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. Theedmondxp
    Mar 13, 2021
    10
    Es un álbum único en su estilo, entretenido de principio a fin,. Me parece que es un tanto infravalorado, ya que muchas personas solo escuchan pumped Up kicks, aún así el album ofrece canciones dignas de ser repetidas una y otra vez., Canciones que son complementadas con la genial, divertida y versátil voz de mark acompañado de ritmos de piano, elementos electrónicos y guitarras,. Es porEs un álbum único en su estilo, entretenido de principio a fin,. Me parece que es un tanto infravalorado, ya que muchas personas solo escuchan pumped Up kicks, aún así el album ofrece canciones dignas de ser repetidas una y otra vez., Canciones que son complementadas con la genial, divertida y versátil voz de mark acompañado de ritmos de piano, elementos electrónicos y guitarras,. Es por mucho uno de los mejores álbumes Dee su década y que enmarca un camino para cualquier banda de indie rock, indie pop o indietronica... simplemente un álbum versátil, innovador y muy divertido de escuchar… Expand
  2. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 11, 2020
    7
    Torches by Foster The People: 6.01

    Helena Beat: 0.75 Pumped Up Kicks: 1 :) Call It What You Want: 1 :) Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls): 0.5 Waste: 1 :) I Would Do Anything for You: 1 Houdini: 0.75 Life on the Nickel: 0.25 Miss You: 0.5 Warrant: 1 :) 7.75/10 = .775 -> 6.01 Pumped Up Kicks was the only song by Foster The People that I had heard before this review. In    Torches by Foster The People: 6.01

    Helena Beat: 0.75
    Pumped Up Kicks: 1 :)
    Call It What You Want: 1 :)
    Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls): 0.5
    Waste: 1 :)
    I Would Do Anything for You: 1
    Houdini: 0.75
    Life on the Nickel: 0.25
    Miss You: 0.5
    Warrant: 1 :)

    7.75/10 = .775 -> 6.01

    Pumped Up Kicks was the only song by Foster The People that I had heard before this review. In fact, I did not know much about this band, so I was pretty excited when a friend recommended them. As usual, I listen to the album in order and I have specific notes about each song. Helena Beat sums up the album pretty well: it was a good song; upbeat and catchy, but it was a little too on the “techno” side for me. Pumped Up Kicks was a great song with the classic bassline. Call It What You Want was the same way: upbeat and fun. Don’t Stop started really well, but as the song progressed I got the feeling that there was just too much going on at some points during the song. Waste combined great music (the piano was awesome) with well thought out lyrics. I Would Do Anything For You also had really good piano, as the riff things Foster The People put in there were superb. It was a bummer that the final 25 seconds or so were hard to listen to. I felt like Houdini, Life on the Nickel, and Miss You relied on very techno-y sounds when the songs didn’t need them, so points were docked, as the sounds were distracting. These songs were also kind of generic to the album, and I felt like they didn’t bring anything new to the table. Life on the Nickel was especially problematic, as the song itself was pretty repetitive and I couldn’t understand what the singer was saying. Warrant, on the other hand, was a great song that was upbeat and had a great bassline. Torches, Foster The People’s first album, was both a hit and a miss for me. I enjoyed the upbeatness of their music, but their overuse of technology was distracting. That being said, I did have a good time listening to this album as it’s different from what I normally listen to, and I think it’s good to shake things up every once in a while. Highlights: Pumped Up Kicks, Call It What You Want, Waste, I Would Do Anything for You, and Warrant.    … Expand
