90
    A visceral work that shares the immediacy of classic punk and confessional singer/songwriter fare at once, Puberty 2 takes listeners behind closed doors with the kind of no-holds-barred lyrics that are likely to leave a lasting impression.
  3. Jul 6, 2016
    85
    Mitski Miyawaki's songwriting prowess makes it into something special.
  4. Jun 16, 2016
    80
    It may have been exhausting and painful to put down on record, but listening to it is anything but.
  5. Jun 20, 2016
    80
    Mitski may not be any taller or feel like any less of a child, yet Puberty 2 is a monument built high, visible to more and more.
  6. Jun 17, 2016
    80
    Puberty 2 leaves no stone unturned in its attempt to make grim tales seem even worse than you could possibly imagine. It’s a brutally tough shock to the system, one that will leave its trace for years to come.
  7. Jun 17, 2016
    70
    As bawdy and unpredictable as anyone is in their first puberty, Puberty 2 shows Miyawaki indulging her whims with a devil-may-care attitude--the result is an incendiary self-portrait.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 15
  2. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. Jun 20, 2016
    10
    Mitski Miyawaki's fourth album is a devastating emotional piece of work that marries her earlier more orchestral leaning work to theMitski Miyawaki's fourth album is a devastating emotional piece of work that marries her earlier more orchestral leaning work to the blistering guitar lead power of her previous album Bury Me At Make Out Creek. Her talent for unapologetic lyrical honesty and she has a knack for powerfully simple turns of phrase that worm their way into your heart, remaining with you long after the album (clocking in at a concise 31 minutes) has finished. Blending the instrumental complexity that marks much of her earlier work with the guitar based rock that brought her to a wider audience allows her a wide palette of sounds which she uses to great effect. From the fuzz guitar anthem for the minimum wage worker in My Body's Made of Crushed Little Stars to the slick synth plea of Thursday Girl, no matter what you love from Mitski there is something here for you and I would say there is no better place to start your journey into her discography than this album, the most complete statement Mitkski has given us so far. Expand
  2. Jan 1, 2023
    10
    Beautiful… amazing… work. I am in love with every song on this album, the lyrics are so meaningful - and the instrumentals give me goosebumpsBeautiful… amazing… work. I am in love with every song on this album, the lyrics are so meaningful - and the instrumentals give me goosebumps every time. Arguably, no - THE best Mitski album. Expand
  3. Nov 1, 2016
    10
    This record feels so human and has this sutile touch of anxiety that keeps the ear in the edge of glory and actually can reach your mind. It'sThis record feels so human and has this sutile touch of anxiety that keeps the ear in the edge of glory and actually can reach your mind. It's so relatable and so catchy even thought it can be seen minimalist at some times. She's a lyric machine and a truth speaker and singer. Can't wait for more of her work. Expand
  4. Jun 25, 2016
    9
    Puberty 2 is so intense, full of sorrow and full of unreleased fury that you can feel Mitski's melancholy and mania wipe your whole body. ThisPuberty 2 is so intense, full of sorrow and full of unreleased fury that you can feel Mitski's melancholy and mania wipe your whole body. This record brings one of the most sincere and emotional pieces of music this year, and few artists have the ability to make something so vulnerable and self-assuring at the same time as this album.

    Best Tracks: Happy; Once More to See You; Fireworks; Crack Baby
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  5. Jun 17, 2016
    9
    This is a very strong and natural progression for Mitski. As a huge fan of her previous LPs, this is amazing to me, and should be to all ofThis is a very strong and natural progression for Mitski. As a huge fan of her previous LPs, this is amazing to me, and should be to all of her fans as well. I wasn't the biggest fan of her singles when I heard them as singles, but in the context of the album they work perfectly. The album doesn't overstay its welcome either, with some of the strongest tracks coming towards the end of the album. Strong AOTY contender. Expand
  6. Sep 6, 2016
    8
    Mitsky can get a bit overwrought on this one (It's like St. Vincent started getting into Evanescence) and it took me some time to develop anMitsky can get a bit overwrought on this one (It's like St. Vincent started getting into Evanescence) and it took me some time to develop an appreciation for it, but it's undeniable that the songwriting is strong throughout, even if the lyrics get a bit silly "If you would let me give you pinky promise kisses. Then I wouldn't have to scream your name atop of every roof in the city of my heart."

    Overall though it's a fun, tender and intriguing record that starts out with the incredible "Happy" and has more than enough soaring highs and irresistible melodies to keep you entertained through its more eyebrow raising sections.
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  7. Sep 19, 2016
    3
    Her voice is so off-putting. Almost atonal. The music is boring, paint-by-numbers indie rock that many have done before and done better. TheHer voice is so off-putting. Almost atonal. The music is boring, paint-by-numbers indie rock that many have done before and done better. The lyrics are confessional, insular, and childish. There is an entire world out there, Mitski, not just the one in your head. Experience it and stop gazing at the reflection of your own navel. Expand

See all 15 User Reviews