Untrue
by Burial
  • Record Label: Hyperdub
  • Release Date: Nov 6, 2007
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 472 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 368 out of 472
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 472
  3. Negative: 57 out of 472

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  1. BenJ.
    Dec 6, 2007
    2
    Dreary, and so inoffensive it might as well be used now to soundtrack a whole series of adverts.
  2. DavidA
    Dec 6, 2007
    10
    A fantastic record. Max M, you are out of your mind.
  3. EthanB.
    Dec 6, 2007
    6
    Its a little repetitive.
  4. Morheilio
    Dec 6, 2007
    9
    It takes a few listens, but soon reveals itself as a brilliant album.
  5. DevinG
    Dec 7, 2007
    5
    I really don't get all the hype, not only for this album, but for numerous "electonic" albums this year. What am I missing?
  6. k-whale
    Dec 7, 2007
    10
    I'm in agreement with the critics thus far: Album of the year. Stunning.
  7. hansenp.
    Dec 7, 2007
    8
    Nirv... justice and lcd soundsystem should never be used as superiors to anyone. i know that all of the indie-tight-panted kids are into them for tnow, but in 10 years time, i guarantee they will hardly be remembered outside of the same kids. to some people lcd is just a sad knock on post punk funk that was developed by certain ratio in the 80s, and justice is a novelty actfor folks who Nirv... justice and lcd soundsystem should never be used as superiors to anyone. i know that all of the indie-tight-panted kids are into them for tnow, but in 10 years time, i guarantee they will hardly be remembered outside of the same kids. to some people lcd is just a sad knock on post punk funk that was developed by certain ratio in the 80s, and justice is a novelty actfor folks who were too young to really get into daft punk the first time around. burial will exist beyond the hip time line because it appeals to more than the just that factor. and just so all of you are aware, radiohead likes, and possibly loves this record. seeing is how you are all so firmly planted up yorke's backside, i am sure this will more than likely alter your opinions immediately. burial is not any more hyped than any of the crap that is equally, or to a greater degree, hyped that has been brought up as superior by any negative posters below. Get a grip.… Expand
  8. KevinS
    Dec 8, 2007
    8
    Actually, reviewers can rate an album at whatever they want to, and why? Because they can. Because they are music reviewers for publications, and you're not. And considering this is actually a far above average album that manages to capture and reimagine dubstep in some intriguing and incredibly engaging ways.
  9. RickW
    Dec 9, 2007
    9
    Near perfect. A groundbreaking album. This just gets better with every listen. It may not be for everyone! Why do the muppets who don't like 'repetitive beats' or 'synthesisers' buy dance music??!!!
  10. ScottH.
    Jan 10, 2008
    9
    I can understand why some folks have been bashing this album. They don't get it. They're stuck in a musical rut. An open mind can appreciate the simplicity and unbelievable fluidity to the songs on Untrue. It is one of the most complete albums I've heard. From start to finish this is a great record.
  11. Michael
    Jan 10, 2008
    9
    Lots of kids here. Ignore them. Great album.
  12. BenH.
    Jan 12, 2008
    9
    It may be too dark for most people and not particularly danceable, but this a landmark album. Like itor not, the future of electronic music is dubstep. This album will not be forgotten!
  13. OkKo
    Jan 15, 2008
    9
    I think all the posts below mine are made by the same guy just because there can't be so many negative reviews in the row. As for me, I really like this album and it made my top 10 of 2007. It's dark, but in a good way and it's wonderfully mysterious and interesting. The vocal hooks used in the songs are just blissful.
  14. GonzO
    Jan 16, 2008
    3
    I don't see the appeal. Repetative, boring... a technical lullabye.
  15. Ams
    Jan 16, 2008
    9
    This album is sublime. From start to finish it is a masterpiece. The production on it is like nothing else being done these days, the way he warps and jarrs the vocals is highly impressive. My favorite album of 2007 hands down
  16. MikeP
    Jan 16, 2008
    10
    Amazing album. The album is great. Its trippy dubstep. Your not supposed to dance to it. Its supposed to relax you. And it served its purpose, superbly. If you don't even like the genre you shouldn't review this album.
