We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank
by Modest Mouse
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Mar 20, 2007
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 256 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 226 out of 256
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 256
  3. Negative: 12 out of 256

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  1. JCCaird
    Mar 8, 2007
    10
    Fantastic album. Stand out tracks are "Parting of the Sensory" and "Spitting Venom".
  2. JamesboF.
    Jun 27, 2007
    10
    This album is so damn catchy. It reminds me of 80s new wave-it has that vibe-and almost every song is great. It's just so catchy and perfectly set up. I love this album!
  3. LainieR
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    Yesssss
  4. AndrewC
    Feb 16, 2007
    10
    Finally it leaked
  5. Albert
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    I love the part that makes me smile!
  6. Patty
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    If you like this album you are a good person
  7. NikolasJ
    Mar 11, 2007
    10
    I've read some reviews that claim the new Modest Mouse album sounds rushed, as if Brock was just trying to satisfy a contract, but I highly disagree. To me, it's an angry album, no doubt, but a great album nonetheless. "We were dead" is about not growing and/or learning from mistakes. It's about not feeling trapped by history, and that speaks to Mouse's listeners on I've read some reviews that claim the new Modest Mouse album sounds rushed, as if Brock was just trying to satisfy a contract, but I highly disagree. To me, it's an angry album, no doubt, but a great album nonetheless. "We were dead" is about not growing and/or learning from mistakes. It's about not feeling trapped by history, and that speaks to Mouse's listeners on many levels. The album is speaking to the people who are constantly upset they don't sound like "Lonesome Crowded West" anymore as well as any listeners who feels upset with their own life but does nothing to change it. It's a brilliantly angry album, and rightfully so. Everyone, including your favorite band, has to change if they mean to make any progress. People who want the same thing repeated, in music or life, are not going to grow, and that's who they are speaking to. The album is sharp, and Brock & company are as acute as always. They are growing and have accepted the fact that some of their earliest fans may not grow with them, but they're at peace with that. After all, we all know the tragedy of history repeating itself.… Expand
  8. ZayneF
    Mar 17, 2007
    10
    This album is flawless. It revisits almost all of the periods theyve gone through, and adds more texture to the sound. Each song has its purpose, and each song serves that purpose.
  9. OliverC
    Mar 18, 2007
    10
    This album is outstanding. A great follow up to good news. I would say a good deal better than arcade fire's neon bible (if for some reason you want to compare the two.)
  10. NigelB
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    Fantastic, Modest Mouse delivered everything I had been anticipating for and possibly more. Enough new twists to keep me interested, but not too many to distance me from their sound.
  11. MattA
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    Listened to it on my way home from work... and loved it on my first listen. ...its not too often i like a whole CD on its first run through. haha... and it struck even more of a chord knowing Johnny Marr, and James Mercer helped make this possible. Kudos.
  12. BenA
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    Actually, this one is much more like "lonesome crowded west" than anything else they have done. The return of their original drummer I think helped them get back to their daring and explorational roots. Spitting Venom is pure old-school modest mouse. All these morons crying about how modest mouse sold out need to shut up. This album is not any more accessible than their early work. Modest Actually, this one is much more like "lonesome crowded west" than anything else they have done. The return of their original drummer I think helped them get back to their daring and explorational roots. Spitting Venom is pure old-school modest mouse. All these morons crying about how modest mouse sold out need to shut up. This album is not any more accessible than their early work. Modest Mouse always wrote catchy songs. What about "Heart Cooks Brain"? That one's insanely catchy, and then they masterfully put together "dashboard" which is denser and more detailed, but get shot at for getting too mainstream?? please. Modest Mouse are following their own artistic curve, experimenting with new instrumentation and production techniques, but all you naysayers forget that modest mouse always wrote a mean catch pop tune, and thats why we all liked them in the first place. This is yet another great album from a great band. A+… Expand
  13. LukeH
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    How many other bands have been around for over a decade and have never released a bad album? Fucking Great.
  14. NellieB
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    An amazing band makes another amazing album.