  3. Hell0
    Apr 11, 2020
    10
    Truly the best album I have ever listened to. It’s modern without being derivative or repetitive. Some songs like Houdini and Call it what you want cleverly implement piano into themselves, while others like Helena Beat, Life On The Nickel, and Waste use unique sounds without abiding to one particular musical genre. Favorites: Helena beat, Houdini, Don’t Stop, Waste, Life On The Nickel,Truly the best album I have ever listened to. It’s modern without being derivative or repetitive. Some songs like Houdini and Call it what you want cleverly implement piano into themselves, while others like Helena Beat, Life On The Nickel, and Waste use unique sounds without abiding to one particular musical genre. Favorites: Helena beat, Houdini, Don’t Stop, Waste, Life On The Nickel, Pumped Up Kicks, Call It What You Want. Notice how I like just about every song on here. Every album should be like this, where each song has lots to offer in terms of meaningful lyrics and originality. Foster the People are a really great band in general. I would highly recommend Supermodel as well as Sacred Heats Club, even if they don’t reach the delirious heights of this album.… Expand
  4. zakjoao
    Mar 28, 2020
    10
    Great music, uncompromising with a single style. Make you feel nostalgic, happy and melancholic with a hit of adrenaline.
  5. ERoberto87
    Aug 11, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Torches is a complete album, you can listen repeatedly to this in the entire day, all the songs are incredible, from the polemical Pumped up Kicks to the dancing Don't Stop and the calm Warrant, I love it!… Expand
  6. JoseAngel47
    Feb 23, 2018
    10
    Foster The People has this style that we have never heard before making them pretty unique. There first album has some pretty Great Tracks. Which is all really have to say. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album
  7. MacsMusic
    Jan 8, 2018
    8
    Torches has a special place in my mind, as it was one of the first Alternative albums I really listened to and loved, and is one of the reasons I got into Alt music. That being said, I am a little biased toward this album. Lyrically, this album is not great. The lyrics are sometimes hard to understand, due to the overwhelming music and the lead singer's strange voice. The lyrics have someTorches has a special place in my mind, as it was one of the first Alternative albums I really listened to and loved, and is one of the reasons I got into Alt music. That being said, I am a little biased toward this album. Lyrically, this album is not great. The lyrics are sometimes hard to understand, due to the overwhelming music and the lead singer's strange voice. The lyrics have some depth on a few tacks, namely "Helena Beat". The music on this album is extremely original and listenable. "Houdini", "Helena Beat" and "Waste" sound amazing. None of the songs on this album fail or bore me.… Expand
  8. Zezilia154
    Jul 9, 2017
    10
    Helena Beat 9/10
    Pumped Up Kicks 10/10
    Call It What You Want 10/10
    Don't Stop (Color On The Wall) 9/10
    Waste 10/10
    I Would Do Anything For You 10/10
    Houdini 10/10
    Life On The Nickel 9/10
    Miss You 8/10
    Warrant 8/10
    Broken Jaw 9/10
    Love 8/10
    Chin Music for the Unsuspecting Hero 9/10

