Thirteenth Step - A Perfect Circle
User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 108 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 112
  3. Negative: 2 out of 112

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  1. Raventhird
    Oct 2, 2003
    10
    This is the most amazing CD i heard in 2003, although i'm listening to at least 5 to 10 new records in a week for my job. A dark and powerful Prog-Rock classic.
  2. sarahw
    Jun 2, 2004
    10
    a different stroke for good ole' Maynard, but definatly one thats gonna make people spooge... if not, than youve got some impatency problems.
  3. Raventhird
    Oct 2, 2003
    10
    This is the most amazing CD i heard in 2003, although i'm listening to at least 5 to 10 new records in a week for my job. A dark and powerful Prog-Rock classic.
  4. TrickyGotMeIn
    Dec 5, 2003
    9
    Just Ignore The Smoke And Smile
  5. InakiSA
    Oct 27, 2004
    10
    BEST ALBUM I've heard for years
  6. killsexy
    Jul 7, 2006
    10
    the girl in Weak and Powerless video is so sexy. What is her name???
  7. KartikP
    Oct 14, 2003
    10
    Flawless.....they have created another master piece.
  8. WickedRapunzel
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    WOW!!! Maynard does it again... His lyrics and soul shine through yet again... His talent and musical genious is so obvious in eveything from APC and TOOL..
  9. AshLeeS
    Dec 15, 2003
    10
    I think this is by far the most political album Maynard has put out. He always has a lot of soul in his songs but the Thirteenth step just hits right to my heart with all the problems and fears we are all facing today. He is a voice for our generation.
  10. NikkiV
    Oct 8, 2003
    10
    First off, I'ld just like to say Maynard is GoD.(but you knew that!) Now I'll move onto this Cd. After the Second Time I listened to it, I was Hooked. When I first got it in my player, I was a little shocked by the quiet tones and a little standoffish about whether i truely LOVED this cd, as I have with past Maynard Albums... I have listened to this cd for the past 48 hours non-stop, and have not been able to shut it off. When I'm not listening to the cd, I'm watching the Weak and Powerless video, trying to pull out everything I can from the Video, and the thoughts beyond all the lyrics. What comes forth from APC is a GIFT to all, and I just hope those that buy this, take the time to ENJOY it, and hear the lyrics as The Heavenly Voice of Maynard plays upon their senses!!! - another satisfied listener!!!! … Expand
  11. kimv
    Sep 27, 2003
    10
    they've done it again.....touched my soul with beautiful, meaningful melodic, painful emotion. i can't get enough of this disc.
  12. talsin
    May 6, 2004
    10
    I took awhile to grasp the meaning... but once I found it. I couldn't stop.
  13. zachc
    May 18, 2006
    10
    When I hear people talk about how similar Tool and A Perfect Circle are, it angers me. though they are cut from similar threads, A Perfect Circle has gone far and away from what Tool has become. Thirteenth step flows, like poetry or romantic language, it's melodies are etheral and serenly dark. Tool is mathematical, they are calculated and deliver either upon a hammer's stroke or a delicate segue. Thirteenth Step is one of the most amazing albums I've ever heard, lyrically brilliant, musically mastered and deep in spiritual reflection. Maynard proves that this is not a side project, nor just an offshoot of Tool, APC on this album defines themselves as something else entirely. Where Mer De Noms was a beautiful precursor to something upcoming, This album proved to be a progressive and emotional masterpiece. Just as Tool may have reached their musical zenith with Lateralus, I doubt whether A Perfect Circle can eclipse what they produced with Thirteenth Step. All in all, it's a damn brilliant effort by one of the best rock bands today.… Expand
  14. johns
    Jan 16, 2007
    10
    one of my top 10 albums of all time. giving stiff competition 2 my other beloved albums from the likes of tori,jeff buckley and depeche m. what a voice! what a bunch of extraordinary good and honest songs! what a gem! a must.
  15. JesJ
    Oct 16, 2008
    10
    Awesome record!
  16. BrandyH.
    Jan 9, 2009
    10
    I love this album because that song the noose reminds me of one of my good friends that had to move away ,he had me to listen to this song man do I miss him! I want that song on my myspace profile but I can't figure i out.
  17. nealm
    Oct 1, 2003
    10
    gorgeous
  18. mariop
    Nov 8, 2003
    10
    it is the best album sence mer de noms
  19. missdistress
    Dec 3, 2003
    10
    more than most expected
  20. mmmhmmm
    Dec 6, 2003
    10
    yummi
  21. MahaliaR
    Dec 8, 2003
    9
    My boyfriend and my sister are always all, "Ah, you've got to listen to Maynard, he's sooo good..." blah blah blah. For the last couple years I just resisted because it all seemed to mainstream to be any sort of alternative I'd like, and I'm more of a ska person. But... yes but... when I did finally start giving it a chance, first liking Mer de Noms, then a bit of Tool, Thirteenth Step hit me pretty hard. Maynards soft voice combined with disturbing lyrics just sticks in your brain and kind of twists you into a pretzel from the inside out, in a pleasant way if you can imagine such a thing. (?) Anyway, I think this album was a breakthrough in music itself, and I think it was a lovely expression far beyond what Maynard becomes for Tool. The only reason it's not a 10 is there's no brass LOL j/k… Expand
  22. JackieP
    Oct 3, 2003
    10
    neverless
  23. EricY
    Sep 23, 2003
    9
    Another fantastic album. The more I listen to it, the more I love it. How can you not? Maynard rules and so does this album.
  24. scofft
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    one of the greatest things i have ever heard. a must buy for any music fan.
  25. (::)
    Sep 28, 2003
    10
    I admit that the music of tool and a perfect circle is an aquired sound but for those who like it, this CD is awesome and a must buy.
  26. AmandaF.
    Sep 28, 2003
    9
    Freakin awesome! The band has definitely evolved in a good way from their first album. I am psyched that James Iha has joined the band, too.
  27. grug
    Sep 28, 2003
    9
    Takes a few listens to get into but it is easily a better album than Mer de Noms, albeit less accessible. The Outsider, The Noose, and Pet being highlights.
  28. Lissa
    Nov 9, 2004
    10
    I repeat... absolutley mindblowingly awesome!
  29. theo
    Jan 26, 2004
    10
    cd is sick. A Perfect Circle is an ill band.
  30. breed.
    May 19, 2004
    9
    its not mer de noms-but its still amazing and just as gorgerous, even if it is about drug-abuse!!
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Launch.com
    80
    By muting Tool's over-the-top attack, Keenan has more time to devote to deepening the textures throughout.
    Read full review
  2. Rolling Stone
    70
    Sounds more like the dusky thrum of Disintegration-era Cure than it does any of the members' previous bands.
    Read full review
  3. Spin
    50
    It's more cerebral than aggressive.... A derivative effort that makes Keenan sound less talented than he actually is. [Oct 2003, p.105]
See all critic reviews »