Zeitgeist
by The Smashing Pumpkins
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

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  1. SethE
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    This ablum stands alone as some of the best work TSP has done yet todate, I hope there is more to come :)
  2. scottw
    Aug 15, 2007
    7
    Fun, heavey, fast and very smashing. If your a fane of the old stuff, you are bound to injoy this album.
  3. Arin
    Aug 24, 2007
    5
    Honestly, this album would be a terrific freshman release. Feels deflated and humdrum, compared to the songwriting brilliance and dynamic brilliance of Dream and even Melloncollie... Very much feels like SP, but without the 'fist in the air' 'careening off the road' adolescence that made the older stuff so much better. It's just ok.
  4. CallumR.
    Aug 28, 2007
    10
    They are back and its great to have them! Bleeding The Orchid should change anyones mind who has written them off due to the line up!
  5. LukeN
    Aug 9, 2007
    9
    Most of you guys and the critics are being way harsh on this album. I personaly think it's amazing and a major kick in the butt to all other bands our right now trying to make good rock music. Billy has come back and showed them how it's done. Serously, in the song Tarantula, when he breaks out with those crazy guitar sounds before it slows up for a bit, that is real rock and Most of you guys and the critics are being way harsh on this album. I personaly think it's amazing and a major kick in the butt to all other bands our right now trying to make good rock music. Billy has come back and showed them how it's done. Serously, in the song Tarantula, when he breaks out with those crazy guitar sounds before it slows up for a bit, that is real rock and roll. Nobody else does that anymore. Billy Corgan has not let me down yet. I'm not sure how I would have gotten through my highschool years without siamese dream and Melancholy and this is just what I needed at this point in my life. The only thing keeping it from being a 10 is the last song doesn't give me goosbumps like everything else. Can't wait to hear the next record.… Expand
  6. GeraldP.
    Sep 19, 2007
    10
    LOL this album came out in June and hasn't left my car since.. Its a great rock and roll CD. Best album from the pumpkins since adore.
  7. GeoffW.
    Sep 29, 2007
    10
    Very solid and competent return from the Pumpkins.
  8. NickK.
    Sep 8, 2007
    7
    I agree the vocal mixing (and clarity in general) is something of an issue here. Likewise, the lack of diversity which characterized Mellon Collie, Siamese Dream etc. does make this less rewarding listening (maybe I'm getting old, but my ears tired of the same sound/dynamics across the first 11 tracks). Essentially, it sounds to me like a couple of kids who have set up a drum kit and I agree the vocal mixing (and clarity in general) is something of an issue here. Likewise, the lack of diversity which characterized Mellon Collie, Siamese Dream etc. does make this less rewarding listening (maybe I'm getting old, but my ears tired of the same sound/dynamics across the first 11 tracks). Essentially, it sounds to me like a couple of kids who have set up a drum kit and a nasty guitar rig in their garage, and are having a ball rocking out themselves, perhaps at the expense of other listeners. The exception here, and the reason I gave it a 7, was that it's Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlain playing, two of the best rock musicians of the last 20 years, so it still makes impressive listening. It's clearly an album written by a guitarist and a drummer, but very talented ones, so it has its moments.… Expand
  9. f4b
    Feb 3, 2008
    7
    Maybe Corgan is no more trendy for the critics, but this is a nice return with some very high moments. If you doubt Pumpkins are still good, see them live they are awesome!
  10. BrianP.
    Oct 11, 2007
    8
    Zeitgeist has a hypnotic spinning to it that drives me to keep listening for things I might of not caught the first time. It's hard work and hard sound should be considered for bringing Alternative Music back into the late 2000's. It's still the Pumpkins because they are influencing and rule breaking the current lull of cheep money making pop sound today. . .
  11. Noelg.
    Oct 3, 2007
    0
    This is not the album that was promised, where's James and Darcy? Billy Corgan is an honest kind of guy, but are the other two that bad?? Or is Billy just a moody little man? I don't know, sure its loud and rocks, but it sounds like total rubbish, and is mixed something awful, where the heak is the record that we were all promised. Where are the songs? We don't need a long This is not the album that was promised, where's James and Darcy? Billy Corgan is an honest kind of guy, but are the other two that bad?? Or is Billy just a moody little man? I don't know, sure its loud and rocks, but it sounds like total rubbish, and is mixed something awful, where the heak is the record that we were all promised. Where are the songs? We don't need a long 12 tracks of one droning composition (Much like Gavin Rossdales Institute!!) I hope the next ones better, and the rest of the band pull their weight!!… Expand
  12. petere
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    awesome
  13. RobertB
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    It burnt the lies off of my soul
  14. JerryR
    Jun 29, 2007
    9
    Fantastic album, some highlights are Thats The Way ( My Love Is ) and Bleeding The Orchid.
  15. KevinH.
    Jul 11, 2007
    2
    I know The Smashing Pumpkins, and this isn't it. I am a huge Pumpkins fan, and even I realize Corgan has his head too far up his ass to notice anything. He produced most of the tracks, so of course his voice is double and triple tracked and at the front of the mix. I can barely hear the drums, or any of the other instruments for that matter. His voice has gotten progressively I know The Smashing Pumpkins, and this isn't it. I am a huge Pumpkins fan, and even I realize Corgan has his head too far up his ass to notice anything. He produced most of the tracks, so of course his voice is double and triple tracked and at the front of the mix. I can barely hear the drums, or any of the other instruments for that matter. His voice has gotten progressively downhill since Machina, bad on ZWAN, and terrible on The Future Embrace. Let's not even talk about his poor vocal performance on this one. Stay away from this album, it's not the Pumpkins you and I know and love.… Expand
  16. MattD.
    Jul 10, 2007
    8
    This is their best CD since Mellon Collie. It's a no take prisoners, aggressive CD. I see it as a perfection of the metallic edge that they showed before. Only problem is, sometimes the fuzz goes on for too long without a change. There are some little quirks to be found, though, like the blues rhythm in "For God And Country."
