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

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  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 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 theNothing 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!… Expand
  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 "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, theOne 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.… Expand
  3. lmsolomonjadd
    Dec 26, 2018
    9
    This has gotta be Spoon's rawest album. I remember when this came out, I was kind of underwhelmed by how stripped back and straightforward-sounding the album was to me at the time, but it grew so f*cking good for me. Spoon has gotta be one of the most innovative and creative bands I've heard, and this album proves they can step away from the layered, upbeat, slightly Poppy Indie Rock thatThis has gotta be Spoon's rawest album. I remember when this came out, I was kind of underwhelmed by how stripped back and straightforward-sounding the album was to me at the time, but it grew so f*cking good for me. Spoon has gotta be one of the most innovative and creative bands I've heard, and this album proves they can step away from the layered, upbeat, slightly Poppy Indie Rock that they're most known for and make a remarkably raw, tight, stripped-back Rock & Roll album with some real intensity, passion, and charm. P.S. GREAT night album.… Expand
  4. 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'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. ADO 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.… Expand
  5. harrisonjr98
    Aug 16, 2015
    10
    Upon release, the level of "not as good as (insert older Spoon album)" reviews was nearly criminal. And now, five years on, it stands as a more direct glimpse into the chaotic mind of Britt Daniel that was sadly overlooked by many. 9.5/10
  6. j30
    Feb 1, 2012
    8
    If you were expecting another Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga then this will be a huge disappointment for you. The first time I listened to Transference I had to take a step back (Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga still remains my favorite Spoon album) and reexamine everything they had done to this point. This record just makes sense at this point in their career. Their 7th studio album was not only produced by themselves,If you were expecting another Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga then this will be a huge disappointment for you. The first time I listened to Transference I had to take a step back (Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga still remains my favorite Spoon album) and reexamine everything they had done to this point. This record just makes sense at this point in their career. Their 7th studio album was not only produced by themselves, half of the tracks are in their demo form, giving the record a more personable, home studio feel.… Expand
  7. Vampire25
    Jan 25, 2012
    9
    Transference is probably Spoon's most odd album. It's a little less catchy than most of their other albums but don't get me wrong, Transference is one of their best. It's a more personal album that needs to be experienced rather than listened too. Spoon just seems to always get better. A-
  8. sachinpatel
    Aug 12, 2010
    9
    Turning their back on the soulful, brassy pop of Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, Spoon have instead produced a studio-honed approximation of their rawest, most unhinged music. Production tricks intentionally jar and give Transference a willfully challenging air. Behind the torn-apart vocals and unnerving fragments of sound, however, is as strong a set of compositions as the band have ever written.Turning their back on the soulful, brassy pop of Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, Spoon have instead produced a studio-honed approximation of their rawest, most unhinged music. Production tricks intentionally jar and give Transference a willfully challenging air. Behind the torn-apart vocals and unnerving fragments of sound, however, is as strong a set of compositions as the band have ever written. Emotionally draining, of course; unconventionally structured, yes - but this should still secure its place in the pantheon of great albums like virtually every Spoon album that has come before it.… Expand
  9. BenH
    Feb 3, 2010
    10
    Far and away my favorite spoon album. Every song has a great hook or groove, which we expect from spoon. More importantly, every song is distinctive without wearing out its welcome - the things you come to love about the songs don't define the songs. On past spoon albums, after giving it 5 spins, you can almost experience the entire song after only a few seconds. Each track on Far and away my favorite spoon album. Every song has a great hook or groove, which we expect from spoon. More importantly, every song is distinctive without wearing out its welcome - the things you come to love about the songs don't define the songs. On past spoon albums, after giving it 5 spins, you can almost experience the entire song after only a few seconds. Each track on Transference has pleasures that only unfold throughout the song. So good.… Expand
  10. MikefromMaine
    Jan 31, 2010
    8
    A step away from the pop influenced Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, but a very interesting,and, on repeated listens catchy album. As in prior albums, the rhythm section is the focus again, with the guitar and vocals just used as adornments. Musically its actually quite fascinating, though not quite up to par with Kill the Moonlight and Gimme Fiction. Still, well worth your time.
