Ritual Union
by Little Dragon
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28

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  1. clem666
    Aug 26, 2020
    7
    Some few songs really are impossible to listen to. Those are exaggeretedly repetitive, strident or simply pointless and uninterpretable. But still 'Ritual Union' remains a really impressive album full of brilliant ideas and shocking turnarounds. Vocals beautifully deserve the beats and the atmosphere without being the main centre of the project. Speaking of atmosphere, Little Dragon makesSome few songs really are impossible to listen to. Those are exaggeretedly repetitive, strident or simply pointless and uninterpretable. But still 'Ritual Union' remains a really impressive album full of brilliant ideas and shocking turnarounds. Vocals beautifully deserve the beats and the atmosphere without being the main centre of the project. Speaking of atmosphere, Little Dragon makes us approach it in varied different ways. Clearly synthpop in its most original form.… Expand
  2. Kiyoshi
    Jan 23, 2012
    8
    Really solid album that starts off with a hell of a bang and doesn't let go until it's over. I would say it's their best and not even really all that close. Shuffle A Dream is one of the greatest songs that's come out of any genre in years. Please Turn is amazing as well, hell all of the tracks are.
  3. j30
    Aug 11, 2011
    5
    I was a bit disappointed in this album. After hearing Little Dragon's contributions to Gorillaz (best song on the album, Empire Antz) and Maximum Balloon (If You Return) you'd expect something a bit more fresh. I really wanted to like this album and I'm still interested to hear where they go from here. All in all it's just meh.
  4. MorriBey
    Aug 3, 2011
    4
    The first track is good but all of the rest of the album is just noise. Pity they couldn't repeat the first track over the rest of the album. Speaking about that good first track...its awful to watch on studio live versions as the vocal distortions dont work live.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 7, 2011
    80
    The group puts some twists on its sound, and Yukimi Nagano's lyrical thorns, typically concealed by her subtle approach -- are sharper than ever.
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  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    Dec 6, 2011
    80
    If diversity is key, this album certainly has it in abundant strength and as more is revealed, the range of the band takes over.
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  3. No Ripcord
    Nov 28, 2011
    60
    Ritual Union is catchy and well-produced, but it certainly doesn't demand any more than a handful of listens.
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