  17. JonN.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Grrreeeaat!
  18. MikeL.
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Incredible effort for their first album in 7 years. I know it's not the same Pumpkins as before (Iha and D'Arcy are missing), but Corgan has always been the heart of the band, and Jimmy is brilliant in his drumming on Zeitgeist. The sound picks up where Machina left off. Its very heavy, but very accessible. Overall, its the best Pumpkins album since Mellon Collie.
  19. GuyS
    Jul 1, 2007
    10
    Corgan returns to reclaim the rock crown. To the relief of the majority of Corgans fans theres only one track which sounds a bit zwan (Thats the way (my love is) - god knows why thats the next single, though even thats better than most of the emo boy band 'rock' thats managed to cross the big pond in the last 7 years. All the pumokins trademarks are here, the loud-quiet Corgan returns to reclaim the rock crown. To the relief of the majority of Corgans fans theres only one track which sounds a bit zwan (Thats the way (my love is) - god knows why thats the next single, though even thats better than most of the emo boy band 'rock' thats managed to cross the big pond in the last 7 years. All the pumokins trademarks are here, the loud-quiet dynamics, distorted stratocasters and great hooks. The main difference I've noticed so far is corgans vocals being altered more and the songs are generally heavier and most of their post MCIS output (niice!) Pumpkins fans will not be disappointed with this record (I was one of the worried) and it should attract a whole new generation of fans. If you enjoy tuneful rock please listen to this lp.… Expand
  20. CarlW.
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    Fantastic!
  21. Mike
    Jul 10, 2007
    7
    It is what it is. D'Arcy and James were fine, but the band was always Jimmy's jazz and Billy's metal. Lest not we remind the crying fans that Siamese Dream was recorded exactly the same way; Billy playing bass, guitars and vocals and Jimmy on drums. The album is solidly produced with some decent songs. Its the best effort since Mellon Collie. Don't take it for shame, It is what it is. D'Arcy and James were fine, but the band was always Jimmy's jazz and Billy's metal. Lest not we remind the crying fans that Siamese Dream was recorded exactly the same way; Billy playing bass, guitars and vocals and Jimmy on drums. The album is solidly produced with some decent songs. Its the best effort since Mellon Collie. Don't take it for shame, it is undeniable that the Pumpkins have changed, but it seems as though they took highlights from all their albums and put an agressively concise and impactful message out for the public. If you don't agree with the politics, fine- I know I don't. But take a look around, they may have a point.… Expand
  22. GeorgeM.
    Jul 11, 2007
    10
    This is truly one of the greatest bands ever. How can these absolute morons say that it lacks orginality. Its mind blowing I waited seven years for this and i am in no way dissapointed, it was definitely worth the wait. And this is a truely hard rocking album (no fairy included). WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  23. MrT
    Jul 12, 2007
    10
    just goes to show how much critics know about whats good...
  24. ryanm.
    Jul 12, 2007
    9
    This is an amazing and impressive album. The only downside is it displays only one aspect of the band's huge scope of versatility and songwriting. There are hits of what made them so versatile in the first place (the 10 seconds near the end of tarantula) but this is obviously the way they wanted it. It actually goes along with the theme of the album being frustrated by modern This is an amazing and impressive album. The only downside is it displays only one aspect of the band's huge scope of versatility and songwriting. There are hits of what made them so versatile in the first place (the 10 seconds near the end of tarantula) but this is obviously the way they wanted it. It actually goes along with the theme of the album being frustrated by modern america/gov. The pumpkins were always billy and jimmy, as much I respect james, billy wrote and played 95 of everything the pumpkins ever recorded. Obviously Jimmy is the other unique and irreplaceable part of the band.… Expand
  25. MorrisD.
    Jul 12, 2007
    7
    Not at par with Smashing Pumpkins material up to Adore but a good album in it's own right. Just not exceptional.
  26. NeilS
    Jul 12, 2007
    6
    I'm hopeful that this is is the working the kinks out of a new lineup and the next record will take the music further. So far the only two tracks that really stands out to me are That's the Way (My Love Is), Starz, and United States. Overall this record is not as varied as I would be used to from a Pumpkins output. Corgan's talented enough that he can incorporate piano, I'm hopeful that this is is the working the kinks out of a new lineup and the next record will take the music further. So far the only two tracks that really stands out to me are That's the Way (My Love Is), Starz, and United States. Overall this record is not as varied as I would be used to from a Pumpkins output. Corgan's talented enough that he can incorporate piano, acoustic, electric, etc. and it seems I'm only hearing one. I'm yet to determine if this continues the trend of more mature themes that Zwan and his solo album pushed. In short I'm enjoying new pumpkins, but I'm waiting for album 2.… Expand
  27. gabrield.
    Jul 12, 2007
    4
    This album sounds like it was recorded in the restroom or something.
  28. justwonderful
    Jul 12, 2007
    10
    At first I despised this album. I was convinced Billy Corgan was a greedy, egotistical jerk who lost his touch. However, I kept listening to Zeitgeist. On the second listen, I thought it was simply mediocre... by the third, I was thinking it was average... by the fourth or fifth, I adored it completely. It's one of those "listen-more-love-it-more". Don't listen once and decide At first I despised this album. I was convinced Billy Corgan was a greedy, egotistical jerk who lost his touch. However, I kept listening to Zeitgeist. On the second listen, I thought it was simply mediocre... by the third, I was thinking it was average... by the fourth or fifth, I adored it completely. It's one of those "listen-more-love-it-more". Don't listen once and decide it's a travesty. Because it's not, it's genius. Personally, I think Zeitgeist is one of their best. It's honestly the only Pumpkins disc I can listen to the whole way through, without skipping tracks, because every single track has its own beauty.… Expand
  29. joeh.
