The Con
by Tegan and Sara
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 96 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 96
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 96
  3. Negative: 4 out of 96

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  1. Alfred
    Jul 26, 2007
    10
    Their best album to date IMO. Enjoyable from beginning to end with no weak major weak spots (and even if you think it's weak just wait a bit because most of the songs don't surpass three minutes). You want pop, check out "Back in Your Head", you want new wave catchiness, listen to "The Con", you want a song that starts off slow until it finally explodes at the end, then by all Their best album to date IMO. Enjoyable from beginning to end with no weak major weak spots (and even if you think it's weak just wait a bit because most of the songs don't surpass three minutes). You want pop, check out "Back in Your Head", you want new wave catchiness, listen to "The Con", you want a song that starts off slow until it finally explodes at the end, then by all means check out "Burn Your Life Down". The Con's got it all. Can't wait until their concert.… Expand
  2. LauraS
    Aug 13, 2007
    10
    Their best, most experimental yet.
  3. RiccardoP
    Aug 6, 2007
    10
    best cd i;ve heard all year hands down. the production value is incredible and the songs are even better. i don;t know what user Lawrence H. is talking about - they;re voices are not annoying but rather beautifully tuned, the songs always go somewhere (specifically Sara's songs) and the lyrics are raw, elegantly written and enticing. All the songs just sound so freshly layered and best cd i;ve heard all year hands down. the production value is incredible and the songs are even better. i don;t know what user Lawrence H. is talking about - they;re voices are not annoying but rather beautifully tuned, the songs always go somewhere (specifically Sara's songs) and the lyrics are raw, elegantly written and enticing. All the songs just sound so freshly layered and intricate. It seems as though the Quin sisters just keep getting better and better at song writing. This album is the best album to hit record shelves all year long and will definitely go down as one of the best albums of the year.… Collapse
  4. EmD
    Aug 6, 2007
    10
    Simply an amazing album. T+S create a nostalgically beautiful landscape with their sweet harmonies and heavenly riffs. ps. anyone notice that the majority of people who don;t like this album happen to be straight boys. (well i'm guessing that their straight) go listen to something lame like that new smashing pumpkins album. AND yes this album got higher ratings than White Stripes and Simply an amazing album. T+S create a nostalgically beautiful landscape with their sweet harmonies and heavenly riffs. ps. anyone notice that the majority of people who don;t like this album happen to be straight boys. (well i'm guessing that their straight) go listen to something lame like that new smashing pumpkins album. AND yes this album got higher ratings than White Stripes and Prince, because it is a better album!! Alhtough I do like the White Stripes, their latest effort was recorded in 3 weeks and the album sounds like it - very messy and ear splitting. and Prince is just some creepy jesus freak now...… Expand
  5. JaneL.
    Mar 30, 2008
    10
    This album is ridiculously perfect. Possibly my favorite album, ever. It's almost eerie how an album can be so diverse but cohesive at the same time. I think they've tried almost everything on this album, from electro-rap ("Are You Ten Years Ago") to folky ballads ("Call It Off") to good ol' pop punk ("Hop A Plane"), and it works. It just flows from track to track. Wow.
  6. VenturaV.
    Jun 10, 2008
    10
    Simply amazing!!!
  7. JackieM
    Jul 26, 2007
    10
    Amazing! so raw and heartbreaking and intricate and beautiful and so many more words that i can't describe.
  8. rebecca
    Jul 30, 2007
    10
    heartache and passion. cleverness and insight. this album is a musical layering of intense sound and melody.
  9. KhalidB
    Aug 12, 2007
    10
    Beautiful Album, Although the songs are addressed to there partners, they are universal, any man or woman in any sexuality can relate to these songs, A major high light of this album is Relief next to me, amazing chorus,intro, just a beautiful song, it is ALMOST as good as so jealous, production quality is soo great. Im proud of these girls, they are amazing, and deserve to make it big. Beautiful Album, Although the songs are addressed to there partners, they are universal, any man or woman in any sexuality can relate to these songs, A major high light of this album is Relief next to me, amazing chorus,intro, just a beautiful song, it is ALMOST as good as so jealous, production quality is soo great. Im proud of these girls, they are amazing, and deserve to make it big. Bravo Girls,bravo.… Expand
  10. ElleM.
    Aug 16, 2007
    10
    This album show amazing progression from their previous, is insightful, heart wrenching, and fun.
