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

Generally favorable reviews- based on 472 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 57 out of 472

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  1. RyanL
    Dec 14, 2007
    10
    I think those that are panning this album are just not comfortable with the format of the music. Maybe I'm wrong, and they are all just dubstep purists, but I doubt it. It is nice to see something a little more unconventional like this cross over into popular consciousness. That being said, this album is gorgeous, definitely more euphoric than his previous one. Archangel is so I think those that are panning this album are just not comfortable with the format of the music. Maybe I'm wrong, and they are all just dubstep purists, but I doubt it. It is nice to see something a little more unconventional like this cross over into popular consciousness. That being said, this album is gorgeous, definitely more euphoric than his previous one. Archangel is so emotional, track of the year, I think. Expand
  2. ZachW.
    Dec 16, 2007
    5
    I simply don't get it I guess.
  3. Alans
    Dec 17, 2007
    1
    This is the highest rated album on metacritic? Music sure has fallen under hard times if Burial's Untrue 'masterpiece' is the best album of the year. It does make a good lullabye for babies in need of sleep, however.
  4. TylerF.
    Dec 17, 2007
    8
    So Pitchfork, Popmatters, and BBC aren't good enough for you?
  5. TomH.
    Dec 18, 2007
    10
    Possibly the best album of 2007 for me, better than his debut, namely because it has homeless on which is a brilliant song.
  6. ButtMan
    Dec 18, 2007
    10
    Album of the year easily. this shit is amazing and original and endlessly listenable. The production is phenomenal, tweaky brilliance, solid atmosphere, unf.ckwithable!!!!! burial is genius, no doubt. A+, five stars, 10.0, flawless victory!
  7. ElliotK
    Dec 18, 2007
    0
    UGH... my god this album is by far the most overrated album of the year... along with field, and MIA... really disappointing its getting all this undeserved recognition.
  8. MichaelH.
    Dec 31, 2007
    2
    People who are tempted to buy this based on the reviews here: Imagine yourself walking into a trendy clothing store for 18-24 year olds. A store where people say "like" a lot, and always have their faces pressed up against cellphones. This is the soundtrack that's playing over the stereo. The same trendy drum riff repeated for an hour. Bland and inoffensive, but with all the People who are tempted to buy this based on the reviews here: Imagine yourself walking into a trendy clothing store for 18-24 year olds. A store where people say "like" a lot, and always have their faces pressed up against cellphones. This is the soundtrack that's playing over the stereo. The same trendy drum riff repeated for an hour. Bland and inoffensive, but with all the trappings of 'cool' and 'edgy'! It's modern elevator music, just what you want to listen to at home. Expand
  9. ThomasK
    Dec 31, 2007
    3
    Not very good. Almost every song sounds the same. Moody atmospherics, a decent beat, and a sample of someone singing the same phrase over and over again. That just about sums up every track on the album. How this crap could beat out Panda Bear, Battles, Radiohead, or even The Field for highest rated album of the year is beyond me.
  10. Oct 6, 2010
    10
    Even though it is classified as dubstep, don't expect any bassy oscillation of what todays dubstep is composed of. This album is a stroke of genius and was and still is a breathe of fresh air. Emotionally pounding tracks like 'In McDonalds' and 'Endorphin' will bring about sensations that are unexplained, tracks like 'Shell of Light' will leave you completely hypnotised. This cleverEven though it is classified as dubstep, don't expect any bassy oscillation of what todays dubstep is composed of. This album is a stroke of genius and was and still is a breathe of fresh air. Emotionally pounding tracks like 'In McDonalds' and 'Endorphin' will bring about sensations that are unexplained, tracks like 'Shell of Light' will leave you completely hypnotised. This clever arrangement of distorted sampling really gives every song a soul. I find it musically insulting how some user critics have shunned this album saying it's 'uninspired and boring'. I think its rather them who are uninspired and boring. Expand
  11. Jan 17, 2011
    1
    I'm sorry, but this album did nothing but give me headaches; the beats are simply repetitive, and the images that the album tries to conjure are either non-interesting or just down depressing.
  12. Jan 7, 2012
    10
    I've heard it described as the sound of London at night, and I agree. Sorrowful early-morning comedowns set to fuzzy radios. I guess some people don't get it, but you can't attack it for repetitiveness, the monotony compliments the sad bass fading in and out, and the twisted vocals sound beautiful floating over the whole thing.
  13. Sep 28, 2012
    9
    I think you must get it to like it. btw most (if not all) of the songs actually have lyrics, but they´re hard to understand. i think im slowly getting it.
  14. May 23, 2013
    9
    If you're looking for something to dance to, then this is the wrong album for you. If not, continue reading. Just like with most of his music, Burial blends together an extremely tranquil, deep and harmonious experience, plus if you like emotional things, Untrue is definitely something to give a listen to. It's not the best album I've ever heard, but it is definitely in my Top 10.
  15. Dec 13, 2013
    10
    I wasn't a huge fan of the album after the first half dozen listens. But something kept me coming back for repeated listens. Then during a random listen, it just hit me, the sound which seemed mediocre to me before, was incredible! One of my all-time favorite albums, and easily one of the oddest experiences I've had with an album.
  16. Dec 22, 2017
    10
    Excelent album .......................................................................................................................................
  17. Dec 22, 2017
    10
    Minimalist and at the same time complex, masterpiece! Greatest dubstep album.
  18. Jul 9, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. “Untrue” by Burial is a tightly knit album packed with pitched samples that are elegantly placed over instrumentals containing calculated and lavish production. The result is a 13 track, 50 minute long project that is very calming and easy to vibe to. Expand
  19. May 27, 2021
    10
    O melhor álbum eletrônico da década! Talvez, do século até o momento. Experiência única e fantástica!
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Burial has concocted a noir-ish sound that’s as powerful as it is atmospheric.
  2. What gives this album more depth is the focus, the rolling symmetry and cinema.
  3. 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.