    Jul 13, 2007
    9
    This is a very solid album. Having heard the majority of their work, I would tie this with Siamese Dream as their second-best album. Their are a variety of quality singles (tarantula,doomsday clock,thats the way), and the depth of the material is quite solid as well. Their only shortcoming is that some songs seem lacking in terms of ornamentation, i.e. you hear only the guitar and drums This is a very solid album. Having heard the majority of their work, I would tie this with Siamese Dream as their second-best album. Their are a variety of quality singles (tarantula,doomsday clock,thats the way), and the depth of the material is quite solid as well. Their only shortcoming is that some songs seem lacking in terms of ornamentation, i.e. you hear only the guitar and drums and little support from other instruments to fill the gaps. Other than these small issues, it's a triumphant return!… Expand
  30. markb.
    Jul 13, 2007
    10
    The Album of the year!
  31. nickc.
    Jul 15, 2007
    5
    As a long time pumpkins fan, 13 years to be precise, I had mixed feelings about a new album. My suspicions were confirmed when i heard "Tarantula" online, featuring Billy's blaring voice completely overshadowing the music. And after hearing the whole album, that is certainly its biggest flaw--production and mixing. Its mixed like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and Green Day. In As a long time pumpkins fan, 13 years to be precise, I had mixed feelings about a new album. My suspicions were confirmed when i heard "Tarantula" online, featuring Billy's blaring voice completely overshadowing the music. And after hearing the whole album, that is certainly its biggest flaw--production and mixing. Its mixed like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and Green Day. In other words, it sounds like shit--stream-lined and radio-friendly. Corgans vocals, once sublty complimenting the music, are ridiculously too loud, detracting from the music itself. Producers Terry Date and Roy Thomas Baker are inevitably overshadowed by Corgan, who co-produced the album, and is probably responsible itr's crappish sound. The long and short of it this: it rocks more than Machina, but the song-writing is not as good. The first six songs on Zeitgeist are actually pretty awesome, but it's all down hill from there (with the exception of the beautiful, minimalistic "Neverlost"). "Pomp and Circumstance" is probably the worst song Billy has ever written, the worst in the entire pumpkins catalogue. So my reccomendation is this: Listen to the first six tracks of the album and then stop! **Tracks 1-6: 7/10** **Tracks 7-12: (excluding "Neverlost") 2/10**… Expand
  32. StimpyC.
    Jul 15, 2007
    3
    This album starts with promise with it great driving guitars and drums that the pumpkins do so well, but after a few tracks they all meld into one and become nothing more than small pop styled melodies. When I first heard Gish I could sit back and have songs flowing though my head afterwards. Same with Siamese Dream and then with Melancholy. But this has no great riffs, no hooks and no This album starts with promise with it great driving guitars and drums that the pumpkins do so well, but after a few tracks they all meld into one and become nothing more than small pop styled melodies. When I first heard Gish I could sit back and have songs flowing though my head afterwards. Same with Siamese Dream and then with Melancholy. But this has no great riffs, no hooks and no memorable moments. All I felt was that it was Billy back to his navel gazing self introspective ways. This isn't the Pumpkins, just a album with the Pumpkins name on it. He should have stuck with Zwan, they actually made good music.… Expand
  33. RobertP.
    Jul 15, 2007
    9
    not the best of sp but still another production of musical genius by one of the greatest.
  34. AnthonyC.
    Jul 15, 2007
    3
    The mix is awful. Corgan's vocals NEVER need to be pushed up to the front and the guitars sound muddy with zero definition in the distortion. On top of this, the songs all sound the same. Nothing even half as beautiful or well-written as Soma or Tonight, Tonight or Hummer. Nothing as powerful as Bodies. Nothing as interesting as Love or Silverfuck. It's just utter blandness in The mix is awful. Corgan's vocals NEVER need to be pushed up to the front and the guitars sound muddy with zero definition in the distortion. On top of this, the songs all sound the same. Nothing even half as beautiful or well-written as Soma or Tonight, Tonight or Hummer. Nothing as powerful as Bodies. Nothing as interesting as Love or Silverfuck. It's just utter blandness in the form of a paint-by-numbers commercial rock album. Incredibly disappointing but hardly unexpected.… Expand
  35. laura
    Jul 16, 2007
    7
    Not their best ever album, but a solid work, and a promising return to music.
  36. johnm
    Jul 17, 2007
    8
    Zeitgeist certainly offers a different kind of sound from older Pumpkins music. Nevertheless, Corgan and Chanberlain are quite successful in this new style of music. The more I hear the songs on this album, the more I like it. It's no Melancholy, but the album still rocks.
  37. UderD.e
    Jul 17, 2007
    0
    laaaaaaaaaaaame, it clips!