  11. David
    Jan 31, 2010
    5
    After listening to this about 5 or 6 times, I have to say I am very disappointed. After Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga which is I think their best CD I guess my expectations were too high. I would rank this as one of their worst efforts by far. Doesn't even come close to Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, and worse than Gimme Fiction and Girls Can Tell.
  12. TimA
    Jan 27, 2010
    5
    A very disappointing follow-up to Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. I expected much more from them this time around. Britt is trying a little to hard to rhyme when it just doesn't seem necessary on the song "written in reverse" . Oh well I guess we will have to wait another 2yrs for something that can compete with the last 3 records.
  13. JackG.
    Jan 26, 2010
    9
    It took me three listens before this album was cemented among spoon's greatest. The persistence was worth it! This is definitely the most interesting music I've heard in a long while.
  14. C.B.
    Jan 25, 2010
    7
    Good - not great - but definitely worth a spin or two. The album suffers a bit from its lackluster production. Just because the songs are stripped down doesn't mean the overall sound quality should be.
  15. WilliamN.
    Jan 25, 2010
    9
    Spoon takes a small step backward in the sense that the songs are less catchy this time out, but a huge step forward in the overall impact of the songs.
  16. ErinH
    Jan 22, 2010
    7
    Pretty darn good record. Not their best but definitely not bad.
  17. JohnS.
    Jan 22, 2010
    9
    Spoon sounds defeated on this record and defeat has never sounded better. Britt Daniels and the boys create a collection of songs with only one misstep,the first track. This is an excellent record filled with great songs.
  18. JohnM.
    Jan 21, 2010
    7
    No doubt about, Spoon has made some of the best records of the past decade and a half, but I feel like this one falls just a bit short. I don't find myself playing these songs in my head at work the way I would with Ga Ga Ga Ga, Gimme Fiction or A Series of Sneaks songs. But in all honesty, a mediocre Spoon record still beats most other band's masterpieces.
  19. da
    Jan 21, 2010
    7
    "Nothing more than guitar, bass, precussion, and Britt Daniel's voice" ...and piano and keyboards. but nothing more than that, right? And is it really okay to say that the seventh album...strips the music down? And was it the seventh full-length album produced by the band? Misrepresenting an album (and butchering a language) all in one lousy sentence - you did it!
  20. KurtC
    Jan 20, 2010
    9
    I really like the stripped down sound they've crafted here. Their restraint allows you to really focus on the song compositions themselves, the subtle yet catchy melodies and grooves, and the overall excellent musicianship.
  21. CodyT.
    Jan 20, 2010
    9
    Thoroughly impressed with this release. Spoon have taken a few steps back from the commercial accessibility of Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga and have crafted a tight, and at times paculiar album of half-thought out tracks that are in fact demos. This album has a very genuine, homemade feel to it and if you allow it to this record will bring you closer to Spoon than you've ever been,
  22. AlexV.
    Jan 20, 2010
    9
    I enjoyed every part of this album. You can listen it wherever you want: at home, in car, everywhere.
  23. johnw.
    Jan 19, 2010
    10
    Amazing note for note. SPOON never disappoints!
  24. HarlanS.
    Jan 19, 2010
    10
    Spoon can do no wrong.

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Most Discussed Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. MSN Consumer Guide (Robert Christgau)
    91
    Ratcheting his reticence up half a turn, he opens with his bleakest new song, and only if you follow his chronically noncommittal lyrics will you notice his emotions opening up along with his tunes, his attitudes along with his structures.
    Read full review
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    As usual, the production is raw with traces of the recording process still evident. Although Transference lacks the overwhelming variety of "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga," there are notable moments of exploration. [Feb 2010, p.96]
  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Spoon are equally as enjoyable, and perhaps that bit more intriguing, when they are a little bit harder to fathom. Plus, to put it simply, there ain't a duff track to be found here.
    Read full review
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