The Understanding - Röyksopp
The Understanding Image
Metascore
68 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 33 Ratings

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  • Summary: The duo's second album is far more vocal-oriented, and darker, than their debut.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Under The Radar
    90
    An immersive experience that has unexpected turns and deep emotions at the core of every song. [#10, p.114]
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Gorgeous.
  3. Blender
    60
    The beat-programming is crystalline, the feeling is frozen, the soul is northern if it's there at all. [Sep 2005, p.136]
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  4. Uncut
    60
    More conservative than 2001's Melody AM, with little of the twinkling, yodelling mania that distinguished them from their late-night-friendly peers. [Aug 2005, p.103]
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See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. NikolaiNikolai
    10
    A change from Melody A.M and a step forward to "the electro cult icon" that Ryoskopp becames with "The Understanding!!!"
  2. FredR
    8
    Although uneven at times, this disc is powerful and ambitious. Only This Moment is worth the price of admission. The singing on The Understanding is amazing, the lyrics are touching, the production sizzles and sparkles, it bristles with life and blows through the speakers like a celestial wind. Wow, what am I writing? If you like electronic music you need to purchase this CD. Royksopp and Bent are the best imports, check them out, you won't be disappointed.… Expand
  3. AngieM
    6
    I have heard better... You get this GarageBand finish idea on a few songs, it seems as though they did not go too deep into things. They shouldn't be that scared to go further. Otherwise one or two good things. I miss the freshness of Melody A.M.… Expand
  4. zega
    4
    Amazingly bland. Didn't know Vangelis had so much influence on Royksopp. loved "A.M.", but this CD just doesn't cut it. lotsa sheen but few memorable hooks, and some exceedingly cliched lyrics. (The music reviewers who rated it 80+, like those ice-skating judges, must be judging this CD more on past performance than current, out of laziness or deadline commitments.)… Expand

See all 19 User Reviews

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