  38. NickE
    Jul 18, 2007
    7
    Surprisingly good. I'd say this is better than Adore and Machina, but worse than Mellon Collie or Siamese Dream. It's kind of a return to the style of their earlier albums: a mix of very heavy songs and soft ballad-y songs, and less preoccupied with writing poppy, catchy melodies. For me, the heavy songs really work, and the softer songs are duds. Nonetheless, I have to applaud Surprisingly good. I'd say this is better than Adore and Machina, but worse than Mellon Collie or Siamese Dream. It's kind of a return to the style of their earlier albums: a mix of very heavy songs and soft ballad-y songs, and less preoccupied with writing poppy, catchy melodies. For me, the heavy songs really work, and the softer songs are duds. Nonetheless, I have to applaud them for avoiding the temptation to make a safe, innocuous record. If you're a fan this is worth picking up.… Expand
  39. WayneB.
    Jul 18, 2007
    5
    Bla, bla, bla! "This album is better than Adore or Machina." That is simply not true. If your favorite cut on gish was "I am one" and you hated "Rhinoceros;" if your favorite cut on on Siamese Dream was "Silverfuck" and you hated "Disarm" or "Mayonnaise;" or if you you always skipped over "Tonight Tonight" on Mellon Collie and went straight to "Zero" then maybe I could see why one might Bla, bla, bla! "This album is better than Adore or Machina." That is simply not true. If your favorite cut on gish was "I am one" and you hated "Rhinoceros;" if your favorite cut on on Siamese Dream was "Silverfuck" and you hated "Disarm" or "Mayonnaise;" or if you you always skipped over "Tonight Tonight" on Mellon Collie and went straight to "Zero" then maybe I could see why one might think that this album is better than Adore or Machina. Now I love "I am One" and "Zero" as much as anyone. But the genius and true beauty of the first three Pumpkin Albums was how they captured the full gamut of human emotions: Happy, sad, mellow, angry, and well melancholy. Look, Pumpkins were one of the only 90's alternative band to write several straight up love songs. Now we just have Billy singing his 'I'm not angry anymore' message of Zwan over music (and with a record cover) that makes expext the most aggressive album to date. It all seems a little bit contrived and a tad bit irrelevant (especially for an album named Zeitgeist). But I still give it a 5 because Billy is still my favorite song writer to come out of the last 20years and one can still hear traces of that genius here.… Expand
  40. Elig
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    excellent cd, great tunes was definetely a good purchase
  41. GlassG
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    BEst album of the year!
  42. StephenT.
    Jul 2, 2007
    9
    The Smashing Pumpkins will never top Mellon Collie or Siamese Dream (who could?) but this album is a damn good effort. It's a happy medium between classic pumpkins and the more experimental pumpkins post Mellon Collie. Definately worth the wait.
  43. starpower
    Jul 2, 2007
    3
    lacking originality and overal substance that could have been....sounds more like a group of college kids got together and tried to make money with someone else's riffs.....as like about all popular music....very relatable to everything else herd on the radio....
  44. MInh
    Jul 20, 2007
    5
    I've been a pumpkin fan since 1992 and I've grown weary of Corgan's attempt to be "great" again. This album sounds like Zero b-sides part 2 extended special edition except the mix is worse. What is up with the mix? The vocals are in your face double tracked to hell and the guitars/drums/bass are compressed afterthought. What happened Billy? Now go back and listen to Zwan I've been a pumpkin fan since 1992 and I've grown weary of Corgan's attempt to be "great" again. This album sounds like Zero b-sides part 2 extended special edition except the mix is worse. What is up with the mix? The vocals are in your face double tracked to hell and the guitars/drums/bass are compressed afterthought. What happened Billy? Now go back and listen to Zwan and ask yourself what sounds more like the "pumpkins".… Expand
  45. StickieP
    Jul 23, 2007
    3
    A total disappointment. It lacks the emotion and depth of the earlier SP albums and sounds tired and dated.
  46. BrendanD
    Jul 31, 2007
    0
    Okay, you're probably wondering, "Gee, Brendan, you've never given an album a 0 before. What gives?" And no, I'm not basing my review on the music. There are few artists surviving today about whom I cannot be at the very least unbiased in my reviews, if not in my fandom (I'm a fan, for example, of Sinead O'Connor, but I'd easily admit that her latest album is Okay, you're probably wondering, "Gee, Brendan, you've never given an album a 0 before. What gives?" And no, I'm not basing my review on the music. There are few artists surviving today about whom I cannot be at the very least unbiased in my reviews, if not in my fandom (I'm a fan, for example, of Sinead O'Connor, but I'd easily admit that her latest album is not her A-game). I cannot, however, be unbiased when it comes to the band with which I grew up and grew my musical testicles. I was in fifth grade when "Mellon Collie & the Infinite Sadness" came out, and I never felt more at home than riding in my mom's '92 Honda Accord and listening to "1979" on my CD player whilst driving from Chicago to Cleveland (or wherever else we might be going). Billy Corgan was my hero, my savior, and when he wailed, "God is empty, just like me," my prepubescent soul wailed with him and understood him. Later years taught me that it was never really The Smashing Pumpkins: The Band, but rather Billy & the Pumpkins, a creative popster and three hired goons. But if Billy was such a genius, why couldn't he make Zwan work, and why wasn't his solo record really worth a hill of monkey crap? I bought the Mythos of Billy Corgan, however, and when I opened up my copy of the Chicago Tribune the day "The Future Embrace" was released, I saw Billy proclaiming, "I want my band back." And I was excited. Of course, I presumed that by "I want my band back," Billy meant the actual band, not the brand-name "The Smashing Pumpkins(R)." And frankly, that's all "Zeitgeist" is -- it's Macy's, as opposed to (insert local clothing supergiant here), or Wal-Mart, as opposed to (insert local general store here). Musically, there is little difference between "Zeitgeist" and Zwan's "Mary, Star of the Sea." We've heard this all before, and it doesn't sound as rewarding as it did ten or fifteen years ago. What once made Billy sound like a true Zeitgeist now makes him sound like a dated, aging hipster, his teen angst now seeming trite coming out of the mouth of a 40-year-old. I know Billy. Not personally, but I know him. I'm an Irish-Catholic kid born on St. Patrick's Day in Chicago, too. Swear to God. And I get his Pisces Iscariot mentality. But you know what? We've all got to grow up sometime. Despite the steaming pile of cat genitals that was "The Future Embrace," it showed a step forward from Zwan, that Billy was willing to try something different. Even if that different thing wasn't so good, there were moments of promise that made his solo effort, if nothing else, endearing. Now, he's not trying; he just wants to be a superstar again. In the process, he's turned the legacy of the Smashing Pumpkins into a mere footnote, reviving the brand name simply for sh*ts and giggles. And for that, there will be no mercy and no forgiveness. A zero rating just about approximates that.… Expand
  47. CodyL
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    Awesome album! Triumphant return of a genre forming band. It's definitely new ground for them. It might be their most accessible album to date, of course having it's ups and downs. No tracks here hold a candlelight to those on Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie, but who needs to compare??
