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Torches
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Torches Image
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 222 Ratings

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  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Electronic, Indie Pop, Neo-Psychedelia
  • More Details and Credits »

Top Track

Pumped Up Kicks
Robert's got a quick hand He'll look around the room he won't tell you his plan He's got a rolled cigarette Hanging out his mouth, he's a cowboy... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. 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.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Jun 27, 2011
    80
    Foster The People make infectiously good music, don't stick to a formula and make you yearn to lie on your back in the middle of a field, feeling the hot sun streaming down on your face.
  3. Q Magazine
    Aug 8, 2011
    80
    LA-based trio unveil their schizo-pop blend. [Aug. 2011, p. 119]
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  4. Los Angeles Times
    May 23, 2011
    63
    Much of Torches doesn't aim much higher than being a fizzy soundtrack for windows-down elbow tans. Which is fine, but for all his ease at getting attention, hopefully Foster will want to command it more thoroughly.
  5. 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.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 28, 2011
    60
    The first half of Torches is its collective zenith, and although things pick up towards the end of the album by the strategically placed 'Pumped Up Kicks', you can't shake the feeling that Foster has simply stretched the party vibe over as many songs as he can before the momentum runs out.
  7. Beats Per Minute
    May 26, 2011
    33
    Regardless, even the harshest of words are unlikely to stop this album from being a success. And that, well, is kind of depressing.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  4. 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 Peoplewhen 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
  5. 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 PumpedThis 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
  6. 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 withGreat 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
  7. 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,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) 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
  8. hydrawithears
    Oct 3, 2011
    4
    The debut album by Foster the People is being advertised as â

See all 42 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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

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