Strawberry Jam
by Animal Collective
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Sep 11, 2007
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 204 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 186 out of 204
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 204
  3. Negative: 7 out of 204

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Oct 17, 2021
    7
    Wtf is thissssssss! It's as wonderfully sinister as it's cover. With a strong ear for hooks and instrumentations made from instruments that sound extra terrestrial this is a solid output from the collective boasting one of tge best alt rock songs of all time "fireworks " that seems to have been written and produced in my head. Favourites: fireworks, peacebone,for reverend green,winter wonderland
  2. deadbank
    Feb 28, 2019
    9
    Favorites: Peacebone, Unsolved Mysteries, Chores, For Reverend Green, Fireworks, #1, Winter Wonder Land, Cuckoo Cuckoo, Derek
  3. pugowner
    Apr 24, 2018
    9
    Once I got past Avey's somewhat unconventional vocals, I found myself loving this album. Peacebone and Reverend Green are terrific, Derek, Chores, and Unsolved Mysteries are great, but Fireworks is on another plane of existence
  4. Kumo
    Feb 22, 2016
    7
    Feels a bit like an experimental piece trying to find it's footing. Though the album isn't bad, it does produce some great tracks such as "Peacebone", "Fireworks", & "#1", but there are some moments in the album that feel erratic, frantic, and loud. Overall it's good tracks outweigh some of the bad.

    7/10
  5. leanderandco
    May 16, 2014
    9
    one of my favorite animal collective albums. the cover says it all: right in your face, colorful and wild. the melodies are catchy but also thoughtful, and the vocals are vibrant and and a bit crazed.
    a classic.
  6. quillber
    Sep 1, 2012
    10
    people like Herbert below who wheel out the word 'hipster' everytime they cant digest something or dont like it need to be publicly lynched and also preferably beheaded. strawberry jam is another cranium busting game changer of a record from AC. a classic record between two other classic records of theres.
  7. Rod_Serling
    Aug 28, 2012
    10
    Even after the gorgeous and flawless Merriweather Post Pavilion, this record is still their best. The melodies are fantastic, and the myriad of odd samples and textures make it an extremely interesting listen. Avey's vocals are killer.
  8. Tubie
    Nov 2, 2010
    10
    This is the album I like the most from Animal Collective. Every song, is so damn good. I have to listen the the whole album every time because the songs connect so well and create such a great atmosphere and feel to it. I love love love this band and hope they can stay together for a long time.
  9. muzztmt
    Sep 11, 2010
    10
    Animal Collective's tastiest album so far. It's a glossy and colorful album. Oh, such wonder.
  10. MattS
    Dec 21, 2007
    10
    Best disc of the year hands down.
  11. J.K.
    Dec 14, 2007
    6
    Strawberry Jam serves as a solid introduction to the group, as it scales back on the more experimental aspects of their previous works and instead delivers some of the strongest pop and rock arrangements of their career. This is also the biggest problem with the album. It feels restrained and pigeonholed and like the sound of someone cramming a square peg into a circular hole. Strawberry Jam serves as a solid introduction to the group, as it scales back on the more experimental aspects of their previous works and instead delivers some of the strongest pop and rock arrangements of their career. This is also the biggest problem with the album. It feels restrained and pigeonholed and like the sound of someone cramming a square peg into a circular hole. There's always been a little pop in Animal Collective but it's forced here and doesn't really find an acceptable middle ground.… Expand
  12. JerryJ.
    Dec 12, 2007
    9
    Relentlessly brilliant. The album is humble and without pretense. Full of color and autonomy. Get it.
  13. HerbertP.
    Dec 11, 2007
    3
    This is passing for music these days? Hipsters will eat up anything if an obscure band shits it out.
  14. AdamD.
    Dec 9, 2007
    10
    Once in a great while comes an album worthy of a perfect rating. To be perfect a record must be beautiful, fresh, and inspiring and thus a perfect rating should rarely be given out. Strawberry Jam not only deserves a perfect rating, it also deserves to be heralded the greatest of the decade thus far. Joining the ranks of the Beach Boys,The Beatles, Radiohead, The Pixies, and just a few Once in a great while comes an album worthy of a perfect rating. To be perfect a record must be beautiful, fresh, and inspiring and thus a perfect rating should rarely be given out. Strawberry Jam not only deserves a perfect rating, it also deserves to be heralded the greatest of the decade thus far. Joining the ranks of the Beach Boys,The Beatles, Radiohead, The Pixies, and just a few others, Animal Collective have proven that they are capable of producing music we all can love and I hope to God they continue because we are in DIRE need of a great and reliable band!… Expand
  15. JamesG.
    Dec 9, 2007
    6
    I don't necessarily think this is a bad album but I do not hear any melody or purpose. It sounds like a jumbled mess or horses trampling my head. This album definitely makes me clean my house at a rapid pace. I will continue to give it a chance because I want to like it
  16. HildurM..
    Nov 18, 2007
    8
    Very good.
