The Secret Migration
by Mercury Rev
  • Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: May 17, 2005
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. AllMusic
    50
    The Secret Migration is oddly too conventional and too quirky; it's another paradox that this album, which in its own way is Mercury Rev's happiest album, is also, sadly, the weakest of their career.
  2. Pitchfork
    55
    With The Secret Migration, the band completely deserts the peculiarities that distinguished them from both peers and progeny in favor of a dull collection of pastoral fantasias that frequently wander dangerously close to adult contemporary.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    If there's a problem, it's that... it all sounds rather familiar and comfortable. [22 Jan 2005, p.51]
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  5. Under The Radar
    60
    For the first time, [Donahue's] writing is almost completely free of existential flourishes, and the naked sentimentality and heartfelt declarations of love are a bit too cloying and pedestrian. [#9]
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  6. Drowned In Sound
    60
    The Secret Migration is a wonderful record, full of exquisite indie-rock epics. But so was the last Mercury Rev record. And the one before that. So what’s changed? Nothing, basically.
  7. Slant Magazine
    50
    Where once we got shivers up our spines from this band's music, now we're just left cold.
  8. Blender
    60
    The Secret Migration comes dangerously close to being just another Mercury Rev album, and they're too inspired for such a mundane fate. [Jun 2005, p.112]
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  9. cokemachineglow
    56
    This band simply isn’t the same without a little darkness to balance the overwhelming light, and rarely do the songs pick up the slack.
  10. Lost At Sea
    60
    The Secret Migration has the power to cast a spell over you with its dreamy, wraithlike keyboards. Many won't fall for it, though, and will undoubtedly find them too melodramatic.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31
  1. lunaluna
    Oct 29, 2006
    5
    Sad to give it a 5. I had great expectations for this album after their superior musical succes with Deserter's Song's and Sad to give it a 5. I had great expectations for this album after their superior musical succes with Deserter's Song's and underpraised All is Dream but after listening to what their music came to, i was totally disappointed.The quality of this album is way below than maybe even anything the band has done so far.Just a few songs were bearable while being aware of what actually the band could have serve.Just an ordinary album.… Full Review »
  2. matta
    Dec 1, 2005
    6
    Sachin P, c'mon. Even if this album was exceptional and one of the year's best (which is isn't by a long shot) it still Sachin P, c'mon. Even if this album was exceptional and one of the year's best (which is isn't by a long shot) it still wouldn't be one of the greatest albums ever made. Blood on the Tracks, Exile on Main St. , The White Album, Secret Migration.......see, it doesn't work. Needless to say, disappointing album, definitely their weakest to date. The 75 really is generous and it is that high probably just because this is a Mercury Rev cd and so the critics give it the benefit of the doubt. Super Furry Animals, Go-betweens, and especially Sleater Kinney also got that special treatement this year with all of them turning in very mediocre at best outings.… Full Review »
  3. sachinp
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    one of the best albums of all time.
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