    General: 9.15
  9. arcanjo
    Jun 16, 2017
    9
    Torches is a mellow album full with love songs and fun. Its an album about "being young". Here, as an album, pumped up kicks fits as an wird contrast with the other 9 songs, but whats even more awkward is that the track doesnt corrupt the album unity. Its more of a sparkle that what they can do in the future. Why not 10? because it still lacks something, Warrant as a closing track isTorches is a mellow album full with love songs and fun. Its an album about "being young". Here, as an album, pumped up kicks fits as an wird contrast with the other 9 songs, but whats even more awkward is that the track doesnt corrupt the album unity. Its more of a sparkle that what they can do in the future. Why not 10? because it still lacks something, Warrant as a closing track is somewhat not satisfying, even though every track here is good.… Expand
  10. MCRR
    Apr 4, 2015
    7
    Amiable 'new age indie-rock' offering charm and popular appeal. Indeed a rather distinguished album in that it rolls along gaining more favour after each track idles by at a happy, melodic and sustained pace. Given this album is so 'light' Sounding, a thoroughly enjoyable addition to the palate.
  11. Malamar
    Oct 23, 2014
    9
    This band is truly amazing. This album is great with songs like Houdini, Don't Stop (Color on the Walls). Pumped up Kicks. This album is fun and great sounding
  12. jotaeseche
    Jul 28, 2014
    9
    Eccentric. Stylish. Much more deeper than many may believe. Complex. Colorful. Aesthetic. Brave. Embracing. Clear. Peculiar. Fashion. Cool. At the end... worth listenable. Lovable.
  13. bchongvisal
    May 21, 2014
    10
    I totally love this album esp, I would do anything for you, waste and miss you and of course, Pumped up kick. Superrrrr Best :D its not too late to listen and my opinion this is their best album ever.
  14. asjklasjklas
    Feb 25, 2014
    7
    Let's not overrate newcomers that judging by their latest 2014 single's success are well on their way to one-hit wonderland. But let's also not count them out for simply putting out a song Mr. Foster and "the people" never imagined would go multi-Platinum. Torches is an eccentric indie piece of pop that's actually very pleasant, if not modest to the ears every once in a while. It's opener,Let's not overrate newcomers that judging by their latest 2014 single's success are well on their way to one-hit wonderland. But let's also not count them out for simply putting out a song Mr. Foster and "the people" never imagined would go multi-Platinum. Torches is an eccentric indie piece of pop that's actually very pleasant, if not modest to the ears every once in a while. It's opener, "Helena Beat", is an understated pop record that deserved every bit of success "Pumped Up Kicks" gained in 2011. And while the band manages to cater to the hipper folks with the Beach Boys-meets-electronic pop musicianship of "I'd Do Anything For You" and "Miss You" and the all-out hippie warfare of "Don't Stop (Color on the Walls)", there's still some guilty pleasure gold to be found in "Houdini", which could make even the handicap tap their feet. It's all welcoming and while Foster the People are currently developing their sound, it's fair to say we should all be patient and ignore commercial music for a moment and just admire what top 40 radio really could be with youngsters like these.… Expand
  15. mike4444
    Oct 31, 2013
    7
    I will never understand why pumped up kicks was the only song of this album to attain any sort of popular status. Houdini and call it what you want in particular were brilliant and I felt they were much more well done than pumped up kicks. See for yourself and you may find something awesome
  16. LorenzoFumagall
    Oct 21, 2013
    8
    I found many artists and groups thanks to FIFA and I think that Foster the People is one of the best. "Call it what you want" is one of my favourite songs. Lyrically this album isn't one of the best but the songs are very catchy. This is a good debut album and I'm looking forward to the next one.
  17. Em99
    Jun 9, 2013
    10
    Fabulous debut album by Foster the People. Contains very catchy songs with well written lyrics, unique (and good) vocals from Foster himself, good tunes and well played instruments from Fink (bass) and Pontius (drums/ percussion). The whole album is a great and unique experience. Was definitely worth the money. Would recommend to anyone who likes good indie/alternative music.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. dante_finn
    Nov 22, 2012
    9
    Interesting Melody b
  21. wallofjericho42
    Nov 4, 2012
    8
    Great Album. Starts off strong, and finishes almost stronger than it started. What it lacks in wit or charm, it mostly makes up for with strong melodies, often unique vocals, and it's out-of-the-box approach to sound. It's not flawless, as it sometimes falls flat lyrically - passing off cynicalness and semantic ambiguity as cleverness. Songs that stand out on the album are "Helena Beat",Great Album. Starts off strong, and finishes almost stronger than it started. What it lacks in wit or charm, it mostly makes up for with strong melodies, often unique vocals, and it's out-of-the-box approach to sound. It's not flawless, as it sometimes falls flat lyrically - passing off cynicalness and semantic ambiguity as cleverness. Songs that stand out on the album are "Helena Beat", "Warrant", "Houdini", and obviously their hit - "Pumped Up Kicks".… Expand
  22. monster-pow
    Jul 30, 2012
    8
    This short, indietronica album is definitely a fantastic wonder. The album is very 21st century pop and rare. There's not much like this out there. The hooks are catchy, production is great and Mark Foster can take his voice to impressive scales. Well, for a guy. Most of the album revolves around the theme of love. And love doesn't get any quirkier than this. And very quirky it is.This short, indietronica album is definitely a fantastic wonder. The album is very 21st century pop and rare. There's not much like this out there. The hooks are catchy, production is great and Mark Foster can take his voice to impressive scales. Well, for a guy. Most of the album revolves around the theme of love. And love doesn't get any quirkier than this. And very quirky it is. Especially the song Life On the Nickel. It combines pulsing beats with indie instrumentation and almost-girly vocals. But, Life On the Nickel feels like nothing more than a producer's showcase and is a weak track in the album. But, the first 5 tracks are truly amazing. The seventh track, Waste, is my personal favorite. As well as Houdini. Waste sounding sort of like a tragic love song and Houdini being a fun, sunny, and cute summer-y track. The album feels sort of messy. But a good kind of messy. Very indie. Incredibly danceable. It's a fun album to just relax and sing-a-long to. Call it a 21st century trashy mess. HIGHLIGHTS: Waste, Houdini, Helena Beat, Pumped Up Kicks. SONGS THAT ARE TO BE SKIPPED: Life On the Nickel. MY METASCORE: 77/100… Collapse