  15. GuyH
    Apr 2, 2007
    10
    Fantastic album. I really didn't get on with Good News but this is like a perfectly refined version of what they were attempting with that album. It flows, it has at least 12 great songs - come on chaps, why the middling reviews? This is stunning stuff.
  16. CraigO
    Jun 1, 2007
    10
    This band is now my guilty pleasure. It's catchy music that's more or less just meant to be catchy. It's all I expect, it's what I get, so I love it.
  17. AlexP.
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    Amazing. It's almost as good as anything they've done. Brock is an irreverent screaming genius. He's never boring and never pretentious. This album is excellent all the way through. My special faves are March into the Sea, Florida, Parting of the Sensory, Fly Trapped in a Jar and Spitting Venom. Marr is a nice addition. He and Brock obviously hit it off well musically. I Amazing. It's almost as good as anything they've done. Brock is an irreverent screaming genius. He's never boring and never pretentious. This album is excellent all the way through. My special faves are March into the Sea, Florida, Parting of the Sensory, Fly Trapped in a Jar and Spitting Venom. Marr is a nice addition. He and Brock obviously hit it off well musically. I saw them live on May 6th and was absolutely blown away.… Expand
  18. JohnG
    Jul 8, 2007
    10
    its great when all of your friends argue over what the best song is.
  19. JCF.
    Jan 1, 2008
    10
    This album is perfect, so many shades ... I like it a lot
  20. CarolN
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    Brilliant!!!
  21. issacb
    Feb 20, 2007
    10
    does not dissapoint
  22. MartyMcfly
    Feb 24, 2007
    10
    Easily, some of the best work they've done ever, and has shown how much the band has matured since they began. Buy this album and listen to it over and over again.
  23. Chelsey
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    This album feels like your riding in a huge pirate ship. Yarrrrr!
  24. Chuck
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    I would like to thank modest mouse for another perfect album. Everything you would want from an album
  25. cody
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    This is a great album to sail to.
  26. Shorty
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    I love modest mouse so much
  27. Tim
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    I get off the plane and my name is in flashy lights everywhere
  28. nyome
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    Best one yet!
  29. Luke
    Feb 28, 2007
    10
    This album is quite possibly in my top ten favourites list now, what an amazing album.
  30. AndyM
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Long Awaited with baited breath and WOW what a punch this MM album packs - dark, angry and brock doing waht he does best 'Spitting Venom', reckong this surpasses GNFPWLBN!
  31. RicardoO
    Mar 17, 2007
    10
    The Best Indie Rock Album for this century...maybe not, but for sure is the best Indie Rock Band
  32. benc
    Mar 17, 2007
    10
    absolutly awesome
  33. DavidW
    Mar 18, 2007
    10
    this cd is surprisingly wonderful. i guess not really surprising, but after good news, i didn't think this would so splendid. but i just love it so much.
  34. ChrisM
    Mar 2, 2007
    10
    When i heard dashboard I had pretty grim expectations for the album, but the rest of the album turned out to be amazing. Marr's copmlex guitar work underneath Brock's powerful voice makes for and odd but equally compelling mix. a very consistent album
  35. timm
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    First off, i'm a hardcore modest mouse fan. That being said, this album has reinvigorated within me my almost drowned love for them. This cd is by far their best ever, mixing in the raw, bone-crushing soul from their earlier work with elevated structures and more elaborate instrumentation. You will not be able to phathom the power of this cd til you hear it 3 or 10 times. This does First off, i'm a hardcore modest mouse fan. That being said, this album has reinvigorated within me my almost drowned love for them. This cd is by far their best ever, mixing in the raw, bone-crushing soul from their earlier work with elevated structures and more elaborate instrumentation. You will not be able to phathom the power of this cd til you hear it 3 or 10 times. This does not get old for me, and every time i hear it i like it more... which cements Isaac's status as a true contemporary American musical genius, at least in my eyes. Good News was like a venture into different sounds, while this cd brings it all together in freakin awesomeness. There are 1 or 2 tracks i could do without, (tracks 4 and 7 don't catch me til the breakdowns), but overall this is a work of art. Couldn't have hoped for better. Can't wait to see where they tread next.… Expand
  36. PhillipV
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    I can finally say that Modest Mouse has come back with a song as good as "float on". Dashboard is excellent and so is the rest of the CD. Good job guys!
