The Understanding
by Röyksopp
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. AllMusic
    60
    Röyksopp have little left to say aside from what others have said more clearly in the past.
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    By turns frantic and tired, jittery and soothing.
  3. The A.V. Club
    60
    Even in its migration from the groovy '70s to the technocratic '80s, though, Röyksopp has become a lot cooler than it has to be.
  5. Slant Magazine
    60
    Even the best tracks bobble like a helium balloon tugging from a child's clenched fist... but not quite forcibly enough to pull free.
  6. 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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  7. PopMatters
    60
    The Understanding definitely shows the growth of a young group and the innovation that Röyksopp have been experimenting with since their 2004 debut, but they haven't yet reached the height of their potential.
  8. 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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  9. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    58
    Where once these Norwegians were extolled for their subtle melodicism, here their schlock candidly attacks the jugular.
  10. Dot Music
    50
    For the most part, "The Understanding" saunters along without a trace of urgency, which is unfortunate as Royksopp were always at their best when electronic ingenuity rather than pastel-shaded synth washes were holding things up.
  11. Urb
    50
    The tactic [of increased vocals] hits and misses, as the album's standout tracks owe their success to the crew's innovative and polished production, not their lyrical prowess. [Jul/Aug 2005, p.104]
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  12. Trouser Press
    50
    A greater focus on club anthems and straightforward songwriting broadens the band’s appeal but sacrifices originality in the process.
  13. Alternative Press
    40
    Bland and undistinguished. [Aug 2005, p.178]
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  14. Splendid
    40
    There's nothing distinctive about it.
  15. Mojo
    40
    Too much of it passes by easily, leaving little lasting impression. [Aug 2005, p.101]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 46
  3. Negative: 3 out of 46
  1. FeatherBlade
    Jun 18, 2012
    8
    Honorable Mention for obscure sounds such as Sombre Detune and What Else Is There? (which has beautiful vocals of Karin Dreijer Andersson),Honorable Mention for obscure sounds such as Sombre Detune and What Else Is There? (which has beautiful vocals of Karin Dreijer Andersson), and for the most chill-out-oriented songs, such as 49 Percent and Beautiful Day Without You. A really interesting work.… Full Review »
  2. Manjero
    Apr 8, 2008
    9
    This under appreciated gemstone of an album by Royksopp is another great addition to your electronic collection. Unlike Melody A.M., The This under appreciated gemstone of an album by Royksopp is another great addition to your electronic collection. Unlike Melody A.M., The Understanding takes on a more dreamy, majestic aura, which can easily rival to A.M.'s greatness. This new, welcoming light doused onto The Understanding magnifies the mystical nature that is Royksopp.… Full Review »
  3. NikolaiNikolai
    Feb 26, 2006
    10
    A change from Melody A.M and a step forward to "the electro cult icon" that Ryoskopp becames with "The Understanding!!!"
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