  17. NickL.
    Jan 17, 2008
    7
    It's overrated to be sure; however, it's not horrible. Untrue takes a few listens to sink in underneath your skin, but once it does the interplay between melancholy and rhythm is positively sublime. Unfortunately, Burial outstays his welcome be about 20 minutes. In no way is this a slam against the last few tracks, rather just a comment that this concept could have been pulled It's overrated to be sure; however, it's not horrible. Untrue takes a few listens to sink in underneath your skin, but once it does the interplay between melancholy and rhythm is positively sublime. Unfortunately, Burial outstays his welcome be about 20 minutes. In no way is this a slam against the last few tracks, rather just a comment that this concept could have been pulled off more effectively on an EP. 65/100 (+5 Bonus points for opening with a sample from Lynch's brilliant film Inland Empire.) Unrelated, but important: Hater H's mini-review made me laugh out loud.… Expand
  18. dana
    Jan 18, 2008
    8
    Don't listen to Mike G; music can be good without being danceable or experimental. Disgusts me to be a part of the same species with alot of the people making comments here.
  19. JayF.
    Jan 18, 2008
    10
    Fucking awesome. dark and atmospheric. Pussy boys won't like it tho.
  20. PaulS.
    Jan 19, 2008
    9
    An amazing album. It grabs a hold of you and won't let go. A hypnotizing work of structured beauty!
  21. BL
    Jan 19, 2008
    2
    91... lol.. seriously.. lol. i love electronica, but if you want something laid back try aphex twins selected ambient works 85-92. i seriously doubt there are more than a small handful of people out there who listen to this on a regular basis.
  22. seeds13
    Jan 19, 2008
    5
    This music is weak and lacks substance. It wouldn't even make an impact if it was blasting at someone's "burial". Hell, I've heard better sounds blast out of my a$$. Seriously. The vocals seem to be some kind of sick joke from the world of pop. But, go ahead and vote high since you have little taste in music. I personally am drawn to musicians.
  23. William
    Jan 19, 2008
    10
    Beautiful and atmospheric. I would liken it to ambient via Brian Eno's definition if it wasn't so prone to drawing one into its own environment rather than enhancing the one it's being listened to in.
  24. JimD.
    Jan 2, 2008
    5
    way overrated, metacritics rating system is bollocks to be honest.
  25. Gabriel
    Dec 7, 2008
    5
    A futuristic boring reality. Untrue gets real, a truly fake of hopes. Buried in rainbows.
  26. NormF.
    Jan 28, 2008
    10
    This music is strangely beautiful. Atmospheric and airy, but with the beat and heart of the streets. I'm not usually into this kind of electronica and stuff, but this stuff has great soul that really sets it apart.
  27. JohnN
    Jan 29, 2008
    2
    WTF...am I missing out on the joke. I keep waiting for the songs to start and they never do!!
  28. ElizabethA
    Jan 29, 2008
    2
    SG, don't be a pretentious ass. I hardly think the rest of us "don't know what music is". Get over yourself. This album is some people's cup of tea, but not mine.
  29. JonG.
    Jan 31, 2008
    9
    People who gives negative reviews to this album, knows nothing about music. It need a lot of attention and ear to understand. I'm not sure if is the best album of 2007 but definitely is one of the best.
  30. gnomars.
    Jan 3, 2008
    5
    Remember "trip-hop"? Nothing really new here that wasn't done 10 years ago. I just can't listen to this stuff anymore...boring.
  31. TedQ.
    Jan 3, 2008
    1
    Best album of the year? What a crock. I've listened to it, I honestly have. It's pretentious and dull as I expected. There is no artistic value I could find in sparse sound scapes.Don't buy the hype.
  32. markp.