  11. JanieS.
    Jan 20, 2008
    10
    Exquisite. Perfect peaks and valleys, a joy to listen to, blah blah blah glowing review blah.
  12. othos
    Jul 26, 2007
    10
    It's really ironic that Death Cab's major label debut was such a disappointment but that the Decemberists' and Tegan and Sara's moves to the big stage are so excellent with Chris Walla behind the board. Maybe the other guys in DCFC should defer a bit more.
  13. CarissaM.
    Aug 18, 2007
    10
    Amazing composition, amazing sound, amazing lyrics. Possibly the best album from them and the best album of 2007.
  14. jimmck9
    Oct 21, 2010
    10
    Tegan and Sara are amazing. Each song is so well done and unique. Tegan writes and sings the more popular catchy tracks and Sara writes more abstract and different. Together they balance each other perfectly and not to mention their voices meld brilliantly. A fantastic album.
  15. StacyD.
    Oct 7, 2007
    9
    This album is great from the first song to the last.
  16. katet
    Jul 26, 2007
    9
    Absolutely lovely. It was well worth the wait.
  17. oldm
    Jul 31, 2007
    9
    Soul-ripping. Lyrically, emotional. Fantastic chords and use of a variety of instruments. Very different than previous work, but more sophisticated and still T&S. Great stuff.
  18. JeremyF
    Jul 27, 2007
    9
    At first this album seems really iffy. Very short, over before you know it. It's unfinished at best. But the short time span creates a strong replayability. And if you replay it a lot, you grow to really like it. It's fun, catchy, and sometimes ridiculously melancholy ("Nobody likes me / Maybe if I cry," from the fantastic title track.) There are three songs under 2 minutes. At first this album seems really iffy. Very short, over before you know it. It's unfinished at best. But the short time span creates a strong replayability. And if you replay it a lot, you grow to really like it. It's fun, catchy, and sometimes ridiculously melancholy ("Nobody likes me / Maybe if I cry," from the fantastic title track.) There are three songs under 2 minutes. They seem like they're missing something, but they're still very pretty in their own right. This is a great collection of songs that work well together, and leaves us wanting more and more of this pop perfection.… Expand
  19. BR
    Aug 20, 2007
    9
    Tegan and Sara find 14 ways to reveal and engage in these short, emotionally intelligent, catchy pop songs. A consistently strong album. What's not to like?
  20. AlekT
    Aug 4, 2007
    9
    It's a catchy, poppy little thing, and over before you know it, but it's also endearing and totally sincere. It belies its own complexity, but you can hear it; The Con just doesn't wear thin. Its kind of silly to say that they're coasting on buzz, and outright offensive to relate the critical praise to their sexuality. This album succeeds for one reason, and one reason It's a catchy, poppy little thing, and over before you know it, but it's also endearing and totally sincere. It belies its own complexity, but you can hear it; The Con just doesn't wear thin. Its kind of silly to say that they're coasting on buzz, and outright offensive to relate the critical praise to their sexuality. This album succeeds for one reason, and one reason only: it's just great music.… Expand
  21. JimM
    Dec 11, 2007
    9
    Terrific. I find it hard to swallow some of the criticisms of this album when - so clearly - this is a work of honesty and strength. The lyrics are plainly honest at worst - at best, they're revelatory. I've also had a more incessant urge to start the album from the first track after listening to it through than I did with So Jealous or If It Was You. 'The Con,' if Terrific. I find it hard to swallow some of the criticisms of this album when - so clearly - this is a work of honesty and strength. The lyrics are plainly honest at worst - at best, they're revelatory. I've also had a more incessant urge to start the album from the first track after listening to it through than I did with So Jealous or If It Was You. 'The Con,' if strangely used as the album's title track, might be the best pop-rock song of the year and 'Dark Come Soon' is transcendent in its simplicity and directness. More than ever, The Con is the sisters finding their matching pieces - they've never sounded so good together.… Expand
  22. AlejoC.
    Sep 9, 2007
    8
    Never heard 'bout this band before but buying their new album sure was a nice surprise, great sounds and lyrics.
