Zeitgeist
by The Smashing Pumpkins
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 29
  3. Negative: 4 out of 29
  1. Amazon.com
    80
    Overall, Corgan's captivating effort to mine both the spirit of these turbulent times and the soul of his defining band is a smashing success.
  2. PopMatters
    80
    The sort of vocal layering Freddy Mercury would be proud of, chord progressions that convey triumph as often as they do disenchantment, and the use of marimbas and orchestras (and is that a gong in “Pomp and Circumstance”?) all indicate a willingness to go beyond the formula even as they spend most of their time sticking to it like glue.
  3. Village Voice
    80
    Thanks in part to the presence of Pantera producer Terry Date, this is the Pumpkins' hardest-rocking record ever.
  5. Uncut
    80
    Zeitgeist comes on with a vicious energy, a jugular-grabbing intensity.
  6. Rolling Stone
    80
    The best thing about Zeitgeist is that Corgan is back to what he does best: hard-rock architecture.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    If you're nostalgic for the '90s, Zeitgeist is like curling up with a warm Marshall stack.
  8. Sputnikmusic
    70
    While not enough to stand among the best the Pumpkins have to offer, Zeigeist nonetheless stands fairly well on it's own
  9. The New York Times
    70
    The album is surprisingly effective in musical terms: drone-laden and distortion-jacked, it sounds about as tough as anything this band has produced.
  10. Spin
    70
    In the end, this is a loud, almost triumphant statement .

Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 306 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 234 out of 306
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 306
  3. Negative: 34 out of 306
  1. robg.
    Jul 16, 2007
    9
    As a fan since 1994, i'm thoroughly happy. The band is growing and evolving unlike the majority of their peers. Still able to create As a fan since 1994, i'm thoroughly happy. The band is growing and evolving unlike the majority of their peers. Still able to create albums unique from the others that are prevalent and relevant… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    May 15, 2012
    8
    The first post Smashing Pumpkins, Smashing Pumpkins album. This got a very lukewarm reaction from both critics and fans but I think it's aThe first post Smashing Pumpkins, Smashing Pumpkins album. This got a very lukewarm reaction from both critics and fans but I think it's a really strong album. For me it's the 5th most enjoyable SP record but I would class the 4 I rate above it as some of the greatest rock albums of all time. Yes it's self-indulgent in parts and the production definitely leaves something to be desired. There are a few ordinary (Neverlost and Pomp and Circumstances spring to mind immediately) tracks on here that fail to add any value to the album but when you get down to it, more than half of the songs on the record are excellent. The musicianmanship from Corgan and Chamberlain is outstanding. There are a couple of tracks that came out as after Zeitgeist but around the same time that could have replaced the weaker tracks and pushed this record up a notch. Will be interesting to see what it's follow up Oceania will be like due out this year. Especially without the drum sound of Jimmy Chamberlain.… Full Review »
  3. spacecadet
    Jun 6, 2011
    5
    good enough album... doesnt reach the levels of smashing pumpkins... not even the same ball park... it sounds like a better zwan album...good enough album... doesnt reach the levels of smashing pumpkins... not even the same ball park... it sounds like a better zwan album... where is all the shoegazing? the loads of guitars? the sweet innocent lyrics? the whispering lulluby voice? or for that matter - the screeching voice (rat tat tat.... kaaaabooom!)
    this is not the smashing pumpkins... it's a good band.. but not as good as the smashing pumpkins.
    after all that is said... i like it.. it's nice.. but ill take any other smashing album any time    … Full Review »
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