  17. PipS.
    Nov 14, 2007
    9
    Andy W: Cuckoo Cuckoo is annoying?! Anyway, AC are the new Beach Boys - wonderful, simple melodies, coupled with new and engaging production. And this is their Pet Sounds - simply marvelous.
  18. AlejandroR.
    Nov 10, 2007
    9
    Best record of the year. Second: Panda Bear - Person Pitch.
  19. TimT.
    Nov 2, 2007
    10
    Wow... This is my favorite group album of 2007... This deserves a much higher Metascore... All of those reviewers who gave this disk a 6 should be taken off the job because their obviously afraid of experiencing new, earth shattering music... "Fireworks," "Winter Wonderland," and "Derek" are probably the best songs I've heard all year from any band by far.
  20. Alex
    Oct 29, 2007
    8
    Fireworks is one of the best songs I've ever heard.
  21. AndyW.
    Oct 28, 2007
    8
    Aside from the creepy "#1" and the annoying "Cuckoo Cuckoo", this is the most consistent Animal Collective record to date.
  22. DavidL.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    The listening experience of 2007. Animal Collective outdoes themselves (yet again). It baffles the mind that this decade's most relevant musicians are still virtually unknown to the average music appreciator. All 9 songs on the album are incredible.
  23. DickD.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    Album of the year
  24. ToddW.
    Oct 5, 2007
    8
    The most important band this side of Radiohead has crafted a Rorschach Test Blot of an album. 'Strawberry Jam' has something to please the palette of anyone remotely interested in these guys. Me, I wish there would have been slightly more Panda Bear and a little less Avey Tare. Other than that, no complaints.
  25. JimJ.
    Oct 4, 2007
    10
    Great.
  26. MeganP.
    Oct 2, 2007
    10
    One word: Yes.
  27. EricC.
    Sep 25, 2007
    10
    You put in the cd and a jumble of incomprehensible sounds blasts out of your speakers. It quickly and flawlessly turns in to a beautifully constructed song, Peacebone, which has Avey Tare cheerfully singing some of their oddest lyrics to date, with an occasional group shout that sounds more like the chilling shriek of a monster. Every song that follows has its own surprise. At times Avey You put in the cd and a jumble of incomprehensible sounds blasts out of your speakers. It quickly and flawlessly turns in to a beautifully constructed song, Peacebone, which has Avey Tare cheerfully singing some of their oddest lyrics to date, with an occasional group shout that sounds more like the chilling shriek of a monster. Every song that follows has its own surprise. At times Avey roars like a death metal singer, while the instruments calmly jam. I mention Avey twice because his voice dominates this album. I'm a huge Panda Bear fan, and every song he leads is classic, but it's Avey's songs that will stick with you, that you'll try to sing along with. I'm crazy in to this cd. Once my excitement dies down, it will be interesting to see if it will be my favorite Animal Collective album (Feels got 5 points higher than this one, but I sense more talent and skill coming from this release). This is their most chaotic and loud album, and also their most fun.… Expand
  28. JohnH.
    Sep 23, 2007
    10
    After several great releases from Animal Collective, this record comes completely out of left field, and completely blows away all their other work. Its awe inspiring tunes in the form of the crazy time signature "For Reverend Green" and beautiful "Fireworks," stand out among a group of still amazing tracks. I had fear this would be their first misstep but it has turned out to be their After several great releases from Animal Collective, this record comes completely out of left field, and completely blows away all their other work. Its awe inspiring tunes in the form of the crazy time signature "For Reverend Green" and beautiful "Fireworks," stand out among a group of still amazing tracks. I had fear this would be their first misstep but it has turned out to be their best all around record with only strong to magnificent tracks being featured. The first perfect album of the year.… Expand
  29. MarcG.
    Sep 22, 2007
    6
    First misstep for the collective.
  30. Geekboy
    Sep 21, 2007
    9
    AC have reached a level of popularity (at least among serious music fans) that they
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Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Best Album of 2007
42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2007
27
#27 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    80
    Animal Collective has evolved; its songs continue to meander and digress, but the mania seems driven by a greater sense of purpose.
    Read full review
  2. The Wire
    60
    The nine songs her give a reason for detractors to raise their voices and for devotees to hope for something a little more evolved. [Sep. 2007, p.49]
  3. Urb
    70
    AC still celebrates soaking up esoterica, but this album is the group's jauntiest, least emulsified. [Sep 2007, p.128]
See all critic reviews »