The Richest Man in Babylon
by Thievery Corporation
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. CDNow
    90
    The essential internationalism that characterizes this global showcase of a disc is mind-blowing in both scope and quality.
  2. Urb
    80
    These Thieves have finally come into their own, developing a sound that's growing increasingly distinct. [Oct 2002, p.100]
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  3. PopMatters
    80
    One of their more intriguing works to date, capably blending vocal theatrics, spritual exploration and subtle songcraft in one sitting.
  5. Rolling Stone
    80
    Hilton and Garza explore foreign cultures with wide-eyed curiosity and a taste for the unexpected.
  6. Uncut
    70
    Guests like Emiliana Torrini and Shinehead help make this that rarity: an electronic album with personality. [Dec 2002, p.133]
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  7. E! Online
    67
    Babylon's treasures don't run as deep as they could've, but swingers will still enjoy this luxurious spin.
  8. The A.V. Club
    60
    Playing exactly like past Thievery Corporation albums that sounded preordained from the start, The Richest Man In Babylon adopts various degrees of swagger and repose, but the cumulative effect is striking mostly for its vacancy.
  9. AllMusic
    60
    Sure, it could've been worse, but it also could've been slightly different.
  10. Dusted Magazine
    60
    The Richest Man In Babylon is strictly background fare. If you run a coffeeshop, you’re cooking with gas.
  11. Q Magazine
    40
    Settles for inoffensiveness rather than innovation. [Oct 2002, p.118]
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  12. Splendid
    40
    The tunes just circle like SUVs in a parking lot; there are traces of a head of steam, of a nod towards explosive tune-structures, but it seems the ball is dropped at the last minute in favour of a holding-pattern approach -- the familiar bassline and chorused keys. It's a letdown.
  13. Blender
    40
    While perfectly accomplished, this is big-budget background noise, purpose-built for any one of the plush cocktail bars it's soon to be endlessly played in, but lacking anything as distinct as, say, a personality of its own. [#10, p.130]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Pitchfork
    38
    A career-low for Thievery Corporation.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Most Discussed Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. manaspruthi
    Jul 3, 2017
    10
    Really enjoyed listening to it. I recommend this to other people as well.Really enjoyed listening to it. I recommend this to other people as well.
    http://www.wikidiaries.com/2017/07/the-richest-man-in-babylon-book-review-summary.html    … Full Review »
  2. PaulD
    Apr 12, 2010
    10
    One of my favorite all-time albums.
  3. VICKYK
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    It's my favourite song...their live performance in Greece{26/07/2005} was fantastic!!Their chill out music really takes you in another world...
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