User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 80
  2. Negative: 7 out of 80

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  1. Feb 2, 2011
    10
    One of the most inexplicably panned records (by critics not fans) I can remember. Worlds Apart is not perfect but it is a fantastic follow up to the greatest record they could make (Source Codes...). There are a handful of songs that are absolute classics (Caterwaul, Let It Dive, Rest Will Follow, A Classic Arts Showcase) and while the back end tails off in a different direction it isOne of the most inexplicably panned records (by critics not fans) I can remember. Worlds Apart is not perfect but it is a fantastic follow up to the greatest record they could make (Source Codes...). There are a handful of songs that are absolute classics (Caterwaul, Let It Dive, Rest Will Follow, A Classic Arts Showcase) and while the back end tails off in a different direction it is still majestic and arranged beautifully. I'll never understand what these guys did to turn off all of the hipster blogs that have been panning them ever since this album was released but they deserve better. And if you don't believe me go to a live show and experience their music the way it was meant to be: loud, raw and tightly wound. Expand
  2. Oct 19, 2010
    10
    Nice piece of work. I don't want to write a review that would mean that I would have to listen to it right now, I do not want to right now, but this is still a 10 love it. Is that enough characters now,
  3. CaseyP
    Apr 7, 2009
    10
    I was amazingly surprised at the overall negativity of the professional criticism. There's always the question of personal taste, so it makes no difference to me. I found this album beautifully fulfilling. It's epic and wide scope sweeps over me every time I listen to it. Each and every song finds it's own place on this album, each and every song destroying the I was amazingly surprised at the overall negativity of the professional criticism. There's always the question of personal taste, so it makes no difference to me. I found this album beautifully fulfilling. It's epic and wide scope sweeps over me every time I listen to it. Each and every song finds it's own place on this album, each and every song destroying the preconception made by the previous. Overall, the album is amazing, and contnues to make me listen over and over. Expand
  4. DavidF
    Dec 5, 2007
    8
    The fact that Neil left the band was a really bad sign, and it shows. Jason barely has any songs either. Who does Conrad think he is? Billy Corgan? All that said, the record is not THAT bad. There are some good songs, but I grew tired after repeated listens.
  5. kevink
    Jan 9, 2007
    9
    I was surprised this got much lower reviews than Source Tags. This album has more energy and is to me an easier listen. The second track, which truly starts the album, just comes at you with such intensity and power. 'And The Rest Will Follow' is such an epic battle-sounding song, if that makes any sense. I just love it and I love the energy this band has. Wish I could see them I was surprised this got much lower reviews than Source Tags. This album has more energy and is to me an easier listen. The second track, which truly starts the album, just comes at you with such intensity and power. 'And The Rest Will Follow' is such an epic battle-sounding song, if that makes any sense. I just love it and I love the energy this band has. Wish I could see them live. Bravo Expand
  6. CristovaoA
    Nov 14, 2006
    9
    Quite simply, this album is fantastic!
  7. VictorP
    Sep 27, 2006
    8
    Despite numerous slanderous reviews that call for the collective heads of all members of the trail of dead, this album actually is quite a good listen and is one that grows on you the more you play it. If you're a fan of the trail of dead, definitely take the time to listen and appreciate Worlds Apart taking it only for what it is, a change of direction.