    Jan 4, 2008
    2
    Hell, really, come on guys pretty dull methinks (a polite term for having one's head stuck up one's backside for 70 minutes)
  33. petes
    Jan 4, 2008
    4
    It is overrated completely. it is boring and oldfashioned..just good for dancing..i a certain way it feels melancholic
  34. MikeG
    Jan 6, 2008
    1
    Horrible album, cannot dance to it nor can be enjoyed as experimental. If you want dance listen to LCD soundsystem and daft punk. If you want experiment listen to panda bear or Black Moth Super Rainbow. I don't understand why people like this album.
  35. JohnS
    Jan 7, 2008
    9
    After seeing the high scores Dizzee Rascal received, and how much I dislike Dizzee Rascal's music, I was expecting a similar reaction to Burial, especially after the harsh criticism dished on it by other users. But lo and behold, I actually agree with the critics for once, this is a quality album. Not for everyone of course, but for anyone that's been out all night, and has After seeing the high scores Dizzee Rascal received, and how much I dislike Dizzee Rascal's music, I was expecting a similar reaction to Burial, especially after the harsh criticism dished on it by other users. But lo and behold, I actually agree with the critics for once, this is a quality album. Not for everyone of course, but for anyone that's been out all night, and has found themselves still up in the morning listening to music, this is your soundtrack. In some ways it actually reminds me of Goldie, but much more streamlined and modest than Goldie ever was. This is just a lo-fi dark little masterpiece.… Expand
  36. HexS
    Jan 9, 2008
    0
    Another release for music snobs only. They give bonus points for being obscure and having bad sound quality.
  37. DavidB
    Jan 9, 2008
    9
    I'm surprised by the wildly differing opinions this album is generating. I'd never call it a technical masterpiece, but there is something rushing through the whole album, the way the beatless interludes are timed perfectly between the longer songs, the way the samples are often twisted in a way that suggests someone choking back tears, the way so many emotive synth washes are I'm surprised by the wildly differing opinions this album is generating. I'd never call it a technical masterpiece, but there is something rushing through the whole album, the way the beatless interludes are timed perfectly between the longer songs, the way the samples are often twisted in a way that suggests someone choking back tears, the way so many emotive synth washes are undercut by the echoing sample of spent shells hitting the ground. Burial hit a nerve. Honestly, I don't think this album will necessarily age well, but for 2007 it's gorgeous.… Expand
  38. Will
    Feb 14, 2008
    10
    Why do inventive and inspiring BRITISH artists get such a hard time on this site? First The Streets, then Dizzee Rascal and now Burial. Is it because American music is so uniformed and boring as shit or do the yanks just have a poor taste in music? This is a mesmerizing album from Burial that plays as the perfect backdrop to urban living in the UK.
  39. Robert
    Feb 15, 2008
    10
    funny that someone says its more worthy to listen to aphex twin selected ambient works..That is also a masterpiece indeed. Bu if you are a listener of aphex twin, you should rate burial much better than a 2! Both know how to create excellent atmospheric soundscapes. And for those people who say this ain't no music..come one, open your mind. Music is more than four people on a stage funny that someone says its more worthy to listen to aphex twin selected ambient works..That is also a masterpiece indeed. Bu if you are a listener of aphex twin, you should rate burial much better than a 2! Both know how to create excellent atmospheric soundscapes. And for those people who say this ain't no music..come one, open your mind. Music is more than four people on a stage playing guitars, drums etc.… Expand
  40. MonikaB.
    Feb 29, 2008
    10
    A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. piece of work! While I listen to this I float through this world :)
