Winning Days
by The Vines
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Mar 23, 2004
Metascore
50

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 23
  3. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. Billboard
    80
    A diverse and highly enjoyable ride.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    It's Winning Days softer songs that bubble up to replay themselves in your head. [26 Mar 2004, p.71]
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  3. Blender
    70
    There's something about the precision of the gear changes and the crisp efficiency of Rob Schnapf's production that hits the spot, however derivatively. [Apr 2004, p.134]
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  5. Rolling Stone
    70
    Winning Days is a noisy triumph -- as good as their 2002 debut, Highly Evolved, and in some ways a leap forward in style and frenzy.
  6. E! Online
    67
    This album tends to lean more toward the psychedelic ballads, which slows down the action a little too much.
  7. Filter
    66
    The formula seems tired, or at least stretched too thin to be effective. [#9, p.101]
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  8. Los Angeles Times
    63
    This anonymous tone leaves an emotional void at the center of the album.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed Album of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 56
  3. Negative: 8 out of 56
  1. GrilledCheese38
    Apr 3, 2019
    8
    Would have to be ones of the most underrated albums of the 2000's. Some songs could have been improved but still a great record nonetheless.Would have to be ones of the most underrated albums of the 2000's. Some songs could have been improved but still a great record nonetheless. Favourite tracks are Autumn Shade II, Evil Town and TV Pro.… Full Review »
  2. Alkie
    Jun 7, 2011
    8
    One of the most underrated rock albums of the generation, Winning Days should have been the record that installed The Vines as one theOne of the most underrated rock albums of the generation, Winning Days should have been the record that installed The Vines as one the definitive rock bands of the 2000's.

    Sadly the victim of unfounded press backlash, The Vines suffered at the very hands of those who had fostered the hype surrounding their debut effort "Highly Evolved".

    Admittedly, Winning Days never reaches the level of brilliance seen in Highly Evolved (tracks like "Evil Town" are bordering on abysmal) but it is still an outstanding album in its own right - featuring sweet melodic perfection in softer tracks like "Rainfall", "Amnesia" and "Sun Child". The title track "Winning Days" finishes with an uplifting flourish unmatched by any of their previous recordings, and songs like "Animal Machine" and the crowd (and advertising) favourite "Ride" retain the high energy rock edge that gave The Vines their initial reputation, lending themselves brilliantly to live performance.

    The problem I saw with this album's initial reception, is that most media critics were looking for an album stacked with 12 versions of Get Free, Outtathaway and Ride - often describing Winning Days as "bland". In this ignorant and oblivious process, they missed out on the genius within this album of melodic accomplishment.

    A great album overall.    … Full Review »
  3. YanG.
    Apr 29, 2008
    9
    Winning Days is The Vines best album- it has both slow, quiet and lyrical songs like Winning Days or Amnesia and fast rythemed rock songs Winning Days is The Vines best album- it has both slow, quiet and lyrical songs like Winning Days or Amnesia and fast rythemed rock songs like Ride or Animal Machine, both of them are familiar to every ear. All in all, this album presents us with 40 minutes of good music for all moods. Highly recommended.… Full Review »
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