Rounds
by Four Tet
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: May 6, 2003
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 46
  3. Negative: 3 out of 46

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  1. clem666
    Jan 27, 2022
    9
    Amazing combinations of varied textures, interesting patterns and experimental moves ! Really striking. 'Rounds' is one of these albums you have to listen to as a whole (rather than listen to the tracks separated from the rest), because it makes you achieve a terrific journey.

    Four Tet captures bright and vivid pieces of jazz, electro and fuse them into a never-heard before ambient    Amazing combinations of varied textures, interesting patterns and experimental moves ! Really striking. 'Rounds' is one of these albums you have to listen to as a whole (rather than listen to the tracks separated from the rest), because it makes you achieve a terrific journey.

    Four Tet captures bright and vivid pieces of jazz, electro and fuse them into a never-heard before ambient patchwork. It feels free, slight, pure, unalterable. This record is poetic yet highly accessible, dark but also very joyful. It's certainly one of those complicated and intricate pieces of the past that you would like to keep to yourself, for as long as you can.    … Expand
  2. Sky-Line___
    Apr 24, 2015
    3
    The song "She Moves she" is just horrible, my ears were bleeding
    I don't like this genre & i would never have reviewed this in normal conditions, but the track i mentioned is so bad
  3. dougie812
    Dec 20, 2013
    8
    This album just flat out leaves a great impression. I find myself going back to it over and over. Domino records has a great list of employees and Four Tet is equal to its company. Rounds is my favorite addition addition to their discography, right after There is Love in You.
  4. mookid
    Jul 16, 2013
    10
    Nearly perfectly crafted tracks that stun you with their beauty. The sound quality was great and everything mixed together so well, this album always puts me in a good mood and will remain one of my favorites for a long time. If you're looking for a Four Tet entry point look no further, Rounds is his master piece.
  5. GerardJ
    Aug 1, 2007
    10
    Beautiful. Do I need to say more?
  6. Roaf
    Dec 8, 2006
    10
    Absolutely stunning! Though takes a number of listens to get your head around.
  7. KCH
    Oct 21, 2006
    10
    Groundbreaking, amazing, beautiful electronic music. But its much more than mere electronic music, its music to live life to.
  8. KidA
    Jul 10, 2006
    9
    Absolutely gorgeous
  9. ByronD
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    Smoke out or trip to this album NOW. You will thank me.
  10. LawrenceP
    May 27, 2005
    10
    Yes it is "as serious as your life". A must have in your collection.
  11. BryanC
    Nov 19, 2004
    5
    Easy-listening laptop electronica. And rather disappointing in the context of the gushing reviews contained here. I'm a big fan of electronic music, IDM or whatever you call it and there are some good moments here but it?s not groundbreaking or challenging - merely nice. Maybe it sounds better in a car? Coming to a TV near you...
  12. JeroenV
    Jul 14, 2003
    9
    Very intelligent electronic compilations...!
  13. ChristianC
    Jun 26, 2003
    10
    Essential electronic music. so easy to listen to. recognizable rythms, as well as intricacies that make headphones a must. a great cd!!!!
  14. Flawedbeing
    Jun 9, 2003
    9
    One of those absolutely vital IDM albums that permanently leave an imprint on your mind, Rounds is a brilliant album composed of equally brilliant moments. Every one of the songs here is composed with a style that equally nods to Aphex Twin, trance, and an autumnal folk style that is absolutely unique to Rounds. About the only complaint that can be bandied about this album is that it One of those absolutely vital IDM albums that permanently leave an imprint on your mind, Rounds is a brilliant album composed of equally brilliant moments. Every one of the songs here is composed with a style that equally nods to Aphex Twin, trance, and an autumnal folk style that is absolutely unique to Rounds. About the only complaint that can be bandied about this album is that it doesn't stick around for long enough: during its running time it is pensive, melancholy, and hopeful, surprisingly managing to succeed at each without seeming overly stuffed. More than any Fridge (the band Kieran Hebden, who comprises 100% of Four Tet, is a part of) or other Four Tet record, Rounds is not to be missed out on.… Expand
  15. christophern
    May 27, 2003
    10
    Wonderful assortment of electronic music. Will be in my top 10 for the year.
  16. stavyys.
    May 9, 2003
    0
    just plain boring :-( and without true emotions and fragility
  17. NineInchAndy
    Apr 25, 2003
    8
    I can forgive their brief car commercial stint... A decent album.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2003
99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2003
48
#48 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Playlouder
    90
    A beautiful, engaging, enchanting record.
    Read full review
  2. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    Charming, civilized, childish, Kieran Hebden imagines an aural space in which electronic malfunction is cute rather than annoying or ominous.
    Read full review
  3. Magnet
    80
    With Rounds, Hebden has found the secret meeting place for man and machine; he uses his cunning to exploit it and all of its startling possibilities. [#59, p.94]
See all critic reviews »