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To Record Only Water For Ten Days - John Frusciante
Metascore
66 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    While not as unhinged as his 1997 solo debut, this is highly eccentric. [2/16/2001, p.98]
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  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    The record is both labour of love and exorcism - Frusciante plays every instrument himself and every song is, without exception, pointedly self-analytical and emotionally probing. This, combined with Frusciante's ropey but breath-catchingly fraught voice, can make for uncomfortable listening. Nevertheless, there remains an underlying optimism and fondness for unapologetically pretty melodies that imparts a redeeming and lasting warmth.
  3. Billboard
    70
    Frusciante channels his creative spirits through a homegrown hybrid of early '80s new wave and late '60s acid rock that sounds a lot better than it reads on paper.
  4. Rolling Stone
    60
    To Record lacks the flashes of experimental brilliance found on Frusciante's earlier albums, but it quietly reaffirms the promise of a songwriter who can be simultaneously impenetrable, strange and oddly magnificent.
  5. Dot Music
    60
    The formula here is for Frusciante to carve tunes out of loose, cyclical riffs, a few basic samples and drum programmes and his own parched voice. Sometimes, as on 'Remain', the effect is slightly uncomfortable... Tough that out, and get used to the demo quality throughout, and there are some decent songs on 'To Record Only Water,' endearing for their rawness and honesty.
  6. Wall of Sound
    53
    Occasionally, it all works, coalescing into something with passion and imagination... In other spots, however, Frusciante's amateur (and sometimes listless) singing proves to be a major letdown, even with souped-up reverbs and megaphonic EQ-ing.
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User Reviews

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User Score
9.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Mexicola2
    10
    This album is fantastic!! I love it!! Anuway, John Frusciante couldn't make a bad album if he tried...He is GOD!
  2. PSM
    10
    This album is amazing, just like his other albums that are also amazin'!
  3. Goran
    9
    A lovely album. Feels very intimate and emotional and in no little part due to the simple lo-fi electronics which are used very effectivelly. I can't say enough good things about it. It's not for everyone though.… Full Review »
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