  23. boiledp
    Aug 11, 2007
    8
    Not as consistently catchy as So Jealous, but weird and wonderful.
  24. MIckH.
    Sep 11, 2007
    8
    Its a great cd.... If you like the killers you'll love Tegan and Sara.
  25. BorisR.
    Feb 6, 2008
    8
    I own all 4 Tegan and Sara Albums, and this one is still good, yet none have ever been to par with the first, i believe.
  26. AdamS
    Dec 16, 2007
    8
    Listenable. Catchy. Not excessively indie.
  27. KC
    Jul 29, 2007
    8
    I'll spare you their usual snobbish self-righteous hipster-cute banter and tell it to you straight: pichfork better get that pitchfork out of their skinny indie arses. Now that's out of the way.... Tegan & Sara's new album makes So Jealous look laughable in comparison. It feels deeper, more heartfelt, and essentially more mature. Yes, it is still undisguisedly and I'll spare you their usual snobbish self-righteous hipster-cute banter and tell it to you straight: pichfork better get that pitchfork out of their skinny indie arses. Now that's out of the way.... Tegan & Sara's new album makes So Jealous look laughable in comparison. It feels deeper, more heartfelt, and essentially more mature. Yes, it is still undisguisedly and unashamedly Pop Music (complete with fun and carefree melodies; loosen up!), make no mistake, but what sets it apart is the music's thoughtful lyrics, honest indie-sensibility, and of course the girls' passion and sheer talent.… Expand
  28. Mitch
    Aug 8, 2007
    8
    I haven't been a huge fan of Tegan and Sara in the past, mostly because of the vocals, but on The Con, I find myself really listening to these women. On So Jealous, I just saw them making one-dimensional indie-pop, but on this record I see a ton of evolution, not only as musicians, but as songwriters. This is definitely not the best record of the year, but it isn't anywhere near I haven't been a huge fan of Tegan and Sara in the past, mostly because of the vocals, but on The Con, I find myself really listening to these women. On So Jealous, I just saw them making one-dimensional indie-pop, but on this record I see a ton of evolution, not only as musicians, but as songwriters. This is definitely not the best record of the year, but it isn't anywhere near the bottom of the pile. It's dignified, interesting and just some fun music for a summer road trip or a stay at the cottage. It's short, but sweet. Listen to: The Con, Nineteen, Dark Come Soon… Expand
  29. LukasK.
    Jan 9, 2008
    8
    Pitchfork said it's NOT tampon rock.
  30. JamesM.
    Oct 21, 2007
    7
    Not their best album i don't think. I'm a huge man of tegan and sara and was looking forward to adoring this record. Unfortunately, it fell just short of the mark... there were, however, glimpses of greatness. I can't understand why this is? I doubt its due to Chris Walla's producing as so many pro reviews suggested... but cause CW is very talented. Maybe its just me. Not their best album i don't think. I'm a huge man of tegan and sara and was looking forward to adoring this record. Unfortunately, it fell just short of the mark... there were, however, glimpses of greatness. I can't understand why this is? I doubt its due to Chris Walla's producing as so many pro reviews suggested... but cause CW is very talented. Maybe its just me. Hopefully next time will be better.… Expand
  31. ElizabethP
    Oct 28, 2007
    7
    If you like girlie pop music, then you'll love Tegan and Sara. My favorite songs are "The Con" and "Call It Off."
  32. matta
    Jul 26, 2007
    7
    Feist kicks this album's ass, no question about it. I only make the comparison because they are women canadian artists with some similarities in musical style. However, this is a solid album and, as critics have said, probably their best album yet.
