User Score
Generally favorable reviews- based on 78 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 58 out of 78
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Mixed: 3 out of 78
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Negative: 17 out of 78
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Aug 20, 2013Pitchfork can keep their 6.8 and 2009 obsession with the glo-fi fad; this ranks (and rocks) just as well as any of SY's excellent 2000s albums and their late 80s triptych. It will likely remain underrated for years to come because it lacks some of the hazy production techniques of their three prior albums; especially the tuneful (and excellent in its own right) Rather Ripped.
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FelipeRSMar 11, 2010Perfect.
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FelipeRSJul 9, 2009Perfect.
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RishiG.Jul 2, 2009It continues the renaissance of Sonic Youth in this decade and builds on it. Their most consistent record since the glory days.
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AlbertoP.Jun 30, 2009Super!
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MarcelR.Jun 28, 2009Rather Ripped was better this is bad.
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ScottG.Jun 25, 2009Inventive summation of the past; creativity that has evolved over the past three decades; excellent hard edged sound in an era where quality rock albums are few and far between.
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DavidfJun 17, 2009Breaks no new ground, not as good as 'Rather Ripped.' Enjoyable just the same.
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SönkeF.Jun 17, 2009Absolutely brilliant.
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BrunoN.Jun 16, 2009This is crap thing!
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nedp.Jun 15, 2009This is without a doubt their best release since Daydream Nation.
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MarciaC.Jun 13, 2009Horrible Album! Worst album from Sonic Youth. Rather Ripped was the best!
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aarchtitectJun 12, 2009Their most cohesive album since Washing Machine. The Gordons haven't lost a step or missed a beat despite of--or because of--their domestic bliss. You still need your ear plugs to hear them properly. I'm most impressed with Steve Shelley's driving tribal beats.
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PatrickB.Jun 12, 2009This is worst than NY Flowers!
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PhilK.Jun 12, 2009I don't know why critics are haling this album so much. Awful and dumb tracks and lyrics, Rather Ripped is much better then The Eternal.
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RobertH.Jun 11, 2009The Eternal is inconsistent, empty and boring, nothing good here.
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DaughterP.Jun 11, 2009Big improvement from Rather Ripped. the addition of Mark Ibold brings some of his traditional indie rock style and influence to SY's experiments.
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CarolinaB.Jun 11, 2009The worst SY album ever, I'm really disappointed.
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EJun 11, 2009
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MarkJ.Jun 11, 2009Only two tracks are good Antena and Malibu Gas Station the rest is crap.
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MandyG.Jun 11, 2009Their worst album since NYC Flowers, it's a shame.
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SeanS.Jun 10, 2009Totally disappointed with The Eternal, nothing new and sounds awful.
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JamesB.Jun 10, 2009From start to finish, the most listenable album since Daydream. Not better, but at times just as good. Matured but still no one can touch the intensity and focused nature of SY. An incredible accomplishment thirty years down the road.
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AmandaR.Jun 10, 2009The Eternal has its moments, but not so effective as "Rather Ripped". More of the same, no challenge here.
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GregorJun 10, 2009Great record, don't know why some people thinks this sucks, they rock on this.
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JannyB.Jun 10, 2009Uninspired album for a great band.
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FabioM.Jun 9, 2009Awful album and totally boring, It's a shame that's not so good like Rather Ripped.
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AlanS.Jun 9, 2009This is a terrific album...so much complexity and aural reward for multiple listens. They keep getting better with age!
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RobertG.Jun 9, 2009Unfortunately Sonic Youth fail making a good new record, it's a shame for a band with so many classics.
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JackAn.Jun 9, 2009Fantastic!
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BrunoR.Jun 9, 2009Their worst album yet, i'm so disappointed.
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Awards & Rankings
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FilterAll the things you love about Sonic Youth are here, just a little fewer and further between than you'd like. [Spring 2009, p.93]
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Good, but the exciting notion of a genuine career left turn feels increasingly unlikely.
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The Eternal offers a sort of survey course in SY history, careering from their early art-school atonality to the more melodically sophisticated compositions of later years. The problem is, none of it looks forward; in spelunking through the past, the band seems to have forgotten to unearth anything new.