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The Slow Wonder Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 24 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the first solo release for Carl Newman, who can also be found leading indie-rock supergroup The New Pornographers as well as the (now defunct) Canadian power-pop band Zumpano.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. The most amazing power-pop album I've heard all year.
  2. True to its title, The Slow Wonder is a much more relaxed and toned-down, yet no less complete listen than Electric Version or Mass Romantic.
  3. Carl Newman deserves every last bit of praise thrown his way. In a better world, he would be our Elton, our Todd, our McCartney, and Slow Wonder would be on everyone's iPod, rotating on M2 hourly, and his name would be on the lips of everyone from aged Royalty to teen-aged girls.
  4. Uncut
    80
    A big, baroque fusion of sharp garage, paisley pop and '70s sleekness, finished with a coating of Terry Jacks sentiment. [Jul 2004, p.104]
  5. Fans of the New Pornographers will find Slow Wonder not quite as rocking (though "Miracle Drug" features some crackling guitar work), but possessed of just as many memorable hooks and choruses.
  6. Newman pens melodies that seem to have sprung from the collective unconscious and then encases them in bright, lush power-pop arrangements.
  7. Though there's little of the powerpuff zoom associated with the New P's here, uptempo grins like "On the Table" make denying the pleasantness of it all impossible.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AndreaZ
    Jun 21, 2004
    10
    Wonderful catchy power pop!
  2. AdamX
    Aug 7, 2004
    10
    one of the best things ever
  3. lorip
    Aug 13, 2004
    10
    i never even heard of this guy and what drawn me to pick up this cd was that cat nose on the CD cover and when i listened to it i fell in i never even heard of this guy and what drawn me to pick up this cd was that cat nose on the CD cover and when i listened to it i fell in love with it....i think it's a great album....i happen to love it very much.....he's great...thanks lori Expand
  4. JohnH
    Jul 5, 2004
    9
    Indie pop hasn't been this good in a very long time.
  5. MarisaG
    Sep 2, 2004
    8
    I get distracted listening to the 60's and 70's influences on this album...but then I relax and realize they all come together into I get distracted listening to the 60's and 70's influences on this album...but then I relax and realize they all come together into something original and incredibly enjoyable. Good stuff. Collapse
  6. LawrencePrasad
    Aug 1, 2004
    8
    Agree with Brad M.
  7. markf
    Jul 10, 2004
    7
    Maybe I should accept that AC is the greatest thing since sliced bread. He is damned fine, but there's something about his Maybe I should accept that AC is the greatest thing since sliced bread. He is damned fine, but there's something about his easy-come-style that leaves him a little before the best out there. If you love him, God bless you. Expand

See all 12 User Reviews