  37. BrianF
    Mar 21, 2007
    10
    Great album. No tracks to skip on this one. Pick it up.
  38. SmoereB
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    Oh, my golly, this is an amazing record.
  39. DrewP
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    Comparisons to their other material are inevitable, but not necessary. This is a great album--I guarantee that 10 years from now, this album will still be cool. Parting of the Sensory alone makes me feel good about the state of music.
  40. JeffS
    Mar 20, 2007
    10
    don't cry over the new sound, celebrate its awesomeness.
  41. rustina
    Mar 24, 2007
    10
    I didn't like it right away. After 4 or 5 times listening to it, It really starts to flow, probably because you finally get used to the obnoxious yet brilliant vocals of the band. This is a classic!
  42. JosephA
    Mar 26, 2007
    10
    Absolutely fantastic.
  43. BrettN
    Mar 6, 2007
    10
    Great album. At first I was skeptical, but the more I listen to it, the more I like it.
  44. RyanO
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    I'd been waiting in unbearable anticipation for this album since they said they were going to release it last december. When they postponed it I almost cried. Now that I've finally heard it.. Wow. one or two tracks lack the modest mouse feel that i obsess over, but thats what happens when you add a guitarist from another already renowned band. the album is still ridiculously I'd been waiting in unbearable anticipation for this album since they said they were going to release it last december. When they postponed it I almost cried. Now that I've finally heard it.. Wow. one or two tracks lack the modest mouse feel that i obsess over, but thats what happens when you add a guitarist from another already renowned band. the album is still ridiculously awesome.Isaac Brock's distinguished lyrics and song writing are still there and in your face.… Expand
  45. JohnR
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    man, modest mouse is awesome! Issac Brock just never seems to run out of ideas.
  46. JustinV
    Apr 25, 2007
    10
    people are basing their opinions on past albums. Thats stupid. Every band evolves. You guys are just pissed that there will never be another moon and antarctica or lonesome crowded west. We were dead is one of their best. You try writing the lyrics that Isaac writes himself, but it to the music that they make themselves, and put a cd out and stay around for as long as they have. You people are basing their opinions on past albums. Thats stupid. Every band evolves. You guys are just pissed that there will never be another moon and antarctica or lonesome crowded west. We were dead is one of their best. You try writing the lyrics that Isaac writes himself, but it to the music that they make themselves, and put a cd out and stay around for as long as they have. You couldn't. So stop complaining it's a great album.… Expand
  47. sammodest
    Apr 4, 2007
    10
    takes a couple listen through, but once the songs start resinating in your brain IT'S WELL WORTH IT
  48. AlexL
    May 10, 2007
    10
    Personally I love this album. I don't think people should forge opinions on what they expect to hear, rather on what they do actually hear. As far as selling out is concerned, I have to ask how you would define your argument. You can't be angry with musicians simply on the basis that they've become popular and made some money (it is slightly hypocritical considering that it Personally I love this album. I don't think people should forge opinions on what they expect to hear, rather on what they do actually hear. As far as selling out is concerned, I have to ask how you would define your argument. You can't be angry with musicians simply on the basis that they've become popular and made some money (it is slightly hypocritical considering that it was your fanship that made them so, with the exception of greenday, they are rubbish now). If anything you should be happy that this allows them to develop music with better equipment and produce essentially better music. The best tracks on this album (in my opinion) are Florida, Dashboard, Spitting Venom and We've got everything.… Expand
  49. Djimi
    Jun 14, 2007
    10
    More pure quality from Modest Mouse. I think some critics are just being pathetic and trying to go against the grain by giving it mediocre reviews just because they've become popular and had good sales, 'cos it really is a great band on top form.
  50. JohnStamos
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    I love this album more than my mom
  51. tylerc
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    Good News was somewhat dissapointing to me but not bad. This album more than makes up for it.
  52. ryanh
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    The culmination of their carreer. While it's not their best album, it sitll encompasses pieces of everything they've done.
