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. 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 albums unique from the others that are prevalent and relevant
  2. Dustin
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    Upon listening to the live stream promo release of the Smashing Pumpkins new album Zeitgeist, I wasn't very impressed. The definitive Pumpkins sound was in there somewhere, but I thought it was lost in the mix somehow. The vocals were too sharp and high in the mix and the layered vocals bordered on ridiculous in songs like Starz. Moreover, Jimmy Chamberlin's excellent drumming Upon listening to the live stream promo release of the Smashing Pumpkins new album Zeitgeist, I wasn't very impressed. The definitive Pumpkins sound was in there somewhere, but I thought it was lost in the mix somehow. The vocals were too sharp and high in the mix and the layered vocals bordered on ridiculous in songs like Starz. Moreover, Jimmy Chamberlin's excellent drumming was buried in some parts. Perhaps working with Roy Thomas Baker (producer for Queen, The Cars...) was a mistake? Maybe recording the album with Butch Vig (Nevermind, Siamese Dream) would have been a better idea, to help recapture the magic of old? Tonight I received an email telling me I could download my pre-order of Zeitgeist through iTunes (normally I don't buy lossy music but I wanted the code for advance concert ticket orders). After loading it into my iPod I settled in to give the album a proper listen and decide whether my original impression of the album would stand. Firstly, the album version sounds much better than the internet streams and leaks. Anyone who steals this album and thinks is sounds bad needs to take a listen from a CD or official source. It is amazing how much worse a badly compressed file can sound. If the iTunes version sounds this good, then I am getting the CD ASAP to see if it is even better. The production is very clean, and while I would still have liked the vocals to be mixed slightly lower, I feel that I can live with them as the guitars now hold their own and the drums are solid. The album doesn't sound like any other Pumpkins record so comparisons can be thrown out the window but dark and sultry are the closest adjectives I can find to describe the production. Upon pressing play, the album launches into overdrive with tracks, Doomsday Clock and 7 Shades of Black. The buzzing drone of Doomsday Clock channels a more radio friendly version of Bodies from MCIS, and 7 Shades recalls the track Dross from the group's free internet release Machina II, with a little bit of Geek USA and Sabbath thrown in for good measure. Unfortunately, missing is the fast/slow dynamic of earlier Pumpkins songs. Still, very solid tracks. Bleeding the Orchid is a dark, undulating track that continues the dark tone of the album, and sounds like a long lost b-side from Gish. This track is the first to make apparent the trend of vocal layering used throughout the album, for good or bad. In a wash of warm faded guitars, Thats the Way (My Love Is) reminds of a Zwan take on Stand Inside Your Love. "Of course I love you baby/'cause i'm alive" sings Billy, and one can't help but wonder if he is speaking to former lover Courtney Love. Before listening to Tarantula, it is apparent that the lyrics of Zeitgeist are pseudo-political from lines like "in whitewashed halls/their jackals lick their paws...", but after listening to Tarantula it becomes apparent what the title Zeitgeist (The Spirit of the times) means. If the lyrics "don't let me say this/but you're no worse than me/its crazy/we are the real/if real ever was/and just because/we are the real/they feel we have enough" aren't enough to interpret Billy's motives, the not too subtle single cover with Paris Hilton standing in front of a mushroom cloud with a Blackberry in hand completely gives them away. The concept of the album centers around America's apathy and languorous attitude concerning the political and social climate produced by our leaders and felt by people around the world. Indeed, the climate of bloggers and MySpace has led to a public more interested in Britney's Spears' haircut than more serious subjects. Although Billy admits, Paris and his listeners are no worse than him, as we are all "Starz". Someone, (the internet, paparazzi, corporations?) gave us sound. Starz is a repetitive, David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust homage with more vocal layering which reaffirms the earlier thematic elements discussed. After Starz, the album reaches it's climax with the rollicking 9:51 minute track United States. This track is indulgent, but it is nevertheless impressive and obviously meant to be a live jam track with warbled guitars and Billy exclaiming "revolution!