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Summer Sun
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Summer Sun Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

  • Summary: The days of hard-rocking Yo La Tengo appear to be over (at least on record), as the Hoboken, NJ trio continues along the atmospheric, lower-volume path begun on 'And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out.' Included among the 13 Roger Moutenot-produced tracks is a cover of Big Star's "TakeThe days of hard-rocking Yo La Tengo appear to be over (at least on record), as the Hoboken, NJ trio continues along the atmospheric, lower-volume path begun on 'And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside-Out.' Included among the 13 Roger Moutenot-produced tracks is a cover of Big Star's "Take Care" and the James McNew-sung "Tiny Birds."… Collapse

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Dusted Magazine
    100
    Summer Sun is a stunner, a subtle but substantial collection of non-sequiturs that displays the scope of Yo La Tengo’s tweaked-out serenity.
  2. Splendid
    80
    The more time you spend with Summer Sun, the more fun it turns out to be.
  3. Dot Music
    80
    This minor masterpiece of an album is nothing less than a precision exercise in deconstructed songwriting.
  4. Mojo
    80
    A set of busy beautiful whispers, 62 minutes of exquisite suspended animation. [Apr 2003, p.87]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Almost Cool
    70
    The back two-thirds of the disc simply wanders around a bit too much, but there are still some real gems.
  6. Flak Magazine
    70
    Reveals Yo La Tengo's understanding of stasis without stagnation.
  7. Austin Chronicle
    40
    Most of Summer Sun is underwhelming to downright cringe-inducing.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. UggyCaesar
    May 29, 2020
    10
    Very close to perfect. These guys do not miss a beat. I would give it a 9.5 honestly but that’s not an option so 10! Lol
  2. AaronB
    Aug 31, 2006
    10
    Best album yet from YLT. They simpy get better and better. Yes, it is quieter, but also more melodic and musical. I love all their stuff, but Best album yet from YLT. They simpy get better and better. Yes, it is quieter, but also more melodic and musical. I love all their stuff, but this is the best.… Collapse
  4. DavisH
    Apr 19, 2003
    10
    Hilarious...a wild rollercoaster ride!...
  5. RobbieC
    Jul 22, 2007
    10
    More consistent than their past albums. A beautiful and dreamy ride... truly sun-dappled and sand-cushioned, exuberant and at times silly. More consistent than their past albums. A beautiful and dreamy ride... truly sun-dappled and sand-cushioned, exuberant and at times silly. One of my favorite albums of all time.… Expand
  6. AndrewR
    Apr 16, 2003
    9
    A monumental achievement.
  7. NickD
    Feb 17, 2004
    8
    I only had to listen once to get hooked to the entire album. From the samba-tinted sound of "Season of the Shark" to the minimalist "Nothing I only had to listen once to get hooked to the entire album. From the samba-tinted sound of "Season of the Shark" to the minimalist "Nothing but You and Me," this album does it all. That is, it does it all but get loud. But, this is a summer album. Remember, chill out, drink beer, and listen to this. … Expand
  8. JimB
    Mar 27, 2005
    7
    I absoutely love "Today Is The Day"! Georgia has the voice of an angel. But all said,this album is not nearly as consistent as prior I absoutely love "Today Is The Day"! Georgia has the voice of an angel. But all said,this album is not nearly as consistent as prior gems,though still a delight for the most part.… Expand

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