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Strangelet
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  • Record Label:
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Strangelet Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 8 Ratings

  • Summary: REM's Peter Buck and Bill Rieflin guest on the Los Angeles troubadour's latest disc of originals.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. The A.V. Club
    83
    The focus remains squarely on Phillips' voice and yearning songs, and that's a good place for it to be.
  2. AllMusic
    80
    While the results follow the melodic template that Phillips has made his own since his work with Grant Lee Buffalo, listening to Strangelet confirms the man sounds as good as ever and remains plenty imaginative.
  3. Billboard
    80
    Even during the second-tier moments, there's a sense that he's regained his artistic footing. [31 Mar 2007]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    Strangelet... seems like the work of a man who hasn’t aged a day since he figured out what kind of music he wanted to make.
  5. Paste Magazine
    70
    Mesmerizing. [Apr 2007, p.57]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Spin
    70
    The gripping Strangelet strives for a tricky balance of darkness of light... and mostly succeeds, thanks to the raw charisma of Phillips' hangover vocals. [Apr 2007, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. PopMatters
    50
    Unfortunately, much of Strangelet just glides by, an immensely frustrated exercise given Phillips’s impeccable track record, and the very real beauty and power inherent in the songs that somehow got scrambled.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. CalvinH.
    Aug 26, 2007
    10
    His best work from years. Great!
  2. JoeM
    Mar 30, 2007
    9
    Believe it or not, "Strangelet" is as daring and unique as Phillips' Grant Lee Buffalo work; it's as if he is single-handedly Believe it or not, "Strangelet" is as daring and unique as Phillips' Grant Lee Buffalo work; it's as if he is single-handedly pushing the world into the light. Very ambitious and exicting pop music!… Collapse
  4. GrantH.
    Jul 8, 2007
    9
    On par with, and as consistently good as his best material.
  5. FrankJ
    Apr 25, 2007
    8
    His best (and most rocking) solo album yet. Great hooks, great lyrics. Highly recommended.
  6. ToddW
    Apr 19, 2007
    7
    I know there's masterpiece in this guy somewhere, but this isn't it. Truly one of the more gifted vocalists and songwriters of his I know there's masterpiece in this guy somewhere, but this isn't it. Truly one of the more gifted vocalists and songwriters of his generation, Phillips appears to be still trying to find his way without the Buffalo. It must be frustrating for a guy wtih this kind of immense talent making music which no one will hear. Especially when you consider that "Mighty Joe Moon" was one of the best albums ever made. That's right, E-V-E-R, for you morons who genuflect at the alter of (c)rap, American Idol flotsam, and the latest bimbo who thinks they can cut a record just because they've got a "look" which teenybopper magazines find appealing.… Expand
  7. danielofsweden
    Jun 3, 2007
    7
    he's great, as always, but I think he should be a little more angry/sad/down to write those songs that really take a hold of you. He he's great, as always, but I think he should be a little more angry/sad/down to write those songs that really take a hold of you. He sounds as he's in a good mood and that makes the music beautiful but a little lame. I agree with todd on that Mighty Joe Moon is one of the best albums ever made. I think that will always listen to Grant Lee Phillips music, but I prefer some of the older pieces.… Expand

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