Seeking New Gods
by Gruff Rhys
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. musicOMH.com
    May 24, 2021
    90
    Seeking New Gods is simultaneously thought provoking, questioning, elegant and unsettled – but it is fundamentally a feelgood album. We find Gruff Rhys at his most natural, his winning blend of a slight, endearing shyness balanced by extrovert, psychedelic tendencies.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    May 21, 2021
    90
    Seeking New Gods is a fantastic album – and certainly one of Rhys’s best. No matter how odd the concept, or how strange the inspiration, each album that Gruff Rhys releases seems to prove that he couldn’t make a bad one if he tried.
  3. Uncut
    May 20, 2021
    90
    Here are nine songs that confidently mix Station To Station piano, Beach Boys harmonies, Kosmische guitar and even free jazz. [Jun 2021, p.31]
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  5. American Songwriter
    May 24, 2021
    80
    The end result is a festive power pop brew, a combination that mines instinct and intelligence. It’s fair to say then that Seeking New Gods is indeed a truly divine experience.
  6. AllMusic
    May 21, 2021
    80
    The finished album, mixed by Mario Caldato, has an immediacy that reflects its relatively quick conception and, coming after the nimble electronic experiments of 2019's Pang!, there's something bracing about the directness of Seeking New Gods.
  7. Mojo
    May 20, 2021
    80
    Rhys excels at holding anxiety and unease up to the light without becoming harsh; Seeking New Gods keeps that balance beautifully. [Jun 2021, p.83]
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  8. PopMatters
    May 20, 2021
    80
    It’s among his finest solo works, with a consistently tight synthesis of radio-friendly immediacy and riveting instrumental discovery that’s always made Rhys such a singular artist. True, it’s not as edgy or wacky as some of his previous work, but that only helps guarantee that it’ll appeal to just about anyone and everyone who hears it.
  9. DIY Magazine
    May 20, 2021
    80
    Less wildly daring than its predecessors, yet remaining totally assured in its vision, ‘Seeking New Gods’ stands as another finely-crafted addition to Gruff Rhys’ illustrious repertoire.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 20, 2021
    80
    In ‘Seeking New Gods’, Gruff Rhys has yet again crafted another pop gem of an album.
  11. Pitchfork
    May 25, 2021
    76
    Recorded in live sessions with the group Rhys assembled for the Babelsberg tour, the album feels like a solo record in name only. It pops with the collaborative energy of Rhys’ supporting cast.
  12. Clash Music
    May 20, 2021
    70
    Its brevity might lead some to think it slight, but those who persevere with ‘Seeking New Gods’ will find yet more evidence of Gruff Rhys’ undaunted off piste genius.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best Album of 2021

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. CosmoMoffy
    Jan 14, 2023
    8
    Thought-provoking, feel-good album, sophisticated graceful + classy…with a bit of a psych / German cosmic rock element. – but it isThought-provoking, feel-good album, sophisticated graceful + classy…with a bit of a psych / German cosmic rock element. – but it is essentially a feelgood album. Prob his best without SFA. This album is right up there as a 2021 highlight… Full Review »
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