  8. languid
    Sep 24, 2005
    9
    Overall solid album that has become better with some time and further listening. As can be gleamed from other reviews, not the instant gratification that was source tags. This one is more thoughtful and wandering and less explosive. Having seen this band live after both albums, one can see that a line up change and time has shifted the band away from a shared ferocity to a more cerebral Overall solid album that has become better with some time and further listening. As can be gleamed from other reviews, not the instant gratification that was source tags. This one is more thoughtful and wandering and less explosive. Having seen this band live after both albums, one can see that a line up change and time has shifted the band away from a shared ferocity to a more cerebral and selective front man showing. Expand
  9. brads
    Jul 24, 2005
    9
    Despite largely negative reviews I thouroughly enjoyed this album. It was varied unique and strong from beggining to end. Granted it is certainly a departure from their far more well received source tags and codes, however after listening to both Iam still of the belief that this is the superior album. This seems another occassion of wannabe fans and critics who cant decide whats unique Despite largely negative reviews I thouroughly enjoyed this album. It was varied unique and strong from beggining to end. Granted it is certainly a departure from their far more well received source tags and codes, however after listening to both Iam still of the belief that this is the superior album. This seems another occassion of wannabe fans and critics who cant decide whats unique and whats too abstract or whats redundant and whats paying homage to a genre. In the end substance should prevail over style, and while this is likely not the greatest album you will ever hear it is still worth litening too. Expand
  10. Josh
    Jun 25, 2005
    10
    Maybe their best work
  11. KyleA
    May 30, 2005
    9
    If Source Tags was an accidental rock epic, Worlds Apart is the purposeful one. Is it the lesser album? For this reason, somewhat. Are the songs just as fantastic? Absolutely. "The Rest Will Follow" and "Let It Dive" can rank with "How Near, How Far" and "Relative Ways" any day.
  12. cs
    May 26, 2005
    7
    Not as sorry as others would have you believe, but truly falls 2nd to Source Tags & Codes. I have the distinct impression that this band is disillusioned and sabatoging the more obvious formula for stardom. This is may not be a bad choice. The album is rich, engaging, cohesive and has a message: Intellect above emo.
  13. JohnR
    Apr 6, 2005
    5
    NME nailed this one- 'Worlds Apart' reads like a suicide note of a band that's tried to intellectualise its place in the canon of Western music and, in doing so, recognised its own irrelevance.' How a band that seemingly understood pure emotion like no other (Source Tags feels so far away) overeach this badly is beyond me. There's a few good areas, but... ugh.
  14. Mark
    Apr 5, 2005
    4
    Loved ST&C but this is a very disappointing release. Sounds like they tried half-heartedly to grow since ST&C but after 3 years you'd think if they were actually any good they would put something more accomplished than this out.
  15. JayW
    Apr 3, 2005
    8
    Very nicely done! Combines the trademark jaggedness alongside a strange concept album meets broadway feel. Check it out!
  16. JRossi
    Apr 1, 2005
    5
    A huge disappointment considering TOD's other albums. Unfocused, half-realized, a black mark on the band.
  17. [Anonymous]
    Mar 31, 2005
    4
    Yuck... I'm all for sonic expansion, but these guys should've just stuck to their old formula. If you don't own Source Tags & Codes, buy that. If you do, listen to it again. Don't bother with this MTV-ready mediocrity.
  18. Eric
    Mar 28, 2005
    3
    Feh, a huge sprawling mess, short on great songs, long on useless pomp and pretense. A failure and a disappointment. Watch the included DVD and you'll understand why: This band has fallen in love with itself.
  19. kristof
    Mar 24, 2005
    10
    awesome.....
  20. declanm
    Mar 24, 2005
    8
    i havent heard any other of there music but was impressed with the album as i found it refreshing and am a little surprised with some of the bad press recieved at the end of the day its a feel good rock album period
  21. StuW
    Mar 24, 2005
    9
    I suspect the people who hated this album gave up on it too soon. This is my favorite album of the year so far. It's my first Trail of Dead album and although initial highlights 'Worlds Apart, 'Rest Will Follow'' and 'Caterwaul' may seem like all the album has to offer, the latter, plodding tracks, given chance to grow, are just as powerful in their own I suspect the people who hated this album gave up on it too soon. This is my favorite album of the year so far. It's my first Trail of Dead album and although initial highlights 'Worlds Apart, 'Rest Will Follow'' and 'Caterwaul' may seem like all the album has to offer, the latter, plodding tracks, given chance to grow, are just as powerful in their own right. A great album. Expand
  22. NAXOS.A.
    Mar 21, 2005
    10
    It's so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  23. BenM
    Mar 20, 2005
    10
    A thoroughly excellent album.
