With The Lights Out
by Nirvana
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Nov 23, 2004
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Stylus Magazine
    60
    There isn’t a doubt in anyone’s mind that this collection plays it way too safe to satisfy the über-devoted.
  2. Mojo
    60
    Not the Holy Grail that was promised... But considering what material is present, the set plays like a fairly compelling musical narrative. [Dec 2004, p.120]
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  3. Paste Magazine
    60
    So by all means pick up With the Lights Out, but go ahead and trash the curiously un-Nirvana-like packaging, discard the heat-sensitive (!) box, pitch the liner notes, maybe even throw away the DVD.
  5. PopMatters
    50
    The majority of the material presented here will appeal only to a select group of hardcore fans, music historians and critics.
  6. Alternative Press
    40
    The Nirvana box set isn't the Holy Grail. The Nirvana box set isn't even Incesticide. [Jan 2005, p.105]
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  7. Drawer B
    40
    This collection is the antithesis of anything Kurt Cobain would have authorized, right down to the shiny metal packaging.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2004
46
#46 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 87 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 87
  3. Negative: 12 out of 87
  1. FirstNameLastName
    Nov 5, 2006
    8
    The greatest comfort of Nirvana is that the music is so uncomfortable.
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 6, 2022
    5
    If you are a fan this is considerably essential listening. So many fun interesting moments are on here at varying degrees of execution andIf you are a fan this is considerably essential listening. So many fun interesting moments are on here at varying degrees of execution and seemingly glimpse of brilliance and angst. Nirvana demos are endlessly enjoyable and previously unreleased jams such as Sappy or Even in his youth stand as a testament to the nearly boundless talent they had… Full Review »
  3. Nermesiz
    Jul 2, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. It Is good but there are just demo and live songs. I know this is an 2004 album after Kurt died but still it s not so good… Full Review »
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