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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. bardelby
    Sep 7, 2023
    10
    The forgotten Smashing Pumpkins album. Sad it was taken off though. never got to listen to it
  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 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.The 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.… Expand
  3. 7dogguy
    Apr 13, 2012
    7
    this is the worst thing besides tear garden by them the band isnt even all together anymore the band members from back then put the soul of the smashing pumpkins into the smashing pumpkins this album is good however about 60% of the songs are either good or listenable this album is also heavier then most of there stuff its a good album but its lacking feeling that the old albums were about
  4. CalR
    Feb 19, 2012
    3
    It's just never comes together. The music sounds great, thunderous and roaring which is everything The Smashing Pumpkins comeback album should have been, but overproduction, juvenile lyrics and poor vocals cannot tie this together in the way it should. The second half of the album is easily the worst music the band has ever put out, with only 'Bleeding The Orchid' and '7 Shades of Black'It's just never comes together. The music sounds great, thunderous and roaring which is everything The Smashing Pumpkins comeback album should have been, but overproduction, juvenile lyrics and poor vocals cannot tie this together in the way it should. The second half of the album is easily the worst music the band has ever put out, with only 'Bleeding The Orchid' and '7 Shades of Black' retaining any of the latter Pumpkins talent. The rest sounds like another band trying to cover 'Gish' outtakes.… Expand
  5. 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... 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    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    … Expand
  6. gruenjr
    May 23, 2011
    9
    A completely underrated album by the press and a lot of fans. "Zeitgeist" was THE perfect title for this album, atleast for this Pumpkins fan because I will remember that time, in part, for feeling plugged in with the band. It was an exciting year to listen to concert bootlegs, especially from their Paris reunion show, and it t all culminated with this album. "Doomsday," "7 Shades,"A completely underrated album by the press and a lot of fans. "Zeitgeist" was THE perfect title for this album, atleast for this Pumpkins fan because I will remember that time, in part, for feeling plugged in with the band. It was an exciting year to listen to concert bootlegs, especially from their Paris reunion show, and it t all culminated with this album. "Doomsday," "7 Shades," "United States," and "Neverlost" are all highlights.… Expand
  7. Vampire25
    Dec 30, 2010
    7
    Definitely not the best thing The Smashing Pumpkins have done. But Zeitgeist is sort of enjoyable. I've been a Smashing Pumpkins fan since forever. They are one of my favorite bands of all time. And Zeitgeist is a good album, but I do have a couple complaints about it. One, Billy Corgan's lyrics have always been nothing short of amazing. Especially in the album Adore. But this album, hisDefinitely not the best thing The Smashing Pumpkins have done. But Zeitgeist is sort of enjoyable. I've been a Smashing Pumpkins fan since forever. They are one of my favorite bands of all time. And Zeitgeist is a good album, but I do have a couple complaints about it. One, Billy Corgan's lyrics have always been nothing short of amazing. Especially in the album Adore. But this album, his lyrics are kind of stupid, I must admit. It sounds like he ran out of ideas so he just put something that rhymed. And two, some songs are just unnecessary. "Bleeding The Orchid", "Starz" and "For God And Country". Those tracks are just plain retarded. And maybe a couple more. But other than that, This is a rock and roll album that goes back to their early work. It sounds like a metal album. It is The Smashing Pumpkins heaviest album. Some great tracks are "United States" (best on the album), "Doomsday Clock" and "That's The Way (My Love Is)". All In All, Not Smashing Pumpkins greatest work by far, but still a worthy entry in their discography. B… Expand
  8. thisname
    Nov 11, 2010
    8
    Some songs are iffy but with the strength of the two powerful singles "Tarantula" and "That's The Way" followed by some great rock songs like "7 shades" and "Doomsday Clock", this album doesn't disappoint!
  9. pumpkinmate
    Nov 6, 2010
    4
    Zeitgeist is missing the emotion and originality of previous albums from the Smashing Pumpkins. Nothing feels new, its like a pre-packaged version of the band. And despite the title its the furtherest from the 'zeitgeist'/current attitudes that Billy Corgan has ever been. That being said, Smashing Pumpkins are a brilliant band usually and a Billy Corgan a defining songwriter of our generation
  10. Abe
    Jan 12, 2009
    8
    A Really Good Comeback!
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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!
  15. RoyO
    Apr 23, 2008
    8
    It's good, not mellon collie or siamese dream good but still.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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!
  19. SlavaP.
    Jan 31, 2008
    10
    F*ck the "good old days"... Billy and Jimmy are back - angry and vigorous... Come on... Lets go...!!!
  20. PedroM
    Jan 26, 2008
    5
    An equal of good and unappealing stuff. It will NEVER be another Siamise and Mellon Collie but it has some good stuff. Just another case of mid-age rockers trying to find their "steam" after 7 long years of zip. A 50/50 album: Not their worst but not their best.
  21. 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.
  22. MaxM.
    Oct 29, 2007
    8
    I'm a very poor fan of heavy metal, but this is actually a very good album. I really enjoyed the guitar. It's a bit of a change from Smashing Pumpkins previous work.
  23. Dipleasedjerk
    Oct 17, 2007
    1
    Where is James and Darcy? Corgin needs these limiters to keep his direction focused. Overall, this album sounds like a pitiful attempt from Corgin to prove himself, when he has already done this. Instead, he listens to a "hard rock" producer and tries and fails and politic rock. If you have fallen in love with earlier SP and their inward music than don't go and drown yourself in this Where is James and Darcy? Corgin needs these limiters to keep his direction focused. Overall, this album sounds like a pitiful attempt from Corgin to prove himself, when he has already done this. Instead, he listens to a "hard rock" producer and tries and fails and politic rock. If you have fallen in love with earlier SP and their inward music than don't go and drown yourself in this disappointing buzz.… Expand
  24. 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!
  25. 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. . .
  26. 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
  27. GeoffW.
    Sep 29, 2007
    10
    Very solid and competent return from the Pumpkins.
  28. 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.
  29. MarkW.
    Sep 18, 2007
    10
    Album of the year.
  30. JonathanOfthetimes
    Sep 16, 2007
    0
    (Sigh) I just wish people would learn how to mix albums. I know I may not like some albums direction (in sound) but I can appreciate it, and believe me, it makes a difference if you have an outside producer and mixer do the entire record. And not someone from the band, believe me I've noticed it. And this album suffers from it massively. It sounds unbalanced and all over the place. (Sigh) I just wish people would learn how to mix albums. I know I may not like some albums direction (in sound) but I can appreciate it, and believe me, it makes a difference if you have an outside producer and mixer do the entire record. And not someone from the band, believe me I've noticed it. And this album suffers from it massively. It sounds unbalanced and all over the place. Billy Corgans vocals are up way to high in the mix, buzzing away in your head. It gets tiring, and after the first listen its obvious that this is not the album people wanted to here. The thing that annoys me is how bad some bands are getting, I can appreciate bands getting worse out better now, I'm used to it. The only band I have some faith in now is "Our Lady Peace" at least their records aren't bland.… Expand
prev
Page:

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.
    Read full review
  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
See all critic reviews »