Summer Sun - Yo La Tengo
Summer Sun Image
Metascore
77 out of 100

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

User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • 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 "Take Care" and the James McNew-sung "Tiny Birds."… Expand

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. Dot Music
    80
    This minor masterpiece of an album is nothing less than a precision exercise in deconstructed songwriting.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    As irresistible at its peak - the luscious 'Little Eyes' and a lovely interpretation of Big Star's 'Take Care' - as it is baffling at its prog-jazz edges, 'Summer Sun' is the crowbar that pries open the door into a world of left-field beauty.
  4. Pitchfork
    60
    Summer Sun is pleasant, if nothing else, but that's such a loaded word for an album that clearly aspires to (and ought to be) so much more than it accomplishes.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. RobbieC
    10
    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
  2. AaronB
    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 this is the best.… Collapse
  3. NickD
    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 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
  4. JimB
    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 gems,though still a delight for the most part.… Expand

See all 10 User Reviews

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