User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
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  1. Nov 19, 2013
    9
    Thao Nguyen's blend of musical influences is one-of-a-kind. Her mixture of Oriental 12-tones and 4-chord folk-pop progressions is impressive. Her varied use of instruments, tones, and timbres is intriguing. And her stage presence is something that has to be seen to fully understand the eclectic tunes she puts together. The culmination of these factors--a banjo being distorted to sound likeThao Nguyen's blend of musical influences is one-of-a-kind. Her mixture of Oriental 12-tones and 4-chord folk-pop progressions is impressive. Her varied use of instruments, tones, and timbres is intriguing. And her stage presence is something that has to be seen to fully understand the eclectic tunes she puts together. The culmination of these factors--a banjo being distorted to sound like a Chinese zither before breaking out into a half-time electric guitar chorus of 'Holy Roller'--ultimately leaves one's mouth agape, wondering what exactly this is, and why it is so good. While reviewers like DIY might think that Nguyen's album is a mediocre continuation of her sound, to newcomers it is a welcome expansion of their musical mind, and one that prompts a further investigation of Thao Nguyen's extensive repertoire. Expand
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Oct 4, 2013
    67
    We The Common finally reflects that sense of place, stretching nuance and bringing the only brand of folk that metropolitan California allows: one laden with pop hooks.
  2. Apr 12, 2013
    68
    We The Common, the fifth LP offering from San Francisco’s Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, offers us a killer collection of infectious beats, bouncy melodies and smart lyrics that you can’t help but move to.
  3. Q Magazine
    Mar 11, 2013
    40
    It's the sort of manic outsider funk that succeeds or fails on the basis of how charming you find Nguyen's delivery. [Apr 2013, p.95]