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The Meadowlands
by
The Meadowlands Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 103 Ratings

  • Summary: The indie rockers took four years to record this third album.

Top Track

Ex Girl Collection
fourth floor room each girl I've brought back home to bloom all fold on close inspection each one leaves a banner hanging from the eaves marking the... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Delusions of Adequacy
    100
    The Meadowlands is absolutely essential.
  2. Pitchfork
    95
    In trading the adolescent kick of Secaucus for ripened resignation, meticulous refinement for crippling maturation, they have realized their magnum opus.
  3. ShakingThrough.net
    92
    A fascinating, brokenhearted mess of a record.
  4. Stylus Magazine
    89
    With about twenty killer lines or couplets per song, unexpected hooks coming from everywhere and one of the most ingenious track sequences of the year, it’s not really so hard to imagine what The Wrens have been doing all this time.
  5. AllMusic
    80
    It's possible that The Meadowlands might be a "better" album if it were more focused and logical, but there's something to be said for its immersive, stream-of-consciousness approach.
  6. Under The Radar
    80
    A stunning return filled with irresistible pop of all varieties.... Note to major labels: you missed a gem. [#5, p.116]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Q Magazine
    40
    The Meadowlands represents an impressive triumph of persistence over talent. [Oct 2005, p.121]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 62
  3. Negative: 1 out of 62
  1. RonG
    Nov 6, 2003
    10
    Serves as both the perfect gift for the girl you can't get out of your mind and the perfect kiss-off to the girl you can't seem to Serves as both the perfect gift for the girl you can't get out of your mind and the perfect kiss-off to the girl you can't seem to get out of your life.… Expand
  2. ScareCr0w
    Oct 3, 2003
    10
    First off, Steve Gozdecki at neumu.net is an idiot. 'She Sends Kisses' is one of the most beautifully crafted songs this year. First off, Steve Gozdecki at neumu.net is an idiot. 'She Sends Kisses' is one of the most beautifully crafted songs this year. Schlocky? No, Steve, not 'schlocky'.… Collapse
  4. tortle
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    Nothing short of essential. Packed with emotion, none of it facile, and laden with surprising hooks throughout. Every time I listen, I amNothing short of essential. Packed with emotion, none of it facile, and laden with surprising hooks throughout. Every time I listen, I am amazed anew.… Expand
  5. RobL
    Apr 8, 2004
    10
    I think the Wrens are the only band where I can't decide which of their albums is my favorite one. They're all brilliant in their I think the Wrens are the only band where I can't decide which of their albums is my favorite one. They're all brilliant in their own way. The Meadowlands had a lot to live up to for me, as Secaucus and Silver are two of my favorite albums ever. It definitely succeeded. That it's done from sort of a different approach than their previous full-lengths makes it all the more impressive. Like their previous records, I can't stop listening to it. The fact that these guys still aren't one of the more renowned indie rock bands around is a fucking crime. … Expand
  6. DanC
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    A great, great, great album. An amazing collection of songs that are much greater collectively than individually, the utter antithesis of A great, great, great album. An amazing collection of songs that are much greater collectively than individually, the utter antithesis of most single-driven alt rock. An album you will listen to again and again, miss when it's not playing, try to convince your friends to buy, and dream of at night. My absolute favorite album since Wilco's yankee hotel foxtrot. Listen to it now. Right now!!!… Expand
  7. JoshB
    May 27, 2006
    10
    Amazingly complex from great all around songs like "happy" all the way to pumped up rocking tracks like "per second second". Best CD Amazingly complex from great all around songs like "happy" all the way to pumped up rocking tracks like "per second second". Best CD I've owned....ever.… Expand
  8. Eurospeaking
    Mar 9, 2005
    1
    I thought indie was dead and buried. Sadly... it's not! This CD mainly contains a sickening mix of immature ballads and nerdy I thought indie was dead and buried. Sadly... it's not! This CD mainly contains a sickening mix of immature ballads and nerdy skaterboi-up-tempo tracks; obviously made to please pubertile 14 yos with an issue...… Expand

See all 62 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best Album of 2003
21
#21 Most Discussed Album of 2003
98
#98 Most Shared Album of 2003

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