  48. Glen
    Jul 3, 2007
    3
    Sounds like a shitty metal album, cant wait to buy 4 different copies so Billy can pay his bills!!!
  49. GeorgeI.
    Jul 3, 2007
    9
    This is what the Smashing Pumpkins should have evolved into after Siamese Dream, but instead they became associated with synth-pop. This album, however, truly rocks hard, which might be a little too much to stomach for the little emo brats who determine today's popular music.
  50. VinG
    Jul 3, 2007
    0
    This album is absolutely terrible. Poorly recorded, poorly put together, and the instrumental talent of a high school garage band. I'm waiting for Billy Corgan to come out and say, "Haha guys! Just kidding! That album was just a joke!" Really, this one is bad. Avoid it like the plague.
  51. LuisC
    Jul 3, 2007
    5
    The album grabs you instantly with the first song. But it immidiately releases you when it's over. It's clear that Corgan has lost whatever great talent he had in the 90's. Tarantula is still the stand-out and United States is like the child of Silverf***. I hope that this album is a grower.
  52. georgeb.
    Jul 3, 2007
    10
    excelent new sound
  53. RyanM.
    Jul 4, 2007
    7
    It's an easily digestible album that has successfully brought the Pumpkins back to the mainstream; but the vocal mix is atrocious and there's a few very, very bad songs like Pomp and Circumstance.
  54. RomuloB.
    Jul 4, 2007
    10
    perfect album of smashing pumpkins!!!
  55. NickS
    Jul 5, 2007
    7
    This album is a fun listen, even if it is the weakest album to bear the name Smashing Pumpkins. Though the album flags near the end, at times it nearly reaches greatness in songs like "That's the Way" and "Bleeding the Orchid".
  56. JamesD.
    Jul 5, 2007
    10
    I was so worried. then I heard "tarantual". I was even more worried. Suffice to say, this MONSTER of a record will turn everyone around. this thing is AMAZING. Welcome back, Billy and Co., we've missed you more than we knew!!! (BTW, even Trantula sounds better on this record...)
  57. NateS
    Jul 5, 2007
    1
    WOW!!! The Smashing Pumpkins have returned to sound exactly the same as every other top 40 rock band. No originality, no subtle wit, and well..... This album is uglier than my toilet after eating 10 microwave burritos
  58. MichaelM.
    Jul 5, 2007
    9
    Welcome back Billy... actually... I should be welcoming back the SP detractors and die hards. But lets be honest... once you get past your personal feelings for or against the man... you are left with a great artistic effort. One with a sincerity that makes it feel out of place in an era of fallout boys... and others...
  59. PeterB
    Jul 6, 2007
    8
    While it's not as good as either Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie it's certainly a good album. I don't get all this bullshit about it having no soul and that Corgan is only in it for the money - Wow he's gotta be the first musician ever!... Also the people who complain about Iha and D'arcy missing. What is that about? This was always Corgan's band. Anyway most While it's not as good as either Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie it's certainly a good album. I don't get all this bullshit about it having no soul and that Corgan is only in it for the money - Wow he's gotta be the first musician ever!... Also the people who complain about Iha and D'arcy missing. What is that about? This was always Corgan's band. Anyway most of songs are great and they seem new and fresh and are totally Pumpkins at the same time. The only track I didn't really take to was United States but the rest are great, especially "That's The Way", "Starz", "Tarantula" and "Come On". A great comeback!… Expand
  60. JohnS.
    Jul 6, 2007
    7
    A solid album which is receiving some unfair slagging for the ridiculous 'track baiting' with three different bonus tracks showing up on three different retailers tracklisting (Best Buy, Circuit City and i-Tunes). It's nowhere near classic, but it's worth a listen or two.
  61. SpencerM.
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    People compare give it bad ratings because they expect it to be Siamese Dream or MCIS but it is Zeitgeist and it is good. It was the Smashing Pumpkins without Jimmy, without Darcy, and now without James and Darcy, because BIlly Is the pumpkins. This is the Smashing Pumpkins and this is great!
  62. RobC.
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    A very nice come back!
