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Ships
by
Ships Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

  • Summary: The latest disc from the Danielson Famile's Daniel Smith boasts--in addition to a shorter band name--a whopping 34 contributors, including Sufjan Stevens, Steve Albini, and the members of Why?.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Pitchfork
    91
    None of Smith's previous records-- and in fact, very few indie releases this year-- have flat-out rocked like this one, with blaring trumpets signaling snares to exact their force beneath sweeping multitracked vocal choruses that simply won't stop crescendoing.
  2. Under The Radar
    90
    Ships reinforces the fact that he's a songwriter of considerable depth and pop craftsmanship, and this album is his most ambitious and accessible yet. [#13, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. cokemachineglow
    87
    The eleven tracks here are the most concise, effortless, and melodically conspicuous songs to come out of the band’s camp.
  4. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Though considered an acquired taste... Smith still finds something oddly charming in his sprawling chiaroscuro of sound, and a sort of childlike joy in its execution. [12 May 2006, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Almost Cool
    73
    Something like the Polyphonic Spree might sound if they decided to freak out a bit more, Danielson is a whole load of friends getting together under the banner of having a good time and creating some enjoyable music.
  6. Rolling Stone
    70
    Ships turns the usual joyous cacophony up a notch. [4 May 2006, p.57]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Mojo
    60
    Its music holds a refreshingly naive (if ridiculous) charm. [Jun 2006, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 23 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. SUSANM
    May 14, 2006
    10
    an amazing album full of merry-go-round sound and lots of joy! love this,
  2. AaronS.
    May 13, 2006
    10
    The most accessible and cohesive offering from Smith and Co. A wonderfully ambitious effort that is chaotic, serene, beautiful and just plain The most accessible and cohesive offering from Smith and Co. A wonderfully ambitious effort that is chaotic, serene, beautiful and just plain freaky at times. Certain to be one of the musical highlights of the year. NOTE: Although Danielson is saddled with the Christian music tagline, you wouldn't even noticed it if I hadn't said so. The lyrics often touch on the themes of community and unity, ect, but Smith manages to keep any sort of proselytizing on the low. This is first and foremost an indie pop album. And a damn good on at that.… Expand
  4. KatieH
    May 11, 2009
    10
    Incredible album.
  5. Brandon
    May 16, 2006
    10
    Daniel Smith's grand opus.
  6. AndyP
    Aug 13, 2006
    10
    Probably the best new album I've heard yet this year. Just the first four tracks are mindblowingly great, and then it just keeps going.
  7. BryanB
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    Extraoradinay. Made me get the audiophile bug and up grade all of my stereo equipment.
  8. AlexP
    Jan 12, 2008
    6
    I know it's an acquired taste. I just haven't acquired it yet. Worth at least one listen.

See all 14 User Reviews

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