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They Want My Soul
by
They Want My Soul Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 42 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 145 Ratings

  • Summary: The eighth studio full-length release for the indie rock band is its first with new member Alex Fischel and was produced by Joe Chicarelli and Dave Fridmann.
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  • Record Label: Loma Vista Recordings
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock
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Top Track

Inside Out
Time's gone inside out Time get's distorted with This intense gravity I don't got time for holy rollers But then they wash my feet And I won't be... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Sep 9, 2014
    95
    On They Want My Soul, Spoon’s most wide-ranging and eclectic album of its career, this isn’t a band who are settling in to their collective stride, but searching for new places entirely.
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Aug 4, 2014
    88
    The quintet likes to pull melody out of dissonance and repetition. Now they've also found the soul.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Aug 5, 2014
    83
    The playing on They Want My Soul still possesses a marked degree of control, but it’s treated with additional textures made possible by Fridmann and Fischel.
  4. The Guardian
    Jul 31, 2014
    80
    It takes a standard rock-band lineup and adds a sense of otherness by lightly dusting every instrument with effects, and arrives packed with beautiful, subtle detailing.
  5. Paste Magazine
    Aug 5, 2014
    80
    Throughout They Want My Soul, the songs flow into and out of each other with a subtle movement that’s hypnotic and sounds deceptively simple.
  6. American Songwriter
    Aug 8, 2014
    70
    For the first time, a new Spoon LP feels like business as usual, a creative step sideways.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Jul 30, 2014
    60
    The songs are strong--varying from ‘I Just Don’t Understand’’s jazz bar mood-changer to closer ‘New York Kiss’’ emotional farewell--but Spoon can be better than that.

See all 42 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. buzzlight
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    They Want My Soul is a modern classic. When the quality of your music is constantly compared to Lennon, Rolling Stones, Bowie and CostelloThey Want My Soul is a modern classic. When the quality of your music is constantly compared to Lennon, Rolling Stones, Bowie and Costello you are doing something right. Tight guitar hooks, sharp lyrics, masterful sound production. Alex Fischell on keyboards adds a new and original dynamic to Spoon on songs like Inside Out and Outlier (like nothing else in the Spoon archive). Songs Rainy Taxi and Knock Knock Knock are like Gimme Fiction on drugs. Rent I Pay and They Want My Soul show they haven't lost their rock roots. Play it loud!… Expand
  2. lesmartels
    Aug 17, 2014
    10
    Since I'm not at all familiar with what Spoon did prior to They Want My Soul, I can say, as a ''Spoon virgin'' that this album is a gem. HereSince I'm not at all familiar with what Spoon did prior to They Want My Soul, I can say, as a ''Spoon virgin'' that this album is a gem. Here and there you hear a bit of Oasis (I Just Don't Understand), Arcade Fire (Outlier), Pink Floyd circa 1975-77 (Knock Knock Knock) or The Rolling Stones (Rainy Taxi). There's garage-rock (They Want My Soul), New Wave (New York Kiss) and pop catchy stuff (Do You, Let Me Be Mine). Still, it never feels like it's been done that way (or that well !) before. They Want My Soul is a great album from track 1 until the magic ending New York Kiss. So far, it's the best album of 2014. I highly recommend it. HIGHLY.… Expand
  4. AaronP2187
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    The only word I can think of to describe this album is FLAWLESS. The first time I listened to it I was just waiting for a track that I didn'tThe only word I can think of to describe this album is FLAWLESS. The first time I listened to it I was just waiting for a track that I didn't care for very much, but it never happened. Every single song is so incredibly catchy and unique that it doesn't surprise me that it's been on repeat for the last four days. At a time where there are so many bands that are experimenting and trying to evolve their sound and falling short (I unfortunately have to site The Strokes as one of those bands, despite the fact that they are one of my favorites), Spoon is consistent and very rewarding.

    I'm sure that the next time I sit down and try to compile a list of my favorite ten albums, "They Want My Soul" will have worked it's way into it.    … Expand
  5. exodus9237
    Sep 9, 2014
    9
    Simply, this album made me want to listen Spoon. I haven't heard of them and now I seriously regret it. I was amazed by the crafting of theSimply, this album made me want to listen Spoon. I haven't heard of them and now I seriously regret it. I was amazed by the crafting of the songs, the variety of such, and the alternative mood that never leaves the band. After this I listened all Spoon albums and made me realize what an excellent band they are. Conclussion: in comparison to other Spoon albums, They Want My Soul is great, for first listeners the tip of an amazing musicianship.… Expand
  6. Rob1986
    Aug 7, 2014
    9
    Some of the criticisms I've seen have been more the result of comparing this album to the other greats Spoon have cranked out. I don't knowSome of the criticisms I've seen have been more the result of comparing this album to the other greats Spoon have cranked out. I don't know why anyone would care. The album is very good. Nothing else needs to be considered.… Expand
  7. MadRek
    Mar 21, 2015
    8
    What can I say? Catchy, groovy, well-produced, well-performed, energetic. Is that enough adjectives? Yeah, I think so. This album's pretty damn great.
  8. skwm
    Aug 25, 2014
    6
    Okay, first: anyone who says this is better than Kill the Moonlight or Girls Can Tell needs to have his or her head examined.

    I've been    Okay, first: anyone who says this is better than Kill the Moonlight or Girls Can Tell needs to have his or her head examined.

    I've been listening to Spoon for a long time. At this point in their career they're obviously exploring new territory. To be honest, the strongest tracks on this album are the ones that sound like pre-Transference Spoon. On the whole, this album is forgettable.    … Expand

See all 23 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Album of 2014
55
#55 Most Discussed Album of 2014
69
#69 Most Shared Album of 2014