Torches - Foster the People
User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 76
  3. Negative: 1 out of 76

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  1. Triggern0metry1
    Feb 29, 2012
    10
    Fantasic album. I loved every minute of it. I must have listened to it 100 times, in fact I'm listening to it right now. This is difinately one of the best albums of the year. 10 out of 10.
  2. julietvalentine
    May 7, 2013
    10
    AMAZING. Favorite bands to have emerged in the past few years.
    Stellar.
    I went to their concert and cried.
    And Mark Foster jumped in the crowd and I groped him.
    It was beautiful.
  3. droog
    Jun 6, 2011
    10
    that onethirtybpm review is awful. its all empty posturing because this album isn't 'tasteful' or legit or real enough because foster used to work for the man writing jingles.

    the truth is this album is solid, the whole album, no filler, and i keep hearing complaints about no substance, who the f*ck listens to pop for lyrical substance? this album has hooks for days, its a real mindwor    m, f#ck the haters… Expand
  4. sfreeman422
    Jun 16, 2011
    10
    Although sometimes referred to as "MGMT ripoffs" by friends of mine. I found this album to be amazing. Sure, Foster the People has a similar sound to MGMT however they are faster and a bit catchier than much of MGMT. With a combination of distinct vocals and dance-oriented indie rock Foster the People's debut album brings much to the table. From hit singles "Pumped Up Kicks" and "Helena Beat" all the way to the slightly glitch sounding "Miss You", Foster the People brings a distinct and a cohesive album capable of being played and replayed time and time again. I would definitely recommend this album for it's danceable beats and subject matter ranging from love to high school shootings.… Expand
  5. bentspud
    Jun 17, 2011
    10
    Foster The People are modern-day Beach Boys who have captured the sound of sunshine, fun, and the carefree days of summer in just under forty minutes.
  6. matto
    Jul 1, 2011
    10
    It's quite simple, this album is just plain fun. To use a movie analogy, it's like a good Will Farrell comedy. It's not meant to be a critical smash or win awards. The album is catchy and puts you in a great mood. Houdini and Helena Beat are both fun.
  7. matt__
    Jul 5, 2011
    9
    This album makes me smile. I was once honked at by a passing car whilst dancing down the sidewalk to Helena Beat and Houdini. The song Pumped Up Kicks is catchy as hell, Call It What You Want is just a fun song that reminds me of Soul Train for some reason. Don't Stop has fun lyrics, its all just fun! I was very pleased with the full album, after being skeptical of what these guys are capable of upon listening to their EP. Another album that goes perfectly with the summer. Did I mention how fun it is?… Expand
  8. destroya1art
    Apr 7, 2012
    10
    when i heard "pumped up kicks" i liked the song yet when it hit mainstream status the song got really annoying and i felt Foster The People was a one hit wonder band, and.... I WAS WRONG! the album, is fantastic! and its kind of a shame that some of the BEST songs aren't even on the ORIGINAL album. many people heard pumped up kicks and thought that was the best song, NO! it is not, its their most popular but best? not even close. i loved the album, the songs are catchy, and really well done. its safe too say most of these songs are about love. KEY TRACKS: "Call it what you want", "Waste", "Helena Beat", "Don't Stop", "Houdini", "i would do anything for you" EXTRA KEY TRACKS (NOT ON ORIGINAL ALBUM): "Love", "Broken Jaw" NOTE!!! Broken Jaw in MY OPINION is THEIR best song, seriously listen to this one....… Expand
  9. GriffinDM
    Aug 25, 2011
    9
    I thought this album was great. I love the summer hit 'Pumped Up Kicks' and overshadowed songs such as Helena Beat and Don't Stop (Color on the Walls). They are able to create a distinct electronica/ alternative sound that is unique to this album. I am a fan of this band whole-heartedly now and am going to their concert this fall in my town. FAV SONGS; Pumped Up Kicks, Don't Stop (Color on the Walls), Helena Beat, Houdini
    LEAST FAV TRACK: Life on the Nickel    … Expand
  10. kauelima
    Aug 27, 2011
    9
    Foster The People brings one of the most exciting music of the last times. If Two Door Cinema Club was a hit on clubs around the world in 2010, Foster The People took this place in late 2011. Foster The People does not have great vocals or a superb instrumental, but yet catches your ears with their simplicity. You can feel the roughness of a first album, the band is young and have much to evolve but still it can be one of the greatest hits on dance floors all around the globe.… Expand
  11. dante_finn
    Nov 22, 2012
    9
    Interesting Melody b

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. All Music Guide
    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.
    Read full review
  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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