Torches
by Foster the People
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: May 23, 2011
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 222 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 206 out of 222
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 222
  3. Negative: 4 out of 222
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  1. chancewellnitz
    Jun 21, 2011
    5
    I've never seen so many people get defensive over an album. People are getting nasty, critiquing reviews instead of the album itself. The album is nothing special. It's got catchiness in spades but it's lacking lyrically and in originality. Foster The People seem so caught up in "capturing the sound of the times" that they forget to be their own band. Do yourself a favor and downloadI've never seen so many people get defensive over an album. People are getting nasty, critiquing reviews instead of the album itself. The album is nothing special. It's got catchiness in spades but it's lacking lyrically and in originality. Foster The People seem so caught up in "capturing the sound of the times" that they forget to be their own band. Do yourself a favor and download "Pumped Up Kicks," "Houdini," and "Warrant." These are the three strongest songs on the album. And, if you're in the mood for a New Radicals rip-off, download "I Would Do Anything For You." I was really looking forward to this album after hearing "Pumped Up Kicks" last year, but this is one of the biggest disappointments of 2011.… Expand
  2. hydrawithears
    Oct 3, 2011
    4
    The debut album by Foster the People is being advertised as â
  3. LetzTalkMoveez
    Dec 10, 2011
    6
    I have no problem with catchy bubble-gum pop arranged by alternative bands as long as it's really, really catchy. I can't say it isn't here. "Torches" isn't impressive, but it's one of the easier albums to listen to of the year.
  4. sebou
    May 30, 2012
    6
    A fun and promising start. Some clever tunes here .. in fact all the singles are outstanding songs. Bit of shame that "Pumped up kicks" overshowed the whole project because tracks like "Call it What you want" and "Helena Beats" are somehow better! Anyway a pleasant album to listen to: It's got that irresitible holiday vibe. It's just shame that the songwriting is not consistent fromA fun and promising start. Some clever tunes here .. in fact all the singles are outstanding songs. Bit of shame that "Pumped up kicks" overshowed the whole project because tracks like "Call it What you want" and "Helena Beats" are somehow better! Anyway a pleasant album to listen to: It's got that irresitible holiday vibe. It's just shame that the songwriting is not consistent from beginning to end but i look forward to hearing more from this band in the future!… Expand
  5. crazilon
    May 19, 2013
    5
    Only like four good songs on that thing... most of it disappointed me. I didn't really like the sound nor buildup of most of the album. To say the least this album is not for everyone... but I think I wasted some money.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Most Discussed Album of 2011
41
#41 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. AllMusic
    Dec 19, 2011
    60
    Burning with a hot track intensity somewhere in between early evening rave-up and late-night club afterglow, Torches is a beacon of melodic dance-pop love.
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  2. Mojo
    Nov 22, 2011
    60
    Scratch beneath the glossy surface of Torches and beneath the gurgles, stutters and hands-aloft choruses lies an album with a disappointing lack of substance. [Aug. 2011, p. 94]
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Sep 12, 2011
    89
    While hit single and opener "Helena Beat" suggests that Foster the People has mastered the sunny-but-bitter concoction, "Waste" and "I Would Do Anything for You" provide a sweet balance on the palate.
    Read full review
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