  33. Rex
    Jul 27, 2007
    7
    I am a little let down by this album. Good production, but it just didnt have the abundance of shining moments displayed by their previous work.
  34. Vampire25
    Mar 9, 2011
    7
    Definitely soft on the ears. It's got great harmonies and the lyrics are something you can really relate too. The vocals are also wonderful. Many great tracks on this album like "The Con" and "Knife Going In". All In All, Great little harmonies and Tegan & Sara have great vocals. B
  35. AmberA
    Aug 8, 2007
    6
    I just can't get into this album. The songs float through the listener - blink and the record is over. It's frustrating, then, that so many of the songs feel half-formed and bland. I'm listening to it now, and the stand-outs are "Hop a Plane," "The Con," and "Like O, LIke H". The rest is nothing remarkable - uniquely Tegan and Sara, but nothing I can savor. Pieces I just can't get into this album. The songs float through the listener - blink and the record is over. It's frustrating, then, that so many of the songs feel half-formed and bland. I'm listening to it now, and the stand-outs are "Hop a Plane," "The Con," and "Like O, LIke H". The rest is nothing remarkable - uniquely Tegan and Sara, but nothing I can savor. Pieces throughout the record never form a cohesive whole.… Expand
  36. VinceF
    Sep 3, 2007
    5
    This album seems directionless and bland, with by-the-numbers songs. Perhaps with a better producer they could have turned into something magical but instead they all end up short of whatever they were trying to accomplish. "Soil, Soil" has an almost identical chorus-hook as "Hop a Plane"... Why the hell did they put them right next to each other in the track listing? And when you mix in This album seems directionless and bland, with by-the-numbers songs. Perhaps with a better producer they could have turned into something magical but instead they all end up short of whatever they were trying to accomplish. "Soil, Soil" has an almost identical chorus-hook as "Hop a Plane"... Why the hell did they put them right next to each other in the track listing? And when you mix in the lyrics, which are boring at best and embarrassing most of the time you get an album that tries to turn half-finished ideas into something memorable and fails. Which stinks. Their older albums, although not totally original, sounded fresh and left you wanting to re-listen. This album is just bland. Not bad enough to make me give up hope for a next time, though!… Expand
  37. lawrenceh
    Jul 31, 2007
    1
    Were it not for the fact that this duo is comprised of outspokenly gay women who happen to be very likeable, from Calgary Canada, not the music centre of the universe, no one would listen to this crap. Because they are underdogs; small indie label, Canadians, Calgarians and gay, everyone loves this cd. That it rates higher than Prince's new cd or The White Stripes has nothing to do Were it not for the fact that this duo is comprised of outspokenly gay women who happen to be very likeable, from Calgary Canada, not the music centre of the universe, no one would listen to this crap. Because they are underdogs; small indie label, Canadians, Calgarians and gay, everyone loves this cd. That it rates higher than Prince's new cd or The White Stripes has nothing to do with the music, which is pure garbage. Their voices are tinny and annoying, the songs go nowhere, the lyrics could be written by grade schoolers, and the production smacks of high schoolers putting the cd together in their basement. But because they are nice women, judging from interviews, I'll grade this a 2 and not a zerov which is what it really deserves.… Expand
  38. nickc
    Jul 29, 2007
    1
    Flavor of the month indie-pop bullshit. A couple of school-girls who want to be special. Any girl indie band you can find on mysapce sounds exactly the same.
  39. James
    Oct 2, 2007
    0
    Awful music. I agree with Pitchfork this is crap tampon rock with turds for lyrics.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best Album of 2007
72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2007
53
#53 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. AllMusic
    80
    The songs on the album complement each other, play off the other's strengths, and make the record very much an entity, instead of simply a collection of tracks, setting it off as an impressive step forward in their already commendable discography.
    Read full review
  2. Billboard
    80
    The Con a welcome addition to summer playlists and to Tegan & Sara's promising catalog.
    Read full review
  3. Blender
    80
    They might sound like Girl Scouts, but these are tough cookies. [Aug 2007, p.117]
See all critic reviews »