The Wolf
by Andrew W.K.
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Sep 9, 2003
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Drowned In Sound
    90
    ‘The Wolf’ demonstrates it is still essential for a rebel rock n roll record to compel you to punch the air as if Motley Crue were making a comeback, Vince Neill and all.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Just because W.K. has found his soft center lyrically, it doesn't mean the music has lost any of its hard core. [12 Sep 2003, p.150]
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  3. Playlouder
    80
    So yeah, he's moved on a little but no, he hasn't gone soft on our perilously-leaping arses, and his personal holy trinity still seems to be the deeply unfashionable but unironically ace Van Halen, Meat Loaf and Billy Idol.
  5. Blender
    80
    The Wolf sets up Andrew W.K.'s post-partying career as motivational speaker for the bloody-nose set. [Sep 2003, p.132]
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  6. Billboard
    80
    Between the pounding pianos and the non-stop wave of arena-ready power chords and driving drums, most of "The Wolf" sets a new standard for fist-pumping anthems.
  7. AllMusic
    80
    Andrew W.K.'s debut found meaning in partying, but The Wolf sounds like a party about finding some meaning in life.
  8. Stylus Magazine
    80
    Ultimately your reaction to the first album will define your reaction here. I can foresee a long cult career for Andrew W.K., devoted acolytes swearing he is the best thing ever, and everybody else ignoring him because they don’t know how to do anything else.
  9. The A.V. Club
    80
    Fans of I Get Wet may find fewer instant pleasures than expected here, but those are replaced by something grander, nobler, truer in intent, and just as satisfying.
  10. Spin
    75
    The Wolf works best as a concept album about never surrendering the night when you got your first real six-string at the five-and-dime and were tryin' to break free. [Oct 2003, p.108]
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  11. Dot Music
    70
    The trouble is, the grandiose sounds he carves often sounds more polystyrene than pompous, no matter how many coats he applies.
  12. Q Magazine
    70
    Sees WK adding a little more classic rock sensibility to his high-energy party metal. [Oct 2003, p.100]
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  13. Alternative Press
    70
    Compared to hearing 2001's instantly gratifying I Get Wet, listening to The Wolf is like getting mindblowing sex on a first date, only to have that person get a job at the Vatican the next day. [Oct 2003, p.136]
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  14. E! Online
    67
    Pretty much the same as his head-banging debut, only louder and with more keyboards.

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Most Discussed Album of 2003
99
#99 Most Shared Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 28
  3. Negative: 4 out of 28
  1. Screenager
    Apr 23, 2013
    5
    The songs are longer and lack the cheesiness that made I Get Wet so joyous. AWK played all the instruments himself so the music itself soundsThe songs are longer and lack the cheesiness that made I Get Wet so joyous. AWK played all the instruments himself so the music itself sounds bland and unimpressive. The album has a better concept albeit a reverse of the previous album (searching for the meaning of life through party for this album). I was disappointed with this album and would give it a miss unless you want to hear the work of a man that has let the steroids get to his head.… Full Review »
  2. Osirusruse
    Nov 14, 2012
    10
    If you have heard any of awk's material you know full well what you are getting into here. enormous, typically uplifting, hook filled soundIf you have heard any of awk's material you know full well what you are getting into here. enormous, typically uplifting, hook filled sound bonanzas. i used this album as a b-12 shot while i was at my lowest with a lifelong muscular disease and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. not a dud on the album if you ignore 'make sex' which is easy to do. get this album and feel good now… Full Review »
  3. DanH
    Jun 11, 2006
    10
    Andrew WK represents the best of POP.
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