Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 19
  2. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. 60
    As groups like Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem are making analog programs ring clear as Marshall stacks, Williams makes them sound mysterious, creepy and sexy again--even when geeking out on a cover of Bow Wow Wow’s big hit, 'I Want Candy.'
  2. While his contrived sonic and visual aesthetics do much to explain the thinness of Smoke, they do not justify it.
  3. Spin
    60
    For all the squiggly melodies and bumpy computer beats, however, Smoke's strength is his spacey chameleon voice. [Dec 2007, p.126]
  4. There’s a few really strong tracks studded throughout, and an equal number of good ones, so the experience is better on the balance than not.
  5. As he runs out of ideas, he becomes progressively arch, as if trying to convince us that the demo-level standard of his work is deliberate, and thereby adding another level of mild irritation.
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    Williams should inject more urgency to his sound. [June 2008, p.148]
  7. Filter
    54
    It's shame, however, that the goofy aspects of the album distract from its sonic frame, as Wiliams is not only a talented producer but also has a keen ability to weave masterful pop instrumentation. [Winter 2007, p.94]
  8. Uncut
    60
    Williams' voice is weakly anonymous, Verlaine minus the venom. But his obsessive recreation of his heroes' studio tricks compensates. [Aug 2008, p.113]
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. JoeH.
    Dec 11, 2007
    9
    A fascinating, captivating record. Highlights are New Violence, Headlines, and The Shadow. The track Lice in the Rainbow is totally A fascinating, captivating record. Highlights are New Violence, Headlines, and The Shadow. The track Lice in the Rainbow is totally unnecessary, though. Full Review »