The Drift
by Scott Walker
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: May 23, 2006
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    50
    This new album is relentlessly dark, disjointed, and disturbing. While there exist elements of his pop past -- gorgeous string sections, delicate guitars, bombastic drums -- there's nothing like a song here.
  2. Trouser Press
    50
    By so clearly rejecting the terms and expectations of rock and pop, The Drift asks fairly explicitly to be taken as a serious work of art. However, for all its highbrow aspirations, it seems to fall between two realms, lacking the innovative reach that would make it a credible presence among contemporary avant-garde compositions.
  3. Q Magazine
    40
    It could be high art. It could be utter bollocks. Either way, it's lovely when it's over. [Jun 2006, p.119]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best Album of 2006
57
#57 Most Discussed Album of 2006
77
#77 Most Shared Album of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 118 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 94 out of 118
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 118
  3. Negative: 19 out of 118
  1. Muddsjr
    Oct 24, 2014
    8
    it's dark, its wonderful, and quite frankly its creepy as hell. Yes, this is Scott Walker at a pretty extravagant working rate, except maybe ait's dark, its wonderful, and quite frankly its creepy as hell. Yes, this is Scott Walker at a pretty extravagant working rate, except maybe a smaller rate than Bisch Bosch or Soused, but still, fair to say, pretty bloody extravagant.
    The album in its entirety is there to challenge you, to scare you, but at the same time to entertain you and pull you in. Which it does brilliantly.    … Full Review »
  2. emilyc.
    Jun 29, 2007
    0
    How about if I just moan while shoving a crooked stick in my pussy and record it. It would be far more interesting than this shit, and would How about if I just moan while shoving a crooked stick in my pussy and record it. It would be far more interesting than this shit, and would probably sound about the same.… Full Review »
  3. ErikH
    Jun 17, 2007
    8
    This is an extremely difficult album that a lot of people will hate. You can tell just by reading the user reviews which of these people This is an extremely difficult album that a lot of people will hate. You can tell just by reading the user reviews which of these people actually know what to expect from a Walker album and those who just listened based on a Metacritic score or Pitchfork review. It took me about two months (and dozens of listens) to penetrate this album. When I finally did, I found it terrifying, deep, and breath-taking. There's as much to be found in its moments of tape-hiss and silence as there is when it reaches it's most decadent moments. Worth listening, but only if you're willing to invest time in it.… Full Review »
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