Punisher
by Phoebe Bridgers
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 435 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 395 out of 435
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 435
  3. Negative: 25 out of 435
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  1. starsaroundscar
    Aug 31, 2020
    0
    Underwhelming. I don’t know but it just feel flat to me & the way she sings makes me want to go to sleep. But I guess once this persona gets taken away, you get a basic chick that no one would pay attention to... so good for you for keeping up with this shtick.
  2. bushyforest
    Oct 23, 2020
    0
    I gave it a try, i did not like it so i would not recommend but maybe next time.
  3. dreamyjose
    Dec 4, 2020
    0
    major. phoebe made me connect with my emotions in such a powerful way, this album is a masterpiece, if you havent gave it a good listen, you're missing out. best album of the year. i feel like im still gonna listen to this one when im 60
  4. NormanAlee
    Dec 10, 2020
    0
    So sorry for album "Calligulla" from Lingua Ignota that evenmore tragic and delivers much more expressive and diverse vocal performances. This album full of very predictable melodies, she sings the same in all songs, and the decent late 00s style arrangemets doesnt save the situation.
  5. Small-Talker
    Jun 26, 2021
    0
    The monotony of this album is its downfall. According to the credits, 7 of these 11 songs have live drums on them. Not that anyone could tell from listening to the record. All of the drums have a processed sound to them, and almost exclusively consist of those sub-bass beats you hear in trip hop. As a result, every song seems to have the same tempo, with little variation in sound and styleThe monotony of this album is its downfall. According to the credits, 7 of these 11 songs have live drums on them. Not that anyone could tell from listening to the record. All of the drums have a processed sound to them, and almost exclusively consist of those sub-bass beats you hear in trip hop. As a result, every song seems to have the same tempo, with little variation in sound and style throughout. It becomes obvious after a certain point that this was a creative decision made by the producers in response to Bridgers's vocal abilities. She clearly can't sing in major keys. This in itself wouldn't be a problem, as there are plenty of singers who perform wonderfully in minor key territory. Nick Cave and Hope Sandoval are prime examples. Bridgers is not among them. In fact, the vocals here are downright perplexing. She sings in the most affected way; the similarity in her vocal phrasing to Norwegian singer-songwriter Lene Marlin is obvious at points. Norwegian accent and all. Strange, considering Bridgers was born and raised in California. A bizarre little record.… Expand
  6. beatlemaniac
    Dec 27, 2021
    0
    my favorite album of all time. phoebe bridgers is my favorite lyricist, and this album is a beautiful display of emotions. 'I Know The End' is no longer a song, it's an experience. 'Savior Complex' is the best music video I've seen, not just from phoebe, but from anyone. 'Moon Song' is one of her strongest songs lyrically, which is saying something. Lyrics like 'you're holding me likemy favorite album of all time. phoebe bridgers is my favorite lyricist, and this album is a beautiful display of emotions. 'I Know The End' is no longer a song, it's an experience. 'Savior Complex' is the best music video I've seen, not just from phoebe, but from anyone. 'Moon Song' is one of her strongest songs lyrically, which is saying something. Lyrics like 'you're holding me like water in your hands' and 'i will wait for the next time you want me / like a dog with a bird at your door' are the most emotive lyrics I've heard ever. listen to this album. i wish i could listen to Punisher for the first time again.… Expand
  7. caleb_minaj
    Jan 3, 2023
    0
    horrible, friend recommended it to me, only liked the instrumental parts where she wasn’t singing.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Album of 2020
37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 21, 2020
    100
    Punisher is a product of the times, but it’s also one that could have only been made by Phoebe Bridgers. She’s the only artist I can think of who has the ambition and elegance to tackle two crumbling worlds at the same time: the one in her mind, and the one outside her doorstep. It's an album characterized by its finality; a series of lasts in a time where preparing for the end is starting to feel less and less absurd.
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  2. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Jun 24, 2020
    90
    What I think makes this album stand out just a bit more, edgier and whatnot, from her debut three years ago in Stranger in the Alps is there's a fearlessness to embrace the mainstream aesthetic just a bit more. Not something like Lana del Rey's style or that kind of thing, but a more contemporary, alternative and dare I say poppy sound.
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  3. Glide Magazine
    Jun 22, 2020
    80
    Punisher is a worthy follow-up to Bridgers’ impressive debut, building upon her distinctive style of storytelling while adding a bit more flavor. Though mostly soft and measured, the poetic imagery and occasional bursts of dynamism keep the album from ever getting dull.
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