  24. neillm
    Mar 17, 2005
    0
    Tha album is disappointingly average and deserves 0 for the cover alone. Disgusting
  25. BryanM
    Mar 15, 2005
    9
    "Worlds Apart" showcases a wonderful sound Trail of Dead has grown into. Every track on the album is magnificent and helps create the amazing album that it truly is. My favorite tracks include "Will You Smile Again?", "Worlds Apart", "The Summer of '91", and "All White".
  26. PaulW
    Mar 12, 2005
    10
    It's an amazing record. So powerful but also sweet...
  27. TommyH
    Feb 22, 2005
    10
    Worlds Apart is so much better then any of there other albumbs, Very Good
  28. RyanC
    Feb 22, 2005
    5
    A loud collapsing mistake. You have to admire the ambition here, but it is wholly overblown. Source Tags seems far away shamefully. Still they remain a tight and increasingly soulful band, just one without quality control
  29. NewFan
    Feb 19, 2005
    10
    GREAT. Much different than Source Tags. This album reinstated my confidence that music is still alive - even on a major label.
  30. AndyK
    Feb 19, 2005
    5
    Maybe I had my expectations too high after seeing a lot of these songs live. Maybe its because they sound good bookended by better matieral from Madonna and Source Tags. Either way, the good about equals the bad.
  31. JarkkoS
    Feb 16, 2005
    9
    Very, very good rock album
  32. ChrisS.
    Feb 14, 2005
    5
    Honestly, quite mediocre, especially considering the band who made it.
  33. rickcoe
    Feb 14, 2005
    9
    one of the best albums i've heard in ages , anyone who has given it a bad review just hasnt heard it enough. Each song has it's own sound from punk angst and chill out pink floyd/ beatles sounds.
  34. suitablyunimpressed
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    This masterpiece shows the band maturing and congealing. Their song writing and power has risen to a rare level, a cat. 5 rock-n-roll band that has put out the best album of the year so far.
  35. andrewr
    Feb 11, 2005
    3
    worlds apart is completely different from source tags and codes. the problem is that its also mostly bad. caterwaul stands out as the only song to really embrace the good finishing stylez of stac and is actually a good song. the rest arent,
  36. jasonf
    Feb 9, 2005
    9
    fucking rocks new good sound
  37. ChrisM
    Feb 9, 2005
    8
    Though not as structurally sound as "Source Tags", "Worlds Apart" makes up for its lack of cohesion in its constant striving for new sounds and forms, from surging orchestral epics to wistful indie to visceral rock. A must have.
  38. WillH
    Feb 7, 2005
    8
    If you are looking for a repeat of "Source Tags" you are in the wrong place....This is a mature progression for the band and is an epic work.
  39. joris
    Feb 6, 2005
    10
    One word: woooooooooow Source tags and Codes was good, but is musically not much compared to this masterpiece... just listen to Cauterwaul or To Russia My Homeland 11/10
  40. CharlieM
    Feb 2, 2005
    10
    At first I did not like it as well as the last album. But, after repeated listenings, I've discovered that it's possibly even better. It's very nuanced. The Onion's review I think sums it up best. Even the most mainstream-sounding songs (ie the single) have lyrics that probably make them less radio-friendly.
  41. StephenB
    Feb 2, 2005
    5
    Disappointing album. Only a couple of songs are really at the level we expect out of AYWKUBTTOD. The album as a whole lacks the level of intensity of their last one. Plus there are a couple truly AWFUL moments on here ('The Best' starts off good, then goes into the crapper with an embarrassing final chorus). There's nothing wrong with venturing into new sonic territory, but Disappointing album. Only a couple of songs are really at the level we expect out of AYWKUBTTOD. The album as a whole lacks the level of intensity of their last one. Plus there are a couple truly AWFUL moments on here ('The Best' starts off good, then goes into the crapper with an embarrassing final chorus). There's nothing wrong with venturing into new sonic territory, but too many of their experiments fail to match the quality and energy of their previous albums. Not a total waste of time, but more is expected from these guys. Expand
  42. JeffH
    Feb 2, 2005
    9
    Great stuff from a great band. Instead of burying vocals now there on top, instead of burying the melodies now there on top. In a way, it's Source Tag's & Codes turned inside out or in reverse. When you think of it that way, it's a mini stroke of genius.
