Scars
by Basement Jaxx
  • Record Label: Ultra
  • Release Date: Sep 22, 2009
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. Dot Music
    80
    Scars is the strongest Basement Jaxx album since 2001's "Rooty".
  2. Drowned In Sound
    70
    If Basement Jaxx want to hide their scars behind such easily enjoyable and well constructed pop music, then long may they continue.
  3. Pitchfork
    72
    This is evidence of true artistic growth, but these successes share space on Scars with creative cul-de-sacs and uninspired genre exercise.
  5. cokemachineglow
    74
    While a Basement Jaxx album used to feel like a below-the-radar party for real heads, Scars could easily soundtrack a celebrity bash. That’s not the Jaxx’s fault, of course, though capitulation suits them.
  6. Billboard.com
    76
    By closing the song with unadorned strings, Basement Jaxx seems to be finding feeling in its new efficiency.
  7. Lost At Sea
    85
    An entire album as powerful and immediate as Scars sounds enticing in theory, but Basement Jaxx knows better than turning a single, creative sound into a stale, contrite formula, especially when an unprecedented amount of talent is at their beck and call.
  8. Urb
    90
    If you’re wondering what electronic music is missing, look no further: Scars should serve as a reminder (if you needed one) that Basement Jaxx are an essential piece of the puzzle.
  9. musicOMH.com
    80
    There's a breathtaking array of bleeps, quirks, bits and bobs popping up to keep the boogie busy and the mind attentive.
  10. AllMusic
    70
    Scars is a worthwhile throwback to the freak attitude that kicked off their career over a decade earlier.
  11. PopMatters
    70
    They’ve come pretty darn close before, and they may very well do so in the future, but with Scars, the Jaxx have gotten too caught up in trying top themselves.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. orinj
    Dec 7, 2010
    8
    The Jaxx are back with the best music since Rooty, with Scars bursting at the seams with creativity and fun. Although not digging too much newThe Jaxx are back with the best music since Rooty, with Scars bursting at the seams with creativity and fun. Although not digging too much new ground (although Day of the Sunflowers might have you thinking otherwise), Basement Jaxx are on the right tracks again, having rediscovered the fun that made their Remedy and Rooty so memorable and upping the ante on their production skills. However the main fault is that the album doesn't have enough filler - the tracks are excellent but don't feel like they're in the right order. Although not a bumpy ride, the excessive twists and turns may be a little much for those who love their albums smooth.… Full Review »
  2. MikeColina
    Nov 18, 2010
    4
    The last album of this London Duo doesn´t connect in many ways and disapoints after listening to "raindrops" weeks before. WeThe last album of this London Duo doesn´t connect in many ways and disapoints after listening to "raindrops" weeks before. We now know they listen to a lot of generes but what´s the point of using them in a simple, boring way for your record? They invited a lot of guests that in some cases doesn´t make the songs better neither merge their style with the band´s, its a voice in some electronic base.
    Thank God for the single purchase option, otherwise we would have pay for wasting our harddrive´s space.

    To try it: Raindrops, Feelings gone (feat. Sam sparro), Day of the sunflowers (feat. Yoko ono)    … Full Review »
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