  63. SimonP.
    Jul 9, 2007
    9
    I cant figure out which track is the best. Hearing the Pumpkins at Live Earth, its clear once more that their music stands above most other acts out there in terms of having something to say. Zeitgeist is brilliantly crafted, and I look forward to future releases. As a Pumpkin fan, I am not disappointed by the album at all. Only criticism is that there is far less variety than older SP I cant figure out which track is the best. Hearing the Pumpkins at Live Earth, its clear once more that their music stands above most other acts out there in terms of having something to say. Zeitgeist is brilliantly crafted, and I look forward to future releases. As a Pumpkin fan, I am not disappointed by the album at all. Only criticism is that there is far less variety than older SP albums, though the bonus tracks remedy this problem.… Expand
  64. RandallR.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    I give it a 10... not that it's any consolation to me considering a "10" is available for use on Avril and Linkin Park's releases, but it's a 10 compared to everything else out there. This is a gorgeous album. It's not fair for critics to calibrate their rating by SP's back catalogue, (which is full of 20's if anything by John Mayer or Dave Matthews is a 7) I give it a 10... not that it's any consolation to me considering a "10" is available for use on Avril and Linkin Park's releases, but it's a 10 compared to everything else out there. This is a gorgeous album. It's not fair for critics to calibrate their rating by SP's back catalogue, (which is full of 20's if anything by John Mayer or Dave Matthews is a 7) so I'm basing this on quality of the music. What a novel idea. This album rocks my socks off. Bleeding the Orchid is not only my fav on the album, but possibly in my top 5 Pumpkins songs ever. Also, I love the production by Roy Thomas Baker, which brings out another dimension of Corgan's vocals previously unheard. If only Machina had this kind of production... This album has the heaviness of Machina with all the quirks and landscape of Adore. Good stuff.… Expand
  65. DanielS.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    better thank loosing my virginty all these music press reviews make me SICK - they are so far off the mark - these guys that dig franz ferdinand, josh groban, the kooks etc etc - it's all wank. this album is AMAZING
  66. DavinM.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    The guitar and drumming work on the album is phenomenal. Hands down. All the songs contain depth, complex song structure and IMO are a logical evolution of the Pumpkins' past sound. The song-writing shows a maturity and restraint on Billy's part, while at the same time constantly breaking the mold of what we commonly think of as rock music. This album rocks harder than anything The guitar and drumming work on the album is phenomenal. Hands down. All the songs contain depth, complex song structure and IMO are a logical evolution of the Pumpkins' past sound. The song-writing shows a maturity and restraint on Billy's part, while at the same time constantly breaking the mold of what we commonly think of as rock music. This album rocks harder than anything I have heard this year, but still manages to capture the aspects of the band in subtle ways through-out the album (and less subtle ways at the end of the album). Jimmy did the drum-take on United States (9min song, track 7) in 1 single take with no click-track. The guitar work sounds like "a nuclear bomb hitting a guitar center" to quote Blender. Songs like Tarantula and Come On Lets Go are constantly evolving as they progress and capture a complex dyanmic barely present in rock music today. Not to mention guitar solos. Rock on.… Expand
  67. ToddL.
    Jul 9, 2007
    9
    Since many reviewers will choose to critique Billy Corgan as a person rather than the album, it should be said that Zeitgeist is a tremendous album with lots to offer, especially if you miss the heavy Pumpkins of the past. Jimmy's drums sound as good as ever, and the guitars are crisp and powerful. What Billy may have lost in the aggressiveness of his voice, he's made up for Since many reviewers will choose to critique Billy Corgan as a person rather than the album, it should be said that Zeitgeist is a tremendous album with lots to offer, especially if you miss the heavy Pumpkins of the past. Jimmy's drums sound as good as ever, and the guitars are crisp and powerful. What Billy may have lost in the aggressiveness of his voice, he's made up for with beautifully layered harmonies throughout many of the songs. This is most definitely the finest album Billy Corgan has put forth since Adore.… Expand
  68. honesto
    Aug 16, 2007
    9
    A very welcome comeback. Great guitar riffs. Grabs you by the balls from the opening of Doomsday Clock and just doesn't let up.
  69. GregL
    Aug 2, 2007
    2
    What happened to the Smashing Pumpkins? This is one of the worst cds I have ever heard. Gish and Siamese Dream were raw, innovative, spine tingling. They were albums that helped shape my mind in times of some bad relationships, and my lost 20 something, gen x punk mentality, while growing into manhood. Corgan was really trying in the 90s. Heart and soul, with everything he had. He was out What happened to the Smashing Pumpkins? This is one of the worst cds I have ever heard. Gish and Siamese Dream were raw, innovative, spine tingling. They were albums that helped shape my mind in times of some bad relationships, and my lost 20 something, gen x punk mentality, while growing into manhood. Corgan was really trying in the 90s. Heart and soul, with everything he had. He was out to prove how good he could be, and he succeeded 3 fold. Not this time. He doesn't even come out of the3 creative box. Zeitgesit is uncreative, nonexciting and dull, except forTarantulla. The guitar and drums sound great, except for sounding the same on every single song. Lost is the Corgan rule of mixing up the sound of each song to stiffle a listeners boredom. The worst part however is the vocals. Which is shocking to me. Billy Corgan's vocals have always been over the top in the diversity of notes and range of pitch that he is able to hit. Like a runaway freight train sliding over glass. He doesn't do it here at all. 2 tones and pitches max. Droning, boring vocals with lyrics that he must have had Michael Bolton write for him. Just lame. What a dissapointment. He should listen to his old stuff because oviously forgot what he can do.… Expand
  70. MikeL
    Aug 23, 2007
    9
    People are so damn obsessed with who the line-up is and other petty crap, that they forget to listen to the actual album. Can we please for five minutes forget about Iha and Darcy, and just listen to some music? This album is great, and it truly rocks out. No one else is doing this kind of music right now, and it's a refreshing change of pace from both the Pumpkin's previous People are so damn obsessed with who the line-up is and other petty crap, that they forget to listen to the actual album. Can we please for five minutes forget about Iha and Darcy, and just listen to some music? This album is great, and it truly rocks out. No one else is doing this kind of music right now, and it's a refreshing change of pace from both the Pumpkin's previous material and from what their contemporaries are doing. Quit crying and learn to rock.… Expand
  71. BobbyM
    Aug 3, 2007
    10
    sure its a little different from the older smashing pumpkins, but wouldnt it be every boring if they kept playing the same stuff? This is one solid rock album.
  72. MarkW.
    Sep 18, 2007
    10
    Album of the year.