  41. DanielL.
    Feb 6, 2008
    4
    a perfect example of why music critics can't be trusted to rate music its boring if you like to trip acid for days and have time to waste you might like it cause its interesting but not music just somewhat artsy noise anyone who understands how to write music and how to play it knows this is not music (cause eerie vocals doesn't show emotion to me)
  42. JessW
    Feb 9, 2008
    10
    This album is about as good as music of any genre gets, really. I'm on my 4th or 5th listen right now, and I'm finding it really hard to leave the house! Thank God it's a weekend... I listen to a LOT of electronic music, and have since roughly age 4, and I'm 27 now. If you know this music well, you're bound to appreciate the raw talent that went into this. This This album is about as good as music of any genre gets, really. I'm on my 4th or 5th listen right now, and I'm finding it really hard to leave the house! Thank God it's a weekend... I listen to a LOT of electronic music, and have since roughly age 4, and I'm 27 now. If you know this music well, you're bound to appreciate the raw talent that went into this. This artist knows how to concentrate, and you can feel his intent all over the record. Paints many images for many people, but for me, it's just.. sublime. You really can't appreciate this without good speakers, though, as at least half of the beauty of this is the careful manipulation of the bass end of the spectrum. Precise, intentional, superb... just beautiful. Call it what you will, this is true underground music, and deserves the acclaim it's gotten and more. Get it!… Expand
  43. Person
    Mar 2, 2008
    9
    Not perfection, but it's pretty close.
  44. KlennF.
    Mar 23, 2008
    10
    Listen to in the dark w/headphones or driving at night... it encompasses your brain. Beautiful.
  45. TK
    Apr 1, 2008
    0
    If this is an exemplary dubstep album, then I suppose I hate dubstep and dismiss it as a weak-ass genre. I really love the individuals on here write things like "Either you just get it or you don't" or "Either you like it or you just don't get it." Trust me, I "get it" and I still think it sucks.
  46. TimT
    Apr 15, 2008
    1
    Terrible, sounds like a boy band synthed with some shocking dubstep
  47. KlausV
    May 27, 2008
    1
    Completely forgettable and weird.
  48. CH
    May 3, 2008
    10
    Just listen to this walking home alone from a club at 3am and you will understand Burial's intentions for this CD. "Raver" is the perfect summation, and particularly stands out, even among the other sublime songs. It is simply perfect. Best album of 2007, easy.
  49. JuliaA.
    Jun 18, 2008
    8
    First spin: BORINGGG second spin: well,it's decent third spin: I'd move to London respectively.
  50. StevenM
    Jul 28, 2008
    10
    Burial brings the open listener straight into his soundscape, unveiling subtle emotions in and out of the darkness. Spongey two-step drums and erratic sub-bass weave through superb pitched vocals that to me break into natural little clips of life. Excellent lo-fi sampling. It is amazing that he worked this together at home in roughly two weeks, which really shows when one track switches Burial brings the open listener straight into his soundscape, unveiling subtle emotions in and out of the darkness. Spongey two-step drums and erratic sub-bass weave through superb pitched vocals that to me break into natural little clips of life. Excellent lo-fi sampling. It is amazing that he worked this together at home in roughly two weeks, which really shows when one track switches to the next. Sublime. It seems that haters pick out only specific parts of the sound, labeling it as "non-musical schlop". Are we forgetting what can be defined as art, more so as something cultural? Look past ignorant genre stereotypes and music quo, this sound truly is undeniably special. Emphatic.… Expand
  51. MatsZ
    Jul 28, 2008
    6
    Nice, full and dark soundscapes with the same type of drum loop repeating over and over again on every track. Add vocal samples repeated add nauseum and you have a really boring album that never seems to actually get started.
  52. SergioD.
    Aug 15, 2008
    10
    It's 2008 now, i just got both Burial's cds along with new Sigur Ros and Spiritualized. All i can say is "sweet baby jesus"! Haven't had that feeling since Tricky released his first cd or when Massive came out with Mezzanine. This is what never fades away!
  53. GarrettM.
    Aug 16, 2008
    10
    Beautiful. Atmospheric. Soundtrack for a quiet drive in the dark or just plain sleep for some. What I particularly love is the vocals and how ghostly they are. Such depth. I find it amusing that some of the reviewers pan this because they can't understand the vocals. You are stuck in a one-track mind. Burial. Brilliant.
