The Neptunes Present... Clones
by The Neptunes
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Playlouder
    70
    There are, admittedly, times when it looks like they're just showing off.
  2. Rolling Stone
    80
    With appearances from most of the big-name rappers and wall-to-wall Neptunes beats, this should be the world's greatest hip-hop compilation -- and much of the time it is.
  3. Vibe
    70
    The album is a tapestry of reggae, rock, jazz, gospel, and pop, loosely assembled on the duo’s signature bass-and-rim-shot skeleton.
  5. Uncut
    90
    This is berserk, this is brilliant, this is now. [Nov 2003, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. ShakingThrough.net
    82
    Its many high points and its sheer diversity (think of it as the ultimate pre-assembled mix tape) are enough to gloss over any minor transgressions.
  7. The A.V. Club
    80
    Somewhat embarrassingly for Hugo and Williams, the rock tracks--which they didn't produce--rank among the album's highlights. It should be noted, however, that The Neptunes' usual fine work and inspired turns from acts like Clipse and the deranged Dirt McGirt ensure that hip-hop highlights also abound.
  8. Launch.com
    80
    What Clones proves, beyond its certain hits, is that the Neptunes have to be considered alongside the handful of great artists (Bowie, Prince, et al) who kept pushing boundaries as they pushed up the charts.
  9. Dot Music
    80
    Ruthlessly, relentlessly refined, the surprise is that you don't get sick of what is, despite its surface changes, a fairly predictable formula. Rather, you want to hear it again. And again. And again.
  10. E! Online
    91
    This gem glistens with bumpin' hits by Nelly, Clipse, Snoop Dogg and others.
  11. Mojo
    70
    Neptunes' grooves and collaborators score an impressive hit rate. [Sep 2003, p.111]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Spin
    67
    It’s like a vacation slide show in which vivid memories turn hazy.
  13. Blender
    80
    Clones feels at points like a candy store that carries only one brand--it's a damn good one, though. [#18, p.130]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. AllMusic
    80
    If anything, Clones puts an end to any thought that the duo randomly selects a track from their beat bank when collaborating, since it ably demonstrates how their skills can adapt to any conceivable personality.
  15. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Seekers of weird and variegated musical kicks will certainly want to snap up Clones. [22/29 Aug 2003, p.130]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. Stylus Magazine
    81
    What happens in The Neptunes Present... Clones is that Pharrell, Chad and co. say “look what we can do”, and then proceed to show us that they can do nearly everything.
  17. Pitchfork
    72
    When the Neptunes step out of their accepted hip-hop box, they find their greatest success.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. kelvinj
    Mar 8, 2005
    8
    the neptunes have once again produced a hit record only this time its for themselves. i think that the neptunes COULD have done alot better the neptunes have once again produced a hit record only this time its for themselves. i think that the neptunes COULD have done alot better because i have heard them do it. overall a good album.… Full Review »
  2. Dan
    Mar 22, 2004
    10
    without question, the best in hip hop. best songs are w/ clipse, snoop, pharrell doing vocals
  3. nabeelb
    Feb 10, 2004
    10
    its an amazing album. bomb clot. it jus...... it blows my mind. smoke up and listen to track nine by snoop. its just to cool
See all user reviews »