  23. 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
  24. Tranquilbez22
    Apr 28, 2012
    8
    Foster the People make a pretty impressive debut in 2011 with Pumped Up Kicks being one of the best songs of last year and this album proves no different, It's a fun upbeat album with Great songs such as Call it What You Want, Helena Beat and of course Pumped Up Kicks. it's must have album and a great start to a long career for Foster The People
  25. 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, itswhen 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
  26. doc2be
    Mar 28, 2012
    8
    Excellently crafted album. Lyrically clever, catchy and punchy. Highly recommended to those who enjoy alternative pop...if there is such a genre.....
  27. MegWhiteley
    Mar 8, 2012
    7
    Wow, this CD is fresh, interesting, with this indie spirit, is awesome, I love this CD, but some songs, don't be greatest, in my opinion, a good album and that's all.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. bernlin2000
    Nov 18, 2011
    8
    A promising start, look forward to more from them, particularly as their fame dies down from the incredibly overplayed Pumped Up Kicks (which I love btw, but the radio is really good at killing good songs...)
  31. hydrawithears
    Oct 3, 2011
    4
    The debut album by Foster the People is being advertised as â
  32. 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 toFoster 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
  33. scrieciu
    Aug 27, 2011
    8
    For a first album, it's really good ! '' Torches '' offers catchy tunes that many people will fall in love with. The song that stands out the most is '' Pumped Up Kicks '', the chorus is just amazing. It's rare that all of the songs (in a single album) can be this much fun to listen to and can bring you a happy feeling. Most of today's music sucks. It's full of auto tune and the lyrics areFor a first album, it's really good ! '' Torches '' offers catchy tunes that many people will fall in love with. The song that stands out the most is '' Pumped Up Kicks '', the chorus is just amazing. It's rare that all of the songs (in a single album) can be this much fun to listen to and can bring you a happy feeling. Most of today's music sucks. It's full of auto tune and the lyrics are always about the same thing (sex, drugs, party, getting drunk, rehab), yes I'm talking about you MTV. But '' Foster the People '' brings us something else. That's what I like about them, because their unique and different from other bands. Some of the songs sounds similar, and the lyrics are not always developed, but it's enjoyable. It's the kind of music that you will hear in some commercials, you like, and then you're mad because you can't find it on the Internet. Worth buying this album !… Expand
  34. 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 StopI 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
  35. 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 areThis 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
  36. 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.
  37. 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
  38. 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.
  39. 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 "HelenaAlthough 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
  40. Glowguy
    Jun 9, 2011
    8
    I'm surprised at the bad reviews. This is a pretty solid debut that is catchy as hell and fun to listen to. I didn't even pay attention to the lyrics but I sure got caught up in the music.
  41. 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    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 mindworm, f#ck the haters    … Expand
  42. waytogo24
    Jun 3, 2011
    8
    Torches is a fantastic album, that although many of the tracks do not stand up to the songs on the EP, still has fantastic beats, choruses, and sound. Every tracks sounds good, with the exception of maybe Don't Stop and Warrant (which the critics seem to be a fan of, but I simply can't get into the Charlie Brown piano that clashes harshly with the electro beats and the subpar chorus) andTorches is a fantastic album, that although many of the tracks do not stand up to the songs on the EP, still has fantastic beats, choruses, and sound. Every tracks sounds good, with the exception of maybe Don't Stop and Warrant (which the critics seem to be a fan of, but I simply can't get into the Charlie Brown piano that clashes harshly with the electro beats and the subpar chorus) and even those sound at least decent. The album does have an issue with the lyrics, they frankly don't get any better than Pumped Up Kicks which is about a school shooting, but the sound is always at least pleasant.

    Songs like Miss You, Helena Beat, and Life on the Nickel easily hold their own, and reach the same level as Pumped Up Kicks.

    And yes, we get it, they sound like MGMT and Passion Pit, but those are both amazing bands, so why is that a bad thing? Every band sounds like another band honestly, and most of Foster the People's tracks are honestly too danceable to be compared to every MGMT song besides the singles off of Oracular Spectacular.

    Foster the People also seems to lack a little substance, most because of the atrocious lyrics, but often because songs seem to blur together, especially in the middle of the album when it seems to establish an electric blur, each song sounding quite similar by then.

    But over all Foster the People have a great sound, fantastic choruses, and most importantly, good music.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
    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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