  54. IRightfully
    Aug 19, 2008
    6
    When it comes down to it, it really doesn't deserve that 90. Overall. I want to be able to appreciate that CD at any moment, not just when I'm taking a long drive or walking home from a club at night. That's a pretty narrow selection. Props for sounding different, but I expect more out of that score. I mean, it's a good dubstep album. That's like finding a good When it comes down to it, it really doesn't deserve that 90. Overall. I want to be able to appreciate that CD at any moment, not just when I'm taking a long drive or walking home from a club at night. That's a pretty narrow selection. Props for sounding different, but I expect more out of that score. I mean, it's a good dubstep album. That's like finding a good Country Rock album. Some people will like it, but not nearly enough for the supposed "universal acclaim". People stumble upon something different and overate it in an attempt to be a pioneer in that style. I mean, since when should we be taking Robert Christgau seriously? He said Ok Computer was trying to be Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd.… Expand
  55. Derj
    Sep 20, 2008
    9
    This is one of the best albums that I have heard in a long long time. He tries to do something different and succeeds massively. That he does it all on Soundforge is beyond comprehension. A genius, I sincerely look forward to his next effort which he syas is going to be a more aggressive DnB tinged affair.
  56. DanS.
    Nov 29, 2007
    9
    Stunning! I like it even better than the self-titled album.
  57. BobH.
    Nov 30, 2007
    10
    This is the best album of 2007. The track 'Shell Of Light' is just incredible. Nothing, I repeat NOTHING even comes anywhere near the excellence of this album for 2007. Just brilliant.
  58. TomJ.
    Dec 11, 2007
    2
    The only reason this is ranked so high is that, if you look, very few serious media journals even bothered to review it. The whole album sounds like a Korg sampler demo, with even less honest emotion. Crap Sandwich!
  59. MikeH
    Dec 10, 2007
    0
    Sorry, I cannot listen to this - AT ALL!
  60. MrL
    Dec 11, 2007
    8
    Chris B....if you can do as well as Burial, I suggest you do it.
  61. PaulC
    Dec 11, 2007
    7
    This is a good album, and certainly much better than The Field, but to have this ranking as the best album of the year is mental. Unlike The Field, this album is definitely something fun to listen to, and each listen The Burial grow on you. However, what kind of world do we live in where this kind of music could possibly be the best album of the year? There's nothing here. There are This is a good album, and certainly much better than The Field, but to have this ranking as the best album of the year is mental. Unlike The Field, this album is definitely something fun to listen to, and each listen The Burial grow on you. However, what kind of world do we live in where this kind of music could possibly be the best album of the year? There's nothing here. There are definitely groups out there putting out better albums than this--Radiohead, Arcade Fire, and The National to name three.… Expand
  62. PerspicaciousCritic
    Dec 12, 2007
    8
    I agree with Paul C, who gave this album a respectable 7 out of 10. I listened to every track on Burial, then listened to it again to see if I was missing anything that merited a perfect 10 score. And although I can see why critics would fall out of their chair over the filmic soundscape, the album sounds samey throughout and for me can only be tolerated after a couple listens. And while I agree with Paul C, who gave this album a respectable 7 out of 10. I listened to every track on Burial, then listened to it again to see if I was missing anything that merited a perfect 10 score. And although I can see why critics would fall out of their chair over the filmic soundscape, the album sounds samey throughout and for me can only be tolerated after a couple listens. And while I don't disagree with most of the professional reviews, and while every track is thought out and noodled over, and while there are no fillers on this album, Burial is missing that emotive magic, making it an 8 out of 10 at best. In the electronic / alternative / indie genre, Radiohead's In Rainbows wins top honours this year.… Expand