  53. Robert
    Feb 19, 2007
    10
    Another Great MM album
  54. Kyle
    Feb 27, 2007
    10
    Great!! Modest Mouse was obviously not dead before the ship even sank.
  55. GeorgeH
    Feb 28, 2007
    10
    Awsome. Their killer discography grows and grows.
  56. codyg
    Feb 28, 2007
    10
    absolutely amazing
  57. Ben
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    Long awaited. Unexpectedly lives up to lofty expectations.
  58. supersean
    Mar 16, 2007
    10
    best album yet
  59. LyleR
    Mar 16, 2007
    10
    Awesome
  60. Rick
    Mar 16, 2007
    10
    Excellent album, well worth the wait. Favorite tracks are "Parting of the Sensory" and "March Into The Sea".
  61. JoeH
    Mar 17, 2007
    10
    This album was surprisingly stellar upon firs listen. I am drunk, and it's St. patty's day, so I'll be brief. The album is fantastic, a little bit more conceptually coherent than Good News, yet there's a lot more of an overall identity between the songs. Standouts are 'We've Got Everything' (NEEDS TO BE A SINGLE), Steam Engenius, Missed the Boat, Parting This album was surprisingly stellar upon firs listen. I am drunk, and it's St. patty's day, so I'll be brief. The album is fantastic, a little bit more conceptually coherent than Good News, yet there's a lot more of an overall identity between the songs. Standouts are 'We've Got Everything' (NEEDS TO BE A SINGLE), Steam Engenius, Missed the Boat, Parting of the Sensory, and Dashboard. Ps. Music fans of all ages will be in a total state of listening bliss for atleast the first 13 seconds of People as Places as People. That song is a masterpiece.… Expand
  62. EddM
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    Modest Mouseisthe best band ever. I give everyone of there songs, albums, or videos a 10!
  63. MM
    Mar 19, 2007
    10
    Zach S just kill youeself this album is great. 100/10 if I could.
  64. pulpiepulpmaster
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    I think this album's awsome. Even though I kinda miss their slower songs like The Good Times and most of the songs on The Moon & Antarctica, It's still a good album. People are sayin that It's poppier, but what about Float On and The View? And they're sayin that it's rushed, but what about the fact that it's been 3 years since Good News and between 2000 and I think this album's awsome. Even though I kinda miss their slower songs like The Good Times and most of the songs on The Moon & Antarctica, It's still a good album. People are sayin that It's poppier, but what about Float On and The View? And they're sayin that it's rushed, but what about the fact that it's been 3 years since Good News and between 2000 and 2001, they came out with 3 cds?(The Moon & Antarctica, Everywhere And His Nasty Parlour Tricks, Sad Sappy Sucker) All in all, great album.… Expand
  65. brookec
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    I can't even begin to express the delight I have for this fifth album. It is varied, dark and light. They can do no wrong in my book. Issac Brock is a brilliant lyricist and no-rules singer.
  66. AdamB
    Mar 22, 2007
    10
    Ranks #1 or #2 on my Modest Mouse list.
  67. Brendan
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    On the first listen, it's great. On the second listen, it's absolutely amazing. By the third listen, it's one of my favorite albums.
  68. JaycobT
    Apr 23, 2007
    10
    Listened to the whole thing through about three times now and I'm floored. Not really a low point on the album, every song has its appeal. The strongest songs, in my opinion, were Dashboard, Motel and Spitting Venom. Regardless, they were all amazing :)
  69. JohnnyD
    Apr 26, 2007
    10
    Great record. There's so many hooks on this album, every track sounds like it could be a single.
  70. gokhank.
    Jun 24, 2007
    10
    exclusive
  71. aSsh0le
    Dec 19, 2010
    10
    Very good album but to me Good News for People Who Love Bad News was better, although Little motel is one of their best songs IMO. I wish Autumn beds was released in this album.
  72. JoaoRodarte
    Nov 3, 2011
    10
    This album contains, in its tracklist (14 songs), 4 of my favorite songs and a couple of more awesome songs that everybody should listen to.