  73. JonathanM.
    Dec 3, 2008
    8
    As good as this album is (by the way, the mixing is shocking), it might be good album, but remember this is the Smashing Pumpkins, not a dingle dangle dongle lets see how this goes album. The expectations of this album were naturally high.........I guess thats for some. The problem is, yes there is not James or Darcy. Well that is the problem. Of course Billy Corgan writes all the songs As good as this album is (by the way, the mixing is shocking), it might be good album, but remember this is the Smashing Pumpkins, not a dingle dangle dongle lets see how this goes album. The expectations of this album were naturally high.........I guess thats for some. The problem is, yes there is not James or Darcy. Well that is the problem. Of course Billy Corgan writes all the songs and records all the parts!! But he's not that guy from Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor) he still needs a band! James Iha contributed alot to the band and its noticable, no matter what the whinging pretentious Billy Corgan might say (and thats coming from a "fan" who understands him) Anyway.......better luck next time, its alright for a listen but after that.… Expand
  74. SlavaP.
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    F*ck the "good old days"... Billy and Jimmy are back - angry and vigorous... Come on... Lets go...!!!
  75. CorganR.
    Feb 15, 2008
    8
    This album is GREAT, however it still doesn't match up to some of their older albums such as Melloncollie. It's wonderful to see that the Smashing Pumpkins are back however I do wish the whole band came back instead of just Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. Corgan's guitar playing was great in this album. From the creepy sounds of Turantula to the old school metal style in This album is GREAT, however it still doesn't match up to some of their older albums such as Melloncollie. It's wonderful to see that the Smashing Pumpkins are back however I do wish the whole band came back instead of just Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. Corgan's guitar playing was great in this album. From the creepy sounds of Turantula to the old school metal style in Doomsday clock, he really astounded me with his playing. Also Jimmy Chamberlin was amazing on drums in songs such as United States. Basically, this was a really, really good comeback for the Pumpkins and hopefully we will see much more of them in the future!… Expand
  76. Jake
    Mar 12, 2008
    0
    For 7 long years I hoped and waited for a Pumpkins reunion, not a Billy and Jimmy reunion who picked up two hitchhikers. I find it hard to believe that a man who was the driving force behind some of the best records of the 90's (or all time for that matter) has come up with the trainwreck that is Zeitgeist. I waited for what seemed like forever to get this record, only to be beyond For 7 long years I hoped and waited for a Pumpkins reunion, not a Billy and Jimmy reunion who picked up two hitchhikers. I find it hard to believe that a man who was the driving force behind some of the best records of the 90's (or all time for that matter) has come up with the trainwreck that is Zeitgeist. I waited for what seemed like forever to get this record, only to be beyond disappointed. Every aspect of this record is overdone and watered down. But most disappointing is the songwriting. Billy seemed to have an endless supply of hooks which to pull from record after record. I can pretty much pick one killer lyric from any pre-Zeitgeist Pumpkins song yet hear is an entire album without one. It kills me to write this, it really does because I love The Pumpkins as much as anyone. In my mind they still broke up in 2001 and were never heard from again. For the girl who said they were 'awesome' live, you must have seen a different Smashing Pumpkins. I saw them and they were awful. I wanted a Pumpkin reunion as much as anybody but Billy really should have left the Pumpkins dead and buried.… Expand
  77. RoyO
    Apr 23, 2008
    8
    It's good, not mellon collie or siamese dream good but still.
  78. AntonioL.
    Apr 28, 2008
    10
    This album was amazing. It rocked as hard as anything they had ever done and was a great comeback. I love it!
  79. KaitarnD.
    Aug 24, 2008
    3
    Chicago's totally changed when Billy and his companions recorded the triad Gish-Siamese-Mellon Collie. I'm one of the class A fan. But i cannot give this album more than a chance. No more charming lyrics, no surprising change of a chord, nothing but a rock LP without ideas. Solo album was at least admirable for courage. This is crap.
  80. AmâmdioJ.
    Aug 29, 2008
    9
    This is a great album, I love smashing pumpkins and this has really great songs. Its god to see that Billy doesn't lost is talent. I recommend it.
  81. Abe
    Jan 12, 2009
    8
    A Really Good Comeback!
  82. sdjones
    Oct 13, 2007
    8
    I guess critics are tired of grunge, post-grunge and probably Billy Corgan. I have to admit I was pretty tired of his raspy croak myself. However, Zietgiest rocks and it rocks hard. I was pleasantly impressed by how solid this is!
  83. RobertC.
    Dec 15, 2007
    10
    A lot has changed since Billy, James, D'arcy, and Jimmy went their separate ways. But it is great to hear at least two of them back together in the present, playing live shows to bring back the good music of the 90's and early 2000's, but also bringing us something new and fresh to the present. This album was incredible and fresh for the Pumpkins. I can't wait for their next.
  84. Shinji
    Jul 11, 2007
    1
    I hate to say it, but after all the years of waiting for my beloved Pumpkins to return, Mr. Corgan presents to us a forgettable, uninspired, and dead on arrival husk of the Smashing Pumpkins we once knew and loved. Make no mistake about it dear fans, Zeitgeist fails on many levels, but its greatest shortcoming is that it simply lacks the innovation and life of the past albums. I am sad to I hate to say it, but after all the years of waiting for my beloved Pumpkins to return, Mr. Corgan presents to us a forgettable, uninspired, and dead on arrival husk of the Smashing Pumpkins we once knew and loved. Make no mistake about it dear fans, Zeitgeist fails on many levels, but its greatest shortcoming is that it simply lacks the innovation and life of the past albums. I am sad to say the Pumpkins I adored died in 2001. This travesty just seems like a mid life crisis poured into poorly written music, masquerading under the name of a once beloved band.… Expand
  85. DanielK.
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Great Album all around. There are so many layers to Billy's philosophy on life here. Bring the Light is in theory his first song telling us that he's finally found happieness. Musically solid all throughout.
