The Understanding - Röyksopp
Metascore
68 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
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  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. Playlouder
    90
    Sophomore set of the century, near enough.
  3. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    Takes the listener on an unmitigated aural journey through the outer reaches of electronic music.
  4. Filter
    90
    A masterful submersion in the pop allure of ambient and house music. [#16, p.94]
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  5. Spin
    83
    Showcases vocals more boldly than Melody A.M. [Aug 2005, p.98]
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  6. Pitchfork
    81
    This is the one that puts them firmly and officially up there in the top tier of the dance-music crossover-album crowd, up with the Daft Punks and, umm, Basement Jaxxes.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 33 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. FeatherBlade
    9
    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
    9
    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
    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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