    I highly recommend this for anyone who likes to mix songs with feelings.
  73. Scratch
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    It honestly is, to me, the perfect musical experience. It has a theme, it takes you on a grand adventure, it is musically astonishing by being both catchy and having depth, and it's just plain fun. There is no lack of Isaac Brock's style here; it is Modest Mouse through and through, and it doesn't get better than this.
  74. DotComGaming
    Oct 25, 2018
    10
    The greatest MM album I've heard. It has the best songs, with a lot of variety. i could listen to this album for 10000000 eons and never be bored of it. This album gets me pumped and happy and relaxed... this is the best album I've ever listened to.
  75. JeffV
    Mar 19, 2007
    9
    Yeah, it doesn't sound like Lonesome Crowded West, but that came out ten years ago. I've listened to WWDBTSES a lot in the past month. It seems to be a mix or GNFPWLBN and tM&A. There are a couple really catchy songs that you'll probably be hearing a lot on your college radio station, just like the last two albums. There are few of the bipolar songs that sound more like a Yeah, it doesn't sound like Lonesome Crowded West, but that came out ten years ago. I've listened to WWDBTSES a lot in the past month. It seems to be a mix or GNFPWLBN and tM&A. There are a couple really catchy songs that you'll probably be hearing a lot on your college radio station, just like the last two albums. There are few of the bipolar songs that sound more like a medly of two songs than one unified track, but they are also some of the best tracks on the album. The presence of Marr is felt, but doesn't distract. I was kinda disappointed by their last album, so I was skeptical. I'm glad I was proven wrong. This is right up there with LCW and tM&A. It will be on lots of top ten lists in December.… Expand
  76. SeanC
    Jun 20, 2007
    9
    I loved it. At first I felt it was a little..... easier than the other albums Mouse has done, as Good News for People Who Love Bad News was. After giving it a week or two it found it's way back on my playlist, again, just like Good News.
  77. AndrewK
    Mar 2, 2007
    9
    March Into The Sea: 9.0 Dashboard: 8.0 Parting of The Sensory: 10. (Very diverse.) Florida: 7.0 (Meh.) Fire It Up: 8.5 Missed The Boat: 10 (Very fun.) We've Got Everything: 7.0. (Meh.) Little Motel: 10 (Relaxing and calm.) Fly Trapped In A Jar: Unconfirmed. Education: 9.0 Steam Engenius: 8.0 Spitting Venom: Unconfirmed. People As Places As People: 8.5 Invisible: 10 (Great ending.)
  78. ClaytonS
    Mar 30, 2007
    9
    Another great Modest Mouse album!
  79. KevinD
    Apr 18, 2007
    9
    Too many people today say that Modest Mouse has changed for the worse. This is of course not true. They have been inconsistant with the way the sound from the start. Play "The Moon and Antarctica" and then "The Lonesome Crowded West" and you'll notice big differences. Hell the only two things they have been consistant at are; being inconsistant and and quality. Each of their albums Too many people today say that Modest Mouse has changed for the worse. This is of course not true. They have been inconsistant with the way the sound from the start. Play "The Moon and Antarctica" and then "The Lonesome Crowded West" and you'll notice big differences. Hell the only two things they have been consistant at are; being inconsistant and and quality. Each of their albums have ranged from good to great, this album is of no exception. While it has some flaws and probably doesn't deserve the "9" I gave it, plenty of the songs such as, "Missed the Boat", "Spitting Venom", "Florida", and "March into the Sea" are amaing. Pick this up if you are a fan of Alternative Rock.… Expand
  80. MatthewB
    Apr 5, 2007
    9
    A great addition to the MM discography. It's not as drawn out and soloish as other earlier records were, which I felt they were trying to do. The songs such as "Florida," "Dashboard," and "We've Got Everything" have great crossover appeal and are very enjoyable. It's not a "Lonesome Crowded West" but it's definitely an improvement over "Good News," just not as introverted.
