Strawberry Jam - Animal Collective
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
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  1. No Ripcord
    100
    Strawberry Jam, 2007’s strongest album so far.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    100
    'Cuckoo Cuckoo' is another moment in which Animal Collective reach a new level of compositional mastery and broaden their territory.
  3. Pitchfork
    93
    The album's second half is slightly more abstract than the catchy pop that precedes it, but these moments are tempered, causing the record to feel more focused.
  4. Filter
    91
    The balance across the album (as opposed to the drop-off second half of Feels) makes it their most forward and enjoyable work to date.
  5. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    Due to its extreme use of repetition and electronics, it forgoes much of the curious, daydream-esque dynamic which had dominated previous Collective releases, but what has been assembled here is an astute, entrancing deconstruction of pop music. Highly and happily recommended to all.
  6. Prefix Magazine
    90
    Rare is the album that's able to expand an established band's fan base while completely satisfying the cult of early flag planters, but Strawberry Jam has that chance.
  7. cokemachineglow
    83
    Strawberry Jam might be art, but more interestingly, Strawberry Jam might be pop. Okay, avant-pop.
  8. Almost Cool
    83
    It doesn't seem quite as strong as Feels, but also seems like the group might be on the verge of something even better.
  9. The A.V. Club
    83
    Animal Collective's abstract and catchy sides are each constantly aware of what the other is doing.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 150 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 67
  3. Negative: 1 out of 67
  1. quillber
    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.… Full Review »
  2. HerbertP.
    3
    This is passing for music these days? Hipsters will eat up anything if an obscure band shits it out.
  3. Rod_Serling
    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.… Full Review »
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