Ships
by Danielson
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic 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. Filter
    91
    Ships is the best explosion of greatness yet from one of our most unique voices. [#20, p.100]
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  3. 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]
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  5. AllMusic
    90
    The resulting eleven tracks do not disappoint, striking the perfect balance between dissonance and melody with a backbeat that shakes the foundations of everything he's tried before.
  6. cokemachineglow
    87
    The eleven tracks here are the most concise, effortless, and melodically conspicuous songs to come out of the band’s camp.
  7. The A.V. Club
    83
    It isn't fair to Smith to imply that Ships is Danielson's play for a Stevens-level breakout, but the record is definitely an assured, ambitious follow-up to 2004's ramshackle Brother Is To Son.
  8. Prefix Magazine
    80
    Earlier efforts may suffer from a bit of kindergarten syndrome, in both the styles of singing and instrumentation, but Ships seems to see Danielson maturing at a faster rate.
  9. Lost At Sea
    80
    If you are a long time fan of the Danielson Famile... Ships will not disappoint.
  10. NOW Magazine
    80
    Sounds like one big, happy family get-together.
  11. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    Ships is a brilliant collaboration of the finest indie minds backed by only the best intentions.
  12. Dusted Magazine
    80
    The hooks are nearly endless, each catchier than the last, and each song features a Technicolor array of instruments that create a perfect sonic version of the mildly psychedelic album art that comes with every Danielson release.
  13. 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]
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  14. Stylus Magazine
    75
    Smith’s abrupt changes in tempo, volume, and instrumentation are alternately inspiring and disorienting.
  15. 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.
  16. Drawer B
    70
    It all unfurls more like a musical than an indie rock record, but don’t let the dissonance scare you away.
  17. Rolling Stone
    70
    Ships turns the usual joyous cacophony up a notch. [4 May 2006, p.57]
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  18. Urb
    70
    An album as colorful as his stage show. [Apr 2006, p.96]
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  19. Slant Magazine
    70
    Ships is very, very, very good, but it's not always enjoyable.
  20. The Guardian
    70
    Demented, but fun.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. KatieH
    May 11, 2009
    10
    Incredible album.
  2. AlexP
    Jan 12, 2008
    6
    I know it's an acquired taste. I just haven't acquired it yet. Worth at least one listen.
  3. DavidF
    Jan 11, 2008
    8
    Pleasant.
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