  81. TBone
    Apr 9, 2007
    9
    This site baffles me. What do Yoko Ono and Modest Mouse have in common? They both scored 76 from the critics. Ok the metascore is retarded. If MM gets a 76, then Yoko gets a 3, and yes I listened to it. Then you look at last year's top 30. this album is better than Bob Dylan, Tv On the Radio, Tom waits and the Ali Farka Toure. That's not even questionable. Listen to Dashboard or This site baffles me. What do Yoko Ono and Modest Mouse have in common? They both scored 76 from the critics. Ok the metascore is retarded. If MM gets a 76, then Yoko gets a 3, and yes I listened to it. Then you look at last year's top 30. this album is better than Bob Dylan, Tv On the Radio, Tom waits and the Ali Farka Toure. That's not even questionable. Listen to Dashboard or Fly Trapped and you decide. FYI to find good music on this site, look for stuff in the 70's, maybe low 80's or high 60's.… Expand
  82. DylanS
    May 30, 2007
    9
    Another quality release from Modest Mouse. A nice mix of the Good News and Moon and Antartica sound to create the second best release of their career and one of this years best. Don't be afraid of the accesibility of their sound, it's still Modest Mouse, just with exceptional song structure + Johnny Marr was a great addition.
  83. DanL
    Jun 19, 2007
    9
    Another truly great album from a very talented band. Nothing reaches the mainstream appeal of "Float On" from Good News, but that's not a bad thing. Modest Mouse seem to be revisiting their roots with this album, which is nearly as accomplished as their best album (in my opinion), 2000's The Moon & Antarctica. Brock's songwriting is at its best on "Dashboard," "Parting of Another truly great album from a very talented band. Nothing reaches the mainstream appeal of "Float On" from Good News, but that's not a bad thing. Modest Mouse seem to be revisiting their roots with this album, which is nearly as accomplished as their best album (in my opinion), 2000's The Moon & Antarctica. Brock's songwriting is at its best on "Dashboard," "Parting of the Sensory" and "Missed the Boat." We Were Dead... is at times carefree, and emotionally charged at others. It's right up there with the best Indie records of recent years.… Expand
  84. RossP.
    Jan 14, 2008
    9
    well gee, an album that is too long? omg, thats the worst complaint about an album i could ever conceive! those people must be sacked. ok i have to say this isn't an album of epic tracks, it is an epic album, the title completely suits the lyrical context. I have never chose to listen to one song of this album by itself, always the album as a whole and thats where my joy lies. The well gee, an album that is too long? omg, thats the worst complaint about an album i could ever conceive! those people must be sacked. ok i have to say this isn't an album of epic tracks, it is an epic album, the title completely suits the lyrical context. I have never chose to listen to one song of this album by itself, always the album as a whole and thats where my joy lies. The emotion swells, alas depressing sentimental misgivings is not something i ever dwell on, but in such a poetic delivery, with so much heart, deserves a nod of respect. Something that deserves at least 3 listens thru, and from there you will want to listen again and again.… Expand
  85. JohnS
    Feb 16, 2007
    9
    solid album
  86. MermaidOnland
    Feb 22, 2007
    9
    An amazing effort at points. A few weaker spots, but otherwise consistently inventive, clever, and rocking. Ranks up there with their best work, if not their absolute best at certain moments (Parting of the Sensory, Little Motel, Spitting Venom).
  87. CalebR
    Feb 25, 2007
    9
    Almost as good as Lonesome Crowded West. Rocking. New. Excellent. Johnny Marr brings the funk, Isaac Brock continues the insanity. A collection of well-executed pop songs.
  88. PhilipM
    Mar 18, 2007
    9
    I'd give it a ten but it's not 1996 anymore. These guys rock but don't knock me on my ass, which isn't a bad thing. I have to believe that now that they're getting rich that this might be their apex, hopefully not, They're great chill music especially with your sister. YOUR sister not mine.
  89. MattM.
    Mar 19, 2007
    9
    Simply awesome. Isaac's vocals are weirder than ever, and the songs are damn catchy. Favorites: "March Into the Sea", "Florida", "Fly Trapped In A Jar". Least Favorites: "Fire it Up", "Little Motel".
