Transference
by Spoon
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Jan 19, 2010
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. NOW Magazine
    60
    Lyrically, Daniel is more vulnerable than on previous efforts--transference being a part of psychoanalysis--but not enough that he takes many new creative turns.
  2. musicOMH.com
    50
    Even Spoon's nice sounding (albeit always obtuse) lyrics can't make up for the generally flat music here, and with Transference, Spoon's undeniable swagger has taken a considerable hit.
  3. Dusted Magazine
    60
    Transference is the victim of an unfortunate irony--the more honed, the less it cuts.
  5. Mojo
    60
    But there is nothing here that will leap out of the speakers to entice the unconverted, despite the Weezer-like spod-rock of Fot Nuffin and Trouble's garage pop stomp. [Feb 2010, p. 92]
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Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Most Discussed Album of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 103 out of 108
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 108
  3. Negative: 2 out of 108
  1. Rob1986
    Dec 17, 2019
    10
    Nothing like posting a review nine years later, but this album deserves a revisit. If you stayed away, because the reviews were lessNothing like posting a review nine years later, but this album deserves a revisit. If you stayed away, because the reviews were less gleaming, if you initially thought this album didn't have the polish of the back catalog of Spoon classics then it's time to give it a spin again. This is really, really great songwriting. Not a wasted moment on the album. A great album even among the greats. All I could think when I first heard this was that it sounded like they needed a different producer. Now, in 2019, it might be my favorite Spoon album!… Full Review »
  2. logansj
    Jul 3, 2019
    9
    One of the most over-looked Alternative/Rock albums in the 21st century. Definitely a slow-burner. "Transference" is Spoon's antithesis to "GaOne of the most over-looked Alternative/Rock albums in the 21st century. Definitely a slow-burner. "Transference" is Spoon's antithesis to "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga", being stripped back, minimal, and roots-y, yet it holds that same wholesome and unique quality that Britt Daniel's way of songwriting has implemented throughout Spoon's entire discography. This album is an ode to the old fans, the strictly-Rock fans, and fans who adhere more to the raw, multifaceted elements of Rock. If "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" (their previous album) is Spoon's catchy, colorful, and slightly-Poppy hit, 'Transference" is their emotional, serious, and roots-y dark side. Not all songs mainly carry those elements (such as "Trouble Comes Running", with its rightly-under-produced 70s Post-Punk-inspired Summer Rock, or the at-ease, echoey background song that is "Who Makes Your Money"), but the entirety of the album is rooted in demo-inspired, happy-mistake kind of Rock. There are moments that seem off, like that cut-off between "The Mystery Zone" and "Who Makes Your Money", or the technique to start on the off-beat at the beginning of "Is Love Forever?", but these were intended, as well as being mistakes. It's the raw, live, one-take kind of strategy that is rare in the 21st century of modern, popular music that Spoon knew they could've avoided after the massive success of their predecessor. But they didn't, which is admirable. It's telling the status-quo and the Pop culture that there is another way.… Full Review »
  3. zdlitchman
    Jul 31, 2016
    9
    DO NOT sleep on this amazing album. Some fans pass it off as one of the weaker records in the band's discography. True Spoon fans know it'sDO NOT sleep on this amazing album. Some fans pass it off as one of the weaker records in the band's discography. True Spoon fans know it's really a beautifully raw masterpiece. Often overlooked in the strong year that was 2010, "Transference" offers so much more than meets the eye, and it definitely took me many listens before I really came to love it. This album is anything but weak. A "would-be" top album for many modern rock bands.… Full Review »
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