  63. AntonyH.
    Dec 13, 2007
    10
    Odd comments on here about the reviews. It has top marks from the Guardian and The Observer two national broadsheet newspapers in the UK and Pitchfork so thats hardly just fanzines now is it! Also who cares where the reviews come from, it someone has an opinion about it what makes it less valid than say Rolling Stone or the NME? If people are passionate enough to write reviews then its a Odd comments on here about the reviews. It has top marks from the Guardian and The Observer two national broadsheet newspapers in the UK and Pitchfork so thats hardly just fanzines now is it! Also who cares where the reviews come from, it someone has an opinion about it what makes it less valid than say Rolling Stone or the NME? If people are passionate enough to write reviews then its a record that inspires passion. Don't like it. Get off your arse and go and pen a negative review to provide so balance. Stop moaning from the side lines. Its a top record and gets better which each listen, headphones a must.… Expand
  64. SteveC.
    Dec 16, 2007
    5
    Nothing overly exciting, ok in parts, not ok in other parts, here is fence, me sit.
  65. JimT.
    Dec 18, 2007
    6
    The album is decent but not great. Its something that DJ Shadow, Massive Attack, Unkle, etc have all done better.
  66. DoctorR
    Dec 18, 2007
    1
    This is a terrible album, it might as well have the first track on repeat for the whole thing. It annoys me how this can be rated so well, maybe i don't understand dub-step enough. Then again I don't have to understand linkin park to know that their music is terrible too.
  67. JohnJ.
    Dec 18, 2007
    10
    Best album of the year!
  68. MikeC.
    Dec 18, 2007
    10
    Best album of the year - get some head phones on and turn it up!
  69. MaxB.
    Dec 2, 2007
    5
    I wasn't as moved as the critics apparently. Just sounded uninteresting, too scattered.
  70. Sarah
    Dec 4, 2007
    10
    I do not always like to see electronica albums topping the best albums list given there are so few of them relative to everything else. But this one really is quite something.
  71. ChuChu
    Dec 5, 2007
    9
    Don't listen to the haters. This is a solid album full of atmosphere.
  72. RogerS.
    Dec 5, 2007
    9
    There is something going on these days. I think the Avalanches started this new sound. The rave DJ's are being replaced by bands. LCD Soundsystem, The Field, Simian Mobile Disco, Daft Punk, The Battles and now Burial. This CD is new music in a boring Bruce, Britney, REM, or Celion Dion world. It's like Enigma but going into winter 2007/2008 it's peaceful. No more war music There is something going on these days. I think the Avalanches started this new sound. The rave DJ's are being replaced by bands. LCD Soundsystem, The Field, Simian Mobile Disco, Daft Punk, The Battles and now Burial. This CD is new music in a boring Bruce, Britney, REM, or Celion Dion world. It's like Enigma but going into winter 2007/2008 it's peaceful. No more war music from rap. Check out "Archangel", it just might be a hit...ah shit they don't even swear. Music is evolving into a kind of Brian ENO/Kraftwerk thing. The lyrics are minimal and the message is upbeat. Even if it is, "Good to be alone". I found myself in this new phenomenon and the kids are rebelling against the punk, metal, rap, pop and what ever has come before. This is fresh but started years back. This will be playing in a coffee house somewhere right now. Something to create dreams for a new generation. "In McDonalds" was so simple. "Untrue" sounds like another hit formula but relaxing chill out beats. Never get's up uptight to lie....untrue. The way I feel inside because your lie? The way way I feel inside in a song. If you like music you'll like this one. I guess the only complaint is it sounds like Retro-1997. The rave scene is over but there is something about an unknown DJ that makes music. Weren't Kiss unknown musicians hidden behind masks before they made it? I'm listening to "Raver" track 13 with the hiss, pitch, samples over dubs and tempo. Ahhhhh what a stressless CD. It's good fuck music if there ever was.… Expand
  73. JA
    Dec 5, 2007
    10
    "Untrue" sounds more real and true than all the other music I've bought this year. It's got me hooked.
  74. 100100100100
    Dec 6, 2007
    8
    I wish certain critics would stop throwing 100 scores around.
  75. AlexR
    Dec 6, 2007
    9
    The album feels deeply personal. Dark and brooding, behind driving percussion (or not) and equally dark and brooding beats, this is one of the great records of 2007. Also, Radiohead is way more art rock than electronica any day.