/what will they do to you?". The bombastic United States is followed by a 1979 inspired track Neverlost with marimbas in the background. Although many will skip this track while listening to the album, it is important because it sets the tone for the second half of the album which turns from dark and brooding to hopeful. "Lets kill these hours/and fill desire" Billy croons in this love song. Bring the Light, is the newest sounding song on the album, and although repetitive, it sounds like a radio single with its catchy lyrics and Brian May/Ava Adore guitar solo. (Come On), Lets Go! is Pop-Grunge (oxymoron?) at its finest and is somehow eerily similar to Today. Billy sings about escaping "c'mon lets go/beyond the great unknown/beyond their punched-up skulls/to die upon this road". C'mon Billy, any Grunge fan knows it's not a great unknown it's a "Superunknown". The final two songs sound very much out of place. Billy slips back into dark and brooding mode with "God and Country" which sounds like a b-side from Adore or Machina with its synth-pop mechanics. However, it would never fit on those albums with its political message. Pomp and Circumstance is difficult to describe but if you have seen movies like 1492: Conquest of Paradise, or other period exploration movies you will recognize the influence. The Tribal Island sounds remind of perhaps The Thin Red Line? The song is hopeful. So thematically, it fits the arch of sounds Billy has created, but still somehow it still doesn't seem to fit. Zeitgeist judged against other Pumpkins works isn't their best and isn't their worst. As noted in many web forums, Jame Iha and D'arcy Wretsky had very little to do with the recording of the classic Pumpkins records so it is difficult to say if their influence is missed here. The Smashing Pumpkins are an ever changing sound imagined by Billy Corgan and made possible by the remarkable rhythms produced by Jimmy Chamberlin. Each Pumpkins album is different and meant to be appreciated on its own, and on its own Zeitgeist is great. Highlights for me are: 7 Shades, Bring the Light, Tarantula, Starz, Bleeding the Orchid, and (Come On).… Expand
  3. AndyC
    Jul 16, 2007
    8
    Impossible to judge a pumpkins album without listening to it for about 5 years. They all come good in the end. Having said that I've listened through about 3 times and it's still brill.
  4. 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
  5. TiagoM.
    Jul 5, 2007
    9
    Isn't a Smashing Pumpkins album? Yes it is, new songs, new soul state, new sonority, more light in the dark, yes, all is new but someone could tell rs that there is two smashing pumpkins albums with the same kind of sonority? There are some guys who will appreciate Bill's work as a bad thing just because they want 11 or 13 years after one more Mellon Collie or one mor Siamese Isn't a Smashing Pumpkins album? Yes it is, new songs, new soul state, new sonority, more light in the dark, yes, all is new but someone could tell rs that there is two smashing pumpkins albums with the same kind of sonority? There are some guys who will appreciate Bill's work as a bad thing just because they want 11 or 13 years after one more Mellon Collie or one mor Siamese Dream. Everything changes, time pass by, music and all arround are complitly different, but the Pumpkins have to be the same all the time. Zeigeist is a great great cd, for the old fans and for a new rock fans, great music, great vocals and a second to second studio work music.… Expand
  6. alexp
    Jul 9, 2007
    8
    Great effort. listen to the music not whatever concepts of billy or smashing pumpkins you have. you self righteous pricks.
  7. DanieleA.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Better than Machina I & II. Good point of start, the future is great!Sorry my english!!!
  8. Elliott
    Jul 1, 2007
    8
    I love it!!!! It's not as good as Siamese Dream or Mellon Collie, but it's arguably the best thing they've done since 1995. Welcome back, Pumpkins!
  9. JorgeS
    Jul 19, 2007
    8
    One of the best albums of the year. Zeitgeist contains the best of the smashing pumpkins first era. Enjoyable & necessary for this bad times of music.
  10. LucasC.
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    Grande Álbum! Muito Metal praticamente em todas as músicas! Está entre os melhores do ano!
  11. MarcyC
    Aug 10, 2007
    10
    The best band album since siamese dream!
  12. CruellaDeVille
    Jul 11, 2007
    8
    I only bought this record because the Pumpkins were one of my favorite bands of the 90s. I expected it to be bad, but I have been pleasantly surprised. It is definitely worth buying.
  13. mullethead
    Jul 10, 2007
    8
    Billy Corgan like all smart musicians understands his strengths and plays to them. The same clash of gloomy and uplifting, of heavy guitars and melodic vocals that made The Smashing Pumpkins take off in the first place is still evident here and it still sounds good
  14. aaronm
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    Critics have been bashing the pumpkins since siamese dream and its crap. This cd is absolutely stellar. There best? Of course not, but its hard rocking very solid cd and i was expecting something softer, more akin to his solo stuff or zwan. so so SO happy with this..critics are douchebags
  15. jamie
    Jul 10, 2007
    9
    awesome. bleeding the orchid might just be my new favourite sp song. so much more entertaining then the current rip off rock bands bloating the market today
  16. SSE
    Jul 19, 2007
    10
    Because Billy doesn't have james and d'arcy everyones gonna moan that its not the pumpkins which i don't understand cause billy pretty much did everything! This is a solid album and I think it's one of the best albums of the year along with Year Zero and its a hell of a lot better then the "music" thats doing the MTV circuit these days....
