The Weight Is A Gift
by Nada Surf
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Sep 13, 2005
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30

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  1. Mack
    Oct 12, 2005
    6
    I hate to bash these guys, afterall, they're certainly heads and shoulders above the typical radio fare, but unfortunately this album just doesn't measure up. Their previous release, 2003's Let Go, was a far superior album on every level. This time out, the lyrics are absolutely terrible, except for the first track, which is the one bright spot here. The harmonies on "Do it I hate to bash these guys, afterall, they're certainly heads and shoulders above the typical radio fare, but unfortunately this album just doesn't measure up. Their previous release, 2003's Let Go, was a far superior album on every level. This time out, the lyrics are absolutely terrible, except for the first track, which is the one bright spot here. The harmonies on "Do it Again" are grating and quite irritating, and the more 'rock' moments like "Armies Walk" and "Imaginary Friends" sound like second-rate Foo Fighters (not a good thing). Where's the acoustic moments like "Blizzard of '77" or "Fruit Fly"? Where's the creativity? This album blurs together as one mid-tempo unaffecting, mediocre, not-so-indie, pop-rock song. It does deserve a 6, however, because of "Concrete Bed" and "All Is a Game" - they are about the only bright spots here. Let's hope they Let Go of the faux-rock riffage next time around and write some truly heartfelt and meaningful songs. They built up terribly high expectations with their last album, and next to it, this one feels like a lifeless dud. Dissapointing, but at least a few tracks are "ipod worthy".… Expand
  2. Sven
    Oct 24, 2005
    5
    Neither great nor horrible, just....blah. I was lucky enough to rediscover Nada Surf with "Let Go" in 03, and still think it's a solid, diverse album. I was really looking forward to Weight, but it just isn't grabbing me like Let Go. Most of the songs are mid-tempo, indistinguishable pop-rockers. I was really hoping for more melancholy...like Blizzard of 77 and Blonde on Blonde. Neither great nor horrible, just....blah. I was lucky enough to rediscover Nada Surf with "Let Go" in 03, and still think it's a solid, diverse album. I was really looking forward to Weight, but it just isn't grabbing me like Let Go. Most of the songs are mid-tempo, indistinguishable pop-rockers. I was really hoping for more melancholy...like Blizzard of 77 and Blonde on Blonde. Only "Comes a Time" is on my ipod now. Too bad...… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Rolling Stone
    70
    Like their last album, 2003's Let Go, The Weight Is a Gift is a top-notch collection of sad-eyed guitar ballads.
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  2. AllMusic
    90
    The Weight Is a Gift is Nada Surf's most honest and earnest record to date.
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  3. Alternative Press
    90
    A nearly flawless album full of rocking pop songs that sound instantly timeless. [Oct 2005, p.156]
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