  86. Nicholas)
    Jul 11, 2007
    7
    Not the pumpkins best, but far from their worst (Machina is a horrible album). A worthy comeback.
  87. Arthur
    Jul 12, 2007
    8
    Don't believe the critics! Zeitgeist is a great album. Don't get me wrong, I'm not just some biased Billy Corgan/Pumpkins fan; I hated his solo album and thought Zwan was a real disappointment.
  88. NB
    Jul 12, 2007
    3
    hardly listenable. really sounds nothing like the Pumpkins. overproduced to a point that everything blends together without any definition to the instruments or vocals. overall bland and tasteless, like generic mac and cheese.
  89. DG
    Jul 13, 2007
    4
    Good God. Seriously, if this is the best they can come up with, then they shouldn't bother. Not worthy of the Pumpkin name, and given some of the crap they put out at the end (MACHINA 1, I'm looking at you) that's saying something.
  90. spfission
    Jul 13, 2007
    8
    Billy once again proves that he does not need to live off his past hits. He continues to evolve as an artist which is very rare in this day. Zeitgeist will prove to be a classic. Solid Album.
  91. EricR.
    Jul 16, 2007
    8
    Better than any album I've hear in a long time. Compared to their previous recordings I would say not as good as Gish, SD, or Mellon Collie, but better than Adore or Machina.
  92. IL
    Jul 16, 2007
    8
    The Pumpkins are right back where they started with Gish, discovering (or rediscovering, as the case is with Zeitgeist) what sound they are trying to create etc. If this turns out to be true, the next Pumpkin album will be great. But maybe I'm just too optimistic ;-)
  93. JoshM.
    Jul 17, 2007
    9
    Album has more melody then anything ive heard in 7 years... have you heard any music that has been produced recently??? As far as the mixing goes listen to it again you fucks
  94. RazzaA
    Jul 18, 2007
    7
    I think this album gets rather harsh criticism. First off, all the talk about the smashing pumpkins name and whether this album is a smashing pumpkins album or not is irrelevant, It is billy corgan who is making the music so it doesnt matter what you call it still the same guy making the music. And whether he puts out 3,4 or six different versions who cares? Ofcourse he wants to earn a I think this album gets rather harsh criticism. First off, all the talk about the smashing pumpkins name and whether this album is a smashing pumpkins album or not is irrelevant, It is billy corgan who is making the music so it doesnt matter what you call it still the same guy making the music. And whether he puts out 3,4 or six different versions who cares? Ofcourse he wants to earn a lot of money, who wouldn't. The second you put in the cd you recognize it as pumpkins music, the mixing is ok. Billy never could sing and he still can't. If you don't like his voice, why listen to smashing pumpkins? His tunefulness with his voice is still there. All in all, the music is ok, especially for pumpkins fans. I think it would have been wiser to put the 3 bonus tracks on the cd as well cause these are actually 3 of the strongest songs he wrote up recently. That's my only critic: why didnt they put out the 15 songs on all versions? Now there is little variation in the songs: they all rock, but i really miss the nice, more peaceful slower songs.....this gets a 7, the 15 tracks are an eight. It is alot better than other recent stuff. Enjoy and otherwise just chill and live on, its just a CD........... Try it and en… Expand
  95. AsdfQwerty
    Jul 18, 2007
    0
    Billy corgan ruined the Smashing Pumpkins. Sad, but true
  96. MarthaReprise
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    love
  97. jonnyj
    Jul 21, 2007
    10
    billy was always the song writer.
  98. MattD
    Jul 27, 2007
    8
    If you listen to Zeitgeist as a collection of songs, and ignore the lineup changes, expectations, etc that seem to be at the forefront of discussion regarding the album, it's a good cd. There are a few songs that are grating and pretentious but overall the music is rich, aggressive, and unique.
  99. steveb
    Aug 12, 2007
    8
    Zeitgeist is a great rock album, and Billy Corgan has updated the pumpkins sound. Billy doesnt need James Iha, since Billy wrote EVERYTHING anyways, and the songs Iha did write(except for co writing mayonaise)sucked. Badly. I mean come on people! If you do not feel the same way, then you werent a pumpkin fan to begin with. This album is not going to win over people who didnt like the Zeitgeist is a great rock album, and Billy Corgan has updated the pumpkins sound. Billy doesnt need James Iha, since Billy wrote EVERYTHING anyways, and the songs Iha did write(except for co writing mayonaise)sucked. Badly. I mean come on people! If you do not feel the same way, then you werent a pumpkin fan to begin with. This album is not going to win over people who didnt like the pumpkins anyways, but In my opinion, the loud rock is what they did best. And dont forget that Billy wrote EVERYTHING that was good about the pumpkins. Also, even though no one really mentions it, Jimmy's drums are awesome on this record, probably his best performance on a pumpkins record. All you people who say it isnt like it was, stop living in the past! I mean, if the beatles wrote revolver 15 times it would have gotten boring! Their later stuff was way better anyways, but hey, Sgt. Peppers got bad reviews too!… Expand
  100. DerekD
    Aug 13, 2007
    8
    I love a lot of tracks on this album, it stays pretty true to the classic smashing pumpkins and with only a couple of bad tracks you can't really complain with this album.
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
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  2. Blender
    60
    Zeitgeist’s orgy of avalanche rhythms, cascading riffs and sky-licking guitar is as grandiose as ever (the solo on "Tarantula" sounds like a nuke hitting a Guitar Center), but the bombast is softened as Corgan reaches out for shame-sharing community.
    Read full review
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    It's best treated as a curio in the Smashing Pumpkins' legacy; and for those who grew up on 'Today', '1979' and 'Ava Adore', you're better left with your memories.
    Read full review
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