  43. NickV
    Feb 1, 2005
    9
    Let's be clear about this, Trail Of Dead's started good, got better with Madonna and found perfection with Source Tags. Yeah, they could have made another Source Tags, but instead opted to give us a new sound that brings together the best of classic rock, indie, noise, and classical to create the most inspirational albums in a long while. And if you think they lost their edge, Let's be clear about this, Trail Of Dead's started good, got better with Madonna and found perfection with Source Tags. Yeah, they could have made another Source Tags, but instead opted to give us a new sound that brings together the best of classic rock, indie, noise, and classical to create the most inspirational albums in a long while. And if you think they lost their edge, just go see them live, they're still destructive maniacs. Expand
  44. AndrewJ
    Feb 1, 2005
    9
    one of the first great albums of 2005
  45. JoanneB
    Jan 29, 2005
    10
    Listening to World's Apart (the song) for the first time was a revelation comparable to hearing Float On (Modest Mouse) or All These Things That I Have Done (Killers) or Bleeding Powers (Ted Leo) initially - there is an immediate, visceral response to the presence of real genius.
  46. AwenL
    Jan 29, 2005
    8
    A bit heteroclite: seems torned between an old and a new(?) Trail of Dead. Felt a bit disappointed after the first listening, mainly/only because it's 'different' from the 2 lasts albums, but the fourth or fitfh session convinces me (they're honest, they're good). And it's in loop now.
  47. KyleK
    Jan 28, 2005
    0
    They can't do anything right
  48. DavidS
    Jan 25, 2005
    9
    Another great effort from one of the truly great bands of our time. While not quite as astounding as Source Tags & Codes (but come on now, what is really?), Worlds Aparts is quite an achievement in and of itself. Check out the middle-section of "Classic Art Showcase" to understand what I mean.
  49. Dianarchy
    Jan 25, 2005
    10
    This is the best TOD album to date. I had tears in my eyes listening to this. Such raw, real emotion. I love you guys.
  50. BrianM
    Jan 25, 2005
    3
    So let me get this straight: the Trail of Dead release a monster epic and then proceed to release the worst followup in the history of albums? After listening to this CD, I just feel like the band doesn't care anymore. So why should I?
  51. CarlW
    Jan 25, 2005
    3
    Sounds like a completely different band. It's not hard to tell that some studio guy is playing the drums this time. In fact, the whole album fits the stereotype of a band trying to clean up their sound in order to get on the radio or something. Basically, it's an album of boring, generic alt-rock.
  52. EdwardM
    Jan 25, 2005
    10
    Brilliant change for an underrated band deserving of big success.
  53. TimD
    Jan 25, 2005
    1
    Trail of dead have released the biggest artistic failure of the year (we can only hope). Let us cry for the death of a truly monsterous band.
  54. JackP
    Jan 21, 2005
    9
    This band is the one. Not once have I ever skipped a track of any of their records. Yes, the sound is different, but the name still fits. Worlds apart is truely epic. I saw them in DC. Go to a live show. If you survive you will be bragging to all your friends.
  55. GöstaJ
    Jan 21, 2005
    9
    My god! This album is sooooo good! At least the first 5 songs. The best part is when he says "Fuck you man!" to the happy children.
  56. matto
    Jan 20, 2005
    7
    Though this isnt as good as Source Tags & Codes and at first listen i thought it was terrible it does grow on you a little bit, nonetheless though it still isnt a master piece or that good of a CD in general.
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 32
  2. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. Alternative Press
    60
    The least pretentious--and most accessible--thing AYWKUBTTOD have ever released. That's probably because it sounds a lot like your record collection. [Feb 2005, p.92]
  2. Filter
    92
    This is the best album Trail of Dead has ever made. [#13, p.94]
  3. Simply put, 'Worlds Apart' is a delicately violent piece of art.