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Trans-Continental Hustle Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

  • Summary: Rick Rubin produced the gypsy-inspired band's debut for Columbia Records, which also includes Brazilan influences now.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Hutz has said that Rubin encouraged him to focus on his songwriting as opposed to the band's frantic live show, and "Hustle" bears out that claim with catchier melodies and more slogan-ready lyrics.
  2. While Hustle isn't a breakthrough on par with If I Should Fall From Grace With God, it's certainly one step closer.
  3. Rick Rubin has shaped their songs, smoothing down some of their rougher edges, but the end result is as rich and diverse as ever, helping them fulfill their musical mission with more focus, yet without compromising their eccentricity or their trusted formula.
  4. There's plenty good here, that's undeniable, but the album lacks the spark to push it forward and place it at the top.
  5. "Last One Goes the Hope" buoys the middle third atop the bar, placeholder for acousti-punk tango "In the Meantime in Pernambuco," new greatest gauntlet. Penultimate "Break the Spell" doesn't.
  6. Under The Radar
    60
    Transferring the energy and spectacle of their live shows has to be challenging, but the songs here come as close as any of their earlier work. [Spring 2010, p.63]
  7. Trans-Continental Hustle is an honest effort, but one that pales a little when compared to the Technicolor explosions of Gogol Bordello's back catalog.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Dec 23, 2011
    10
    Great album, great band! Every time I listen to one of their songs I fall in love with this music all over again! When they tour again I hopeGreat album, great band! Every time I listen to one of their songs I fall in love with this music all over again! When they tour again I hope to go see them live from what I've heard they're even better! Expand
  2. Jan 1, 2011
    10
    This album stretched a little far from the punk part of Gypsy Punk, and we are curious about what we are about to see. But Immediately weThis album stretched a little far from the punk part of Gypsy Punk, and we are curious about what we are about to see. But Immediately we realize that we love this album just as much as the past albums. As the first song on the album, "Pala Tute," is a love song to a girl, I think the album is Eugene Hutz's love ode to the place and experiences he has seen and had in his new home. Expand
  3. Aug 10, 2013
    8
    In my opinion, the least inspired album of Gogol Bordello, but yet fantastic. They're style is unique and explosive and they're melodies areIn my opinion, the least inspired album of Gogol Bordello, but yet fantastic. They're style is unique and explosive and they're melodies are so motivating and energetic that you just can't judge their creations! Why? Because their songs may be a little bit repetitive? Because is too noisy? Because their style is a little bit "sloppy"? C'mon, it's just their way of being, they express themselves as they really are! That's a fact that not many musicians can tell! Collapse