• Record Label: MCA
  • Release Date: Sep 11, 2001
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Wonderland takes the sound of that last album and pumps it full of the energy that dripped from the band's previous releases, resulting in a record that can oddly be both fragile, danceable, and anthemic all at the same time.
  2. Mojo
    80
    A transformation beyond all recognition. [Sep 2001, p.114]
  3. An effortless melding of Stones and Family Stone, Curtis Mayfield and computers, all topped off with Tim Burgess's fetching new falsetto.... With every track a winner, Wonderland is a truly thing of wonder.
  4. They have a new sound, a warm, lush and funky noise powered by producer Danny Sabre's sympathetic programming alongside Tony Rogers's bold keyboards, and they've created a great party record with it.
  5. 'Wonderland' is magnificent. An album full of cracking tunes, potential singles and a new found lust for life from one of the best bands of the last ten years.
  6. Wonderland is perhaps the biggest departure from their baggy roots they’ve taken thus far, but remains totally identifiable as their work.
  7. They've managed to produce a seventh album that's the equal of their baggy debut.
  8. Wonderland is the sound of a band embracing and then discarding its past in order to forge ahead into a new tomorrow.... Undoubtedly one of the group's finest recorded moments.
  9. It rocks less but parties harder than 1997's Tellin' Stories.
  10. While the result is hit-or-miss, the Charlatans manage to hit much more than they miss.
  11. Twelve songs of quality, with an impeccable overall arrangement.
  12. The band’s finest release by far, it’s a swaggering, head-long dive into funk, rhythm and blues, gospel, roots rock and roll, and disco but with a very sleek modern edge.
  13. 80
    Bold forays into gospel, R&B and even a little soul (complete with ooh-oohing singers backing Burgess) display a far reaching confidence that rises as the album reveals itself to be not only something swimming in classic influences, but also a path-carving groove maker that falls in line with the likes of Stereo MCs and Jamiroquai.
  14. Wonderland is a modern pop classic that combines all the best things about this band, spikes the mix with ace tunes, and keeps the concoction coming.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Millard.
    Jul 29, 2002
    10
    The Charlatans find new focus and execute brilliantly on this album.
  2. jussyjoe
    Dec 2, 2001
    9
    'kin brilliant ,the guy who called it a mess needs his ears checked.
  3. AlejandroB.
    Oct 31, 2001
    8
    Great improvement