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Soviet Kitsch
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  • Record Label:
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Soviet Kitsch Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 80 Ratings

  • Summary: The Russian-born singer/pianist makes her major-label debut with this disc produced by Gordon Raphael (The Strokes).

Top Track

Us
They made a statue of us And put it on a mountain top Now tourists come and stare at us Blow bubbles with their gum Take photographs, have fun, have... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Blender
    80
    Traces of Joni Mitchell, PJ Harvey, Björk and Cat Power are all proudly on display in the unpredictable arrangements and off-kilter emotions.
  2. cokemachineglow
    80
    It’s conceivable that she can be marketed as a hipper Michelle Branch (the string arrangements get a little schmaltzy), but at her most accessible she’s still too resolutely quirky.
  3. The A.V. Club
    80
    Spektor's songs tend to take strange turns halfway through, jutting off for a chorus or bridge that barely seems connected to what's come before, then circling back to make the connection clear.
  4. PopMatters
    70
    The first few plays require a bit of patience, but this is a unique new talent. Like listening to PJ Harvey or Shannon Wright, having patience pays off.
  5. AllMusic
    70
    Spektor is an engaging performer throughout the album, and despite her arty quirks, she's never pretentious.
  6. Pitchfork
    68
    There's a wealth of great material here... all diminished, to various degrees, by genre affectations.
  7. Junkmedia
    30
    While Spektor possesses an intriguing voice, she uses it in such a cloying, affected manner as to be almost entirely off-putting.

See all 9 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 27
  3. Negative: 3 out of 27
  1. DonaldH
    Mar 5, 2005
    10
    Usually I don't by discs on a whim, and my only experience with Regina prior to this was a bootleg of the track "Post-Modern Girls" she Usually I don't by discs on a whim, and my only experience with Regina prior to this was a bootleg of the track "Post-Modern Girls" she did with the Strokes last year, however, popping this disc in, I have to admit it sent shivers down my spine multiple times. It's minimalistc arrangements and piano ballads coupled with wonderfully moving lyrics and a voice that recalls both Ani Difranco and Patti Smith, it's refreshing and incredibly touching stuff. My highest recommendation.… Expand
  2. BladeLover2049
    Aug 22, 2018
    10
    That which physically separates us also drives us away spiritually. Divorce, growth, money and other things drive us away and exile us inThat which physically separates us also drives us away spiritually. Divorce, growth, money and other things drive us away and exile us in unknown places. The album talks about retaking that distant happiness, and also about how that pain is. A great album.… Expand
  4. slick50
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    sweet, trilling voice that hits all the high notes. Unpredictable, yet emotional melodies. Not to be missed by fans of female music.
  5. ThomasW
    Jan 10, 2007
    10
    Regina Spektor is a very talented girl. She has an amazing voice and can tickle those ivories like there's no tomorrow. She has done Regina Spektor is a very talented girl. She has an amazing voice and can tickle those ivories like there's no tomorrow. She has done well on this album but did even better with "Begin to Hope." I;m glad she made another album. It's amazing and far better than "Soviet Kitsch." Regina simply has a unique sound that you won't hear from anybody else.… Expand
  6. gagaforever
    Sep 22, 2010
    10
    Regina Spektor is so very under credited. Her song "Us" is among my favorite songs and this album is in plain english "OUTSTANDING"....THereRegina Spektor is so very under credited. Her song "Us" is among my favorite songs and this album is in plain english "OUTSTANDING"....THere is nothing that needs to be changed or rerecorded...Pure joy when it is listened to… Expand
  7. JoannaG.
    Mar 9, 2005
    9
    I hear the voices of Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey, Bjork, and many other female artists when Regina sings.
  8. Scort
    Mar 12, 2005
    0
    Pretentious, immature, affected.

See all 27 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Shared Album of 2005

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