  76. huh
    Dec 6, 2007
    1
    I love songs that all have the same beat!!! Pump and Dump for cargo records
  77. AlexO
    Dec 8, 2007
    9
    Hey chris b apparently you cant make nice sounds on your laptop because you don't have a 91 rated album. I'm not a big fan of electronica but somehow this album seems to me a wonderful masterpiece. It's less about the beats than the interesting sonic textures presented to us.
  78. EricM.
    Dec 8, 2007
    8
    "Entroducing" fans heed! Same sound different perspective!
  79. AndrewH
    Dec 9, 2007
    9
    It's impossible to hear it's genious on first listen.
  80. SlinddeeanaJ.
    Jan 11, 2008
    5
    I guess I shouldn't have rated this album yet, but I tought I need to chime in ahead of time. The reviews have been awlful for album of the year. I just picked it up on Zune Marketplace. I will report back in an hour.
  81. JOE
    Jan 12, 2008
    10
    great album!!!!!!!!!! the amount of detail that has been lavished on this record is incredible. Stick your headphones on and enjoy........ like listening to someones best kept secret!
  82. clarkf.
    Jan 13, 2008
    10
    If you are musically literate enough to have an appreciation for dubstep, you will find this release to be among the best albums of the year. If you are not (and this site indicates that you are legion), then you will not appreciate the intricacies of the programming, or the mixing, or the engineering. Indeed, you may find the album dull. In this case, give the album to a sophisticated If you are musically literate enough to have an appreciation for dubstep, you will find this release to be among the best albums of the year. If you are not (and this site indicates that you are legion), then you will not appreciate the intricacies of the programming, or the mixing, or the engineering. Indeed, you may find the album dull. In this case, give the album to a sophisticated friend and wait for the new Spice Girls record.… Expand
  83. DanM.
    Jan 15, 2008
    9
    An amazing album. The kind that you can completely get lost in. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is that I generally don't listen to this type of music and I probably fail to grasp some of the nuances. The simple fact is that it is inexplicable and infectiously beautiful.
  84. GalenM.
    Jan 15, 2008
    1
    Honestly, I'm so glad to see apparently lots of other people commenting on this that share my same opinion -- this is probably THE overrated "schlop" of the year. Atmospherics may sound kinda cool but they come across flat and just plain dumb when paired with the almost-unlistenable vocal bits. I mean, c'mon, it's so processed and annoying. The beats is what really gets me. Honestly, I'm so glad to see apparently lots of other people commenting on this that share my same opinion -- this is probably THE overrated "schlop" of the year. Atmospherics may sound kinda cool but they come across flat and just plain dumb when paired with the almost-unlistenable vocal bits. I mean, c'mon, it's so processed and annoying. The beats is what really gets me. For one, this is really NOT an album you could dance to and secondly, most important, the beats are almost ALL the same. Seriously, go through the tracks and listen to them and you won't be able to deny. Bad, bad, bad. Ugh. Why the hype? You frickin' got me, that's one thing for sure.… Expand
  85. JImH
    Jan 17, 2008
    9
    Grows on you if you give it a shot. Don't expect to get it until you're in the right frame of mind. Keep listening over a few weeks and suddenly it will make sense.
  86. JohnQ
    Jan 17, 2008
    10
    incredible on a pair of headphones. one of my favourite albums of all time.
  87. DuncanY
    Jan 18, 2008
    10
    This is so so good! I don't understand the hate.
  88. TobiasC.
    Jan 19, 2008
    2
    Meh!
  89. johnk
    Jan 19, 2008
    10
    I can't get enough of this. Burial makes absolutely fascinating music. Archangel in particular is beautiful.