  90. EronL
    Mar 19, 2007
    9
    Modest Mouse doesn't sell out or change it's sound significantly for the mainstream. Johnny Marr's influence is evident throughout, but Isaac Brock is still Isaac Brock. He sings, yelps, growls, and talks his way through a very enjoyable album. It isn't The Moon and Antartica (which if you don't own, you should have rushed out to the store to buy 5 minutes ago), Modest Mouse doesn't sell out or change it's sound significantly for the mainstream. Johnny Marr's influence is evident throughout, but Isaac Brock is still Isaac Brock. He sings, yelps, growls, and talks his way through a very enjoyable album. It isn't The Moon and Antartica (which if you don't own, you should have rushed out to the store to buy 5 minutes ago), but it is a better overall album then Good News.… Expand
  91. simonl
    Mar 23, 2007
    9
    It feels like Pavement and Nick Cave with some 80's pop. I love Parting of the Sensory, if you like that too check for Pig Lib.
  92. DanielV
    Mar 25, 2007
    9
    Their best record besides Moon and Antarctica. I feel this record is suceeding at what "Good News" tried to do. It's enjoyable from start to finish. Perhaps a track or two too long, but that's of no consequence. Sailing up as my candidate for record of the year.
  93. MikeF
    Mar 29, 2007
    9
    As a mouse fan since the Ugly Casanova days,i gotta give this one a 9,surely a step up from "good news" not my fav album by far,but nor was "moon and antarctica"which most of you claimed as your fav,and that being said,i think you should go check out the older stuff,which "we were dead" has def taken a turn toward,and that makes me happy :-)
  94. Stereoxide
    Apr 11, 2007
    9
    I dont know whats wrong with people but MM hasnt lost their touch. Yes theyre more hopeful now than their past albums but whats wrong with that? I think Brock is still as sharp as a knife and his lyrics are still as raw and powerful as the first time he started. The music has also progressed.
  95. EdS
    Apr 22, 2007
    9
    This albumn is phenomenal. It is one of those gems that gets better with every listen. Some reviewers stating that it's a bit of a sellout, but I find all of the elements that make Modest Mouse who they are in this albumn - the exception is that it is much more palatable for the for the average fan.
  96. GregS
    May 7, 2007
    9
    I'm disgusted that Marr is referred to as a, "Hook specialist," by the Village voice. Rating this album 60 out of 100 clearly shows some hostility as the Village voice is normally unbiased. My hat goes off to Brock and Marr for putting this album together without expectation. They relied on their talent and intuited their fans would appreciate their music. I enjoy most songs to the I'm disgusted that Marr is referred to as a, "Hook specialist," by the Village voice. Rating this album 60 out of 100 clearly shows some hostility as the Village voice is normally unbiased. My hat goes off to Brock and Marr for putting this album together without expectation. They relied on their talent and intuited their fans would appreciate their music. I enjoy most songs to the point of feeling included on their journey of the human experience. Sometimes assault is the only way to get a point accross.… Expand
  97. G_do
    Dec 29, 2007
    9
    I expected some more Johnny Marr signature in the guitar sound, but it's a great record. Everything sounds so fresh and lively. Not all songs are really great and I think it was even better when 2 or 3 tracks were not included , but the finest moments are simply damn brilliant.
  98. kendallj
    Feb 16, 2007
    9
    modest is pure bliss.
  99. MalcolmP
    Mar 17, 2007
    9
    Sublime - what a year for indie!
  100. JtothaAA
    Mar 19, 2007
    9
    A fantastically guitar driven album, that sums up their entire career. Supurbly catchy and complicated at the same time. A must own for all rock fans.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2007
56
#56 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Blender
    90
    Is there another "Float On"? It scarcely matters: 10 years into their career, Modest Mouse have stumbled into their best album yet. [Mar 2007, p.137]
  2. Under The Radar
    90
    Not just an album that revisits the dancey guitar-pop that made "Float On" an unlikely #1 hit, but sharpens and emboldens it for their most accessible album to date. [#16, p.93]
  3. Rolling Stone
    70
    Like everything the band has released since signing with Epic in the teeth of a millennial panic, it's louder and somewhat less twisty than the group's indie output.
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