  17. Cristian
    Jul 2, 2007
    9
    ZARPADO! por suerte mejor disco que machina..
  18. AlexB
    Jul 3, 2007
    8
    Mixed emotions. Rocking but not as good as past efforts. The songs don't quite stay in your mind... Talent and effort is there though... Albeit too much.
  19. FernandoN.
    Jul 4, 2007
    9
    Even though the whole album isn't absolutely fantastic, it is necessary to say that "Doosmday Clock", "Starz", "United States", and "Bleeding the Orchids" are excellent songs. My personal favorite is "Starz", which, in my opinion, is already one of the best Pumpkins tracks ever. I really liked this new line-up! Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlain and the new members have good taste in Even though the whole album isn't absolutely fantastic, it is necessary to say that "Doosmday Clock", "Starz", "United States", and "Bleeding the Orchids" are excellent songs. My personal favorite is "Starz", which, in my opinion, is already one of the best Pumpkins tracks ever. I really liked this new line-up! Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlain and the new members have good taste in music! The other albums will probably be great, since they're touring together for the first time.… Expand
  20. SteveK
    Jul 4, 2007
    10
    Definitely their best effort in 10 years. A good return to the rock. and melodies that made them so great in the 90's.
  21. ja
    Jul 5, 2007
    7
    Boring, without soul, easy but noone sober expected more. Worst album of the band. Corgan totally lost it. Neverlost and tarantula save from disaster.
  22. LoveS.
    Jul 6, 2007
    9
    I think it deserves a better than average score and most critics are not even talking about the music!
  23. JuanS.
    Jul 6, 2007
    10
    This album have the most beautiful and strong songs like 'United States'. This is not a ordinary band , they are genious.
  24. Ramirez
    Jul 7, 2007
    10
    woow. just woow. Zeitgeist blew me away, Bring The Light/ Starz / That's the Way / Bleeding the orchid are tunes that are destined to deserve classic status..; didn't expect an album this good, very eclectic, very rocking, very good. Every single track stands on its own... album of the year so far hand down. it's hard to believe one who likes their sound, can dislike woow. just woow. Zeitgeist blew me away, Bring The Light/ Starz / That's the Way / Bleeding the orchid are tunes that are destined to deserve classic status..; didn't expect an album this good, very eclectic, very rocking, very good. Every single track stands on its own... album of the year so far hand down. it's hard to believe one who likes their sound, can dislike Zeitgeist, it's everything we could have asked for in one album! these reviews are plain ridiculous, Corgan will always get tons of s*** over him for no reason, he reclaimed his status as one of the best songwriters of all time… Expand
  25. NicholasC
    Jul 8, 2007
    8
    Critics are way too harsh. Nice return to form in my opinion.
  26. T.P.
    Jul 9, 2007
    9
    1. its not as good as Siamese or MCIS, but then again, those are two of the better albums produced since 1990, so its tough to beat them 2. this is a fantastic album. the critics love to rip on corgan for being something no one else is - a music pioneer. each album, each song is different. unlike others willing to just mail it in and receive a check for "recording" another album, corgan 1. its not as good as Siamese or MCIS, but then again, those are two of the better albums produced since 1990, so its tough to beat them 2. this is a fantastic album. the critics love to rip on corgan for being something no one else is - a music pioneer. each album, each song is different. unlike others willing to just mail it in and receive a check for "recording" another album, corgan continually looks to expand and develop new music 3. welcome back SP… Expand
  27. MarciaR.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    love this album!
  28. WolfgangO.
    Jul 9, 2007
    10
    A wholly satisfying album-length recall of the "Zero" single - which is a good thing. Gothy, glammy, even dancey at times.
  29. 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.
  30. CorganR
    Jun 28, 2007
    10
    This is going to be the best album of the year, and I haven't even heard it yet!!! All you losers who don't like it can get off this site!!!!!!
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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.
    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
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