The Complex - Blue Man Group
The Complex Image
Metascore
60 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.6 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The multimedia collective known as the Blue Man Group, who can be seen and heard in ongoing theatrical productions in several cities, in television commercials for Intel, and even on a previous instrumental album 'Audio,' have released here something akin to a real rock'n'roll album. Their assortment of invented instrumentation is now accompanied by more traditional instruments, and vocals are provided by an array of guests, including Dave Matthews, Spalding Gray and Tracy Bonham. Included also are covers of "White Rabbit" and "I Feel Love."… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. All Music Guide
    80
    Although its inspirations, musical and conceptual, trace as far back as Kraftwerk, The Complex serves as a reminder that modern devices and glistening production values can be applied to the most primal creative instincts, if utilized by the right -- blue -- hands.
  2. Amazon.com
    80
    Fans of their live performances will appreciate its wall-to-wall rhythmic thrust and quirky textures, while aficionados and newcomers alike should welcome its surprising, seductive melodies and mature songwriting.
  3. ShakingThrough.net
    58
    One would like to think there's a subversive statement here about the blandness of much of commercial radio, but it's far more likely that the vocal turns by Dave Matthews and Bush's Gavin Rossdale are as free of intended irony as those songs' lyrics are free of fresh content.
  4. PopMatters
    30
    There are worse things you could spend you money on, but buy one of BMG's DVD's if you want to entertained by them; pass on this forgettable CD.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. JoshH
    10
    I bought this album two days ago, and have listened to it about 20 times since. It's a wonderful album, and should satisfy fans of BMG's first album, Audio, while bringing in a new audience. I've read several reviews on The Complex, and disagree with a few of them - One thing this album is not is predictable. One thing that it is is genius.… Expand
  2. JuneB
    10
    Very diverse. A very high level of harmonic flow, something you can't capture Live.
  3. Dave
    9
    You either get the music of the Blue Man, or you don't. If you are a big fan of their shows, and if you liked Audio, then you will like this CD. … Expand
  4. markp
    2
    Pretentious, cold, repetitive, exaggerated without any intelligent humor. A friend raved about it, I think it is boring. Bang bang bang pvc over and out.… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

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