  90. SDK
    Jan 22, 2008
    10
    it's uplifting, even with the melodramatic beats and vocals that seem to disappear into blackness before your ears. i don't know if you can classify this music correctly, or if it even needs it. hell, it breaks classifications and draws people in from all over. there's no doubt in my mind that there's WAY MORE than a handful of people out there listening to this record it's uplifting, even with the melodramatic beats and vocals that seem to disappear into blackness before your ears. i don't know if you can classify this music correctly, or if it even needs it. hell, it breaks classifications and draws people in from all over. there's no doubt in my mind that there's WAY MORE than a handful of people out there listening to this record on a daily basis. headphones recommended :)… Expand
  91. JeremyF
    Jan 24, 2008
    8
    Definitely an acquired taste. It took me a few tries. But now I really do enjoy this work. It's best heard on headphones; it seriously sounds ten times better on headphone. No joke. My favorite tracks are Archangel, Near Dark, and the title track. In McDonalds is a brief but pristine surge of synth, and Etched Headplate is a nice relaxing electronic/beat-driven song. The vocals Definitely an acquired taste. It took me a few tries. But now I really do enjoy this work. It's best heard on headphones; it seriously sounds ten times better on headphone. No joke. My favorite tracks are Archangel, Near Dark, and the title track. In McDonalds is a brief but pristine surge of synth, and Etched Headplate is a nice relaxing electronic/beat-driven song. The vocals aren't meant to be the star of the show, so I like that they're not over the top. And on Archangel, they're so spliced up, and yet there's still a constant melody. I'm still unsure what dubstep is, but, if Burial is this genre, then I should check out more. (Remember: LISTEN ON HEADPHONES!)… Expand
  92. SG
    Jan 25, 2008
    10
    negative reviews? you don't know what music is if you don't like this. this IS south London on a record. vinyl white noise, dark London streets, unknown vocals, seething bass. burial is the banksy of the music world, but with no irony. this album is straight up, and it's art.
  93. DjM
    Jan 27, 2008
    6
    A handful of good tracks, you've all been duped! a big step down from his debut- archangel as the best track? your all crazy! keep in mind he wrote this album in 2 weeks and it shows- it isn't minimalism you tools its called "thrown together" by more sensible people
  94. DavidE
    Jan 29, 2008
    3
    What the ****. I don't even understand the amazing reviews at all. Honestly, if you want great music (emphasize MUSIC) listen to OK computer, The Bends, Kid A, or In Rainbows - and then try listening to Burial. It pales so much in comparison its almost excruciating to see so many 8-10s. This is to music what blotches of paint on a white canvas are to art. A joke.
  95. AlexF.
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    This is an amazing album, have only recently been introduced to dubstep, and was shown this Burial album. I now cant stop listening to it!! I LOVE IT
  96. OllieH
    Jul 11, 2008
    9
    this album gives me shivers every time I listen to it, the amount of warmth and emotion here is unparalleled in electronic/dance music
  97. BehnamM.
    Aug 14, 2008
    10
    Some kind of postmodern view of a modern city. you can feel all cries of being so tierd of aloneness. its represents all of dark hiden emotions such as hatress, grief, moans, and lurking assault of a sneaky stress wich altogether transform to a giant feel of ruin. a masterpiece of atmospheric albums. Marvelous
  98. HenriN
    Aug 19, 2008
    10
    Up to this point, only a single naysayer has managed to brand this album as "pretentious". Did you people just graduate the junior high of haterdom?
  99. JohnJ.
    Nov 29, 2007
    10
    Best album of the year!
  100. HarryH.
    Nov 29, 2007
    10
    Cool and sad. Brand new and retro. Hard edged and gentle. Wonderful music.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Album of 2007
6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2007
22
#22 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. BBC collective
    80
    Burial has concocted a noir-ish sound that’s as powerful as it is atmospheric.
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  2. Drowned In Sound
    90
    What gives this album more depth is the focus, the rolling symmetry and cinema.
    Read full review
  3. Dusted Magazine
    80
    That emptiness tempts a listener in, and puts you in its place--you, in a sense, step into the record’s point of view. This invitation to intimacy is a powerful move that most club music is simply incapable of.
    Read full review
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