The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy
by Nada Surf
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Jan 24, 2012
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
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  1. wl8291
    Jul 5, 2015
    5
    Though I would say that this album is pretty easy to listen to, it would appear that Nada Surf is indifferent to songwriting the same way the stars are apparently indifferent to astronomy. This album felt very empty and uninspired to me... which makes me think they are identifying as pop music again? Perhaps that is why this album has been less "Popular" than ones that have come before. (Zing!)
  2. ambyda
    Dec 22, 2012
    7
    This album makes me happy but it doesn't really stand out, nothing generally ground breaking. I am somewhat new to Nada Surf and I'm curious if they will stand up to years of listening.
  3. DerSDerS
    Mar 13, 2012
    9
    Finally a ROCK album that I can get behind. Nada Surf have produced a very solid set with no throw-away tracks. Some of the critics harshed on lyrics. I actually feel the lyrics on Stars are the best lyrics in their whole discography. The themes on the album are perfect for those of us that are at a certain age (eg. longtime alt-rock fans). Nada Surf are incredibly underrated - IFinally a ROCK album that I can get behind. Nada Surf have produced a very solid set with no throw-away tracks. Some of the critics harshed on lyrics. I actually feel the lyrics on Stars are the best lyrics in their whole discography. The themes on the album are perfect for those of us that are at a certain age (eg. longtime alt-rock fans). Nada Surf are incredibly underrated - I can't put my finger on why.… Expand
  4. a_1
    Mar 10, 2012
    9
    Stars is an amazing album. Production is simply stunning. Of particular note is the rhythm section tracking and mix. Really impressive. Caws' voice has possibly found an extra gear or perhaps the quicker tempos and 'Let Go' like drive of Stars has allowed the band to do what they do best. For mine, this snappy little compliment of 10 has found a prominent place in what has become a killerStars is an amazing album. Production is simply stunning. Of particular note is the rhythm section tracking and mix. Really impressive. Caws' voice has possibly found an extra gear or perhaps the quicker tempos and 'Let Go' like drive of Stars has allowed the band to do what they do best. For mine, this snappy little compliment of 10 has found a prominent place in what has become a killer discography from a band that does things their way. Thank you Nada Surf.… Expand
  5. CrazyMary
    Feb 6, 2012
    10
    Great album. If you're a fan, its nice to see them re-energized and rocking out more than they have since The Proximity Effect. And if you aren't a fan, The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy is a perfect example about what makes Nada Surf so great.
  6. Utahpolis
    Jan 30, 2012
    5
    I wanted to like this, but it never gelled for me. It's not bad by any means; it just isn't really all that interesting. Not even sure what to say about it.
  7. dittodelbalzo
    Jan 27, 2012
    10
    It's a masterpiece. This review has to be 150 characters long. Great vocals. Great melodies. Great lyrics. Profound and relatable emotional landscape? Am I there yet? Fantastic.
  8. ryanlewiz
    Jan 24, 2012
    10
    Many of these critics appear to be burnt out on the fact that from beginning to end of EVERY album Nada Surf have created are nothing short of filler-less 100% quality. I personally don't begin to gradually degrade my opinion of a band album after album just because they stuck to the style of music they have perfected. At the same time, they aren't Nine Inch Nails (and no one ever willMany of these critics appear to be burnt out on the fact that from beginning to end of EVERY album Nada Surf have created are nothing short of filler-less 100% quality. I personally don't begin to gradually degrade my opinion of a band album after album just because they stuck to the style of music they have perfected. At the same time, they aren't Nine Inch Nails (and no one ever will be. Trent always switching up the style and doing so with such brilliance) so yeah, there is a formula but plenty of variations to make this beautiful record highly enjoyable.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. DIY Magazine
    Feb 22, 2012
    60
    It is far too adult oriented rock and middle of the road to be anything but the sound of a band coasting, rather than making waves.
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  2. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 10, 2012
    70
    Not exactly champion wordsmiths, then, but the ebulliently heart-warming rush of the tunes is reason enough to forgive any clunkers.
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  3. Beats Per Minute
    Feb 6, 2012
    57
    Astronomy sounds like a healthy stroll down 90s Alternative Alley, and is as comforting as it is overly familiar; giving it a listen won't change your perspective on music, but it might make you pine for the good old days.
    Read full review
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