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Sparkle Hard
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Sparkle Hard Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

  • Summary: The seventh full-length release for the indie rock band features a guest appearance from Kim Gordon.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Variety
    May 18, 2018
    92
    With nary a weak track, Sparkle Hard finds Malkmus hitting a new peak nearly 30 years into his career.
  2. AllMusic
    May 17, 2018
    90
    Malkmus may still stand on the outside smirking, poaching different elements of the underground and mainstream, assembling them in a fashion that's undeniably unique, but the craft and cleverness of Sparkle Hard can't disguise the simple fact that he means this music, man.
  3. The A.V. Club
    May 18, 2018
    83
    Sparkle Hard is Malkmus at his most compelling: balancing his experimental whims while revealing pieces of his arcane heart.
  4. DIY Magazine
    May 8, 2018
    80
    It’s all executed with the same kind of effortless charm that’s characterised Malkmus’ entire career.
  5. Pitchfork
    May 18, 2018
    80
    Where Malkmus’ solo work has sometimes walked the fine line between too detached or too self-satisfied, the record cartwheels over it with the assurance of an artist who’s correctly assumed that so long as he’s enjoying himself enough, others will too.
  6. PopMatters
    May 17, 2018
    80
    Sparkle Hard slips out of twisting plot traps as nonchalantly as it slides around rigid logic. The characteristics that have kept his music with the Jicks since the early 2000s one of indie rock's more subtle but steady pleasures haven't faded in the least, and Sparkle Hard finds them at their brightest concentration.
  7. musicOMH.com
    May 30, 2018
    50
    The music is plainly listenable, the progressions are often entertaining and the lyrics are intricate. For fans, the minor evolution and heavier sonic palette may whet their appetite, but for anyone in search of a new revolutionary energy in the realm of indie rock, steer clear of the throne room.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. frankrog29
    Mar 11, 2021
    8
    Sparkle Hard was a real sleeper hit for me. I listened to it when it came out and kind of wrote it off. Then, I was at a bar and heard “SolidSparkle Hard was a real sleeper hit for me. I listened to it when it came out and kind of wrote it off. Then, I was at a bar and heard “Solid Silk” playing. It sounded familiar but I couldn’t quite place it, so I asked the bartender what it was. Since then I’ve been listening to the album more and more, and it has really blossomed for me. Stephen Malkmus’s music is staccato, angular, and quirky. His songs on Sparkle Hard retain the sharp edges, but beautiful strings, funky synthesizers, great songwriting, masterful instrumentation, and melt-your-face guitar solos give his sound more depth, complexity, and emotional resonance. His songs on this album are by turns energetic and mellow and contemplative. This album represents a more thoughtful, more lush side of the former Pavement frontman’s music. It seems as though his songwriting has become more mature as he has grown older. I know he has come out with a couple solo albums since 2018, but I hope his work with the Jicks continues in this vein because the band really captured a sound that is simultaneously dynamic and introspective on this album.… Expand
  2. Ricko
    Oct 22, 2018
    8
    I'll get this out of the way early, I think Pavement are overrated. Yep, appreciate the bands strengths but just think they are incrediblyI'll get this out of the way early, I think Pavement are overrated. Yep, appreciate the bands strengths but just think they are incredibly over hyped. I saw "Sparkle Hard" listed in a few mid year best albums so far kind of lists and was looking for something new to listen to so checked it out. I was expecting to be underwhelmed by the critics darling Mr Malkmus but tip of the hat, this is a fantastic album, masterfully crafted and has led me to a point where I must revisit Pavement and reevaluate. I could argue that it fades a little towards the end but I like this album so much I don't really want to go there. Great songs that are delivered with a complexity so well executed it sounds straightforward and simple. Mainstream enough sound but meaty enough to get your teeth into as well. I expect this to be close to the top of many end of year lists.… Expand
  4. Doof
    May 31, 2018
    8
    I'd have called this a return to form if I'd actually kept up with these Jicks albums (I didn't) but I'm happy saying this is, if not better,I'd have called this a return to form if I'd actually kept up with these Jicks albums (I didn't) but I'm happy saying this is, if not better, then at least more 'natural sounding' than either 'Terror Twilight' or the Malkmus s/t debut. Some fantastic songs here ('Solid Silk', 'Refute', etc) which puts it on a similar level to 'Brighten the Corners' for my money.… Expand

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