Zombies on Broadway
by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
  • Record Label: Vanguard
  • Release Date: Feb 10, 2017
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. LewisDanny
    Jun 3, 2018
    4
    Unfortunately, not a great album - not in the context of Andrew McMahon's impressive output (Jack's Mannequin, and the criminally underrated Something Corporate), or even in the context of his most recent project ('In The Wilderness'). These songs feel like they have no soul, and worst of all, there is not much in the way of catchiness either. Quite a let down compared to his past releaseUnfortunately, not a great album - not in the context of Andrew McMahon's impressive output (Jack's Mannequin, and the criminally underrated Something Corporate), or even in the context of his most recent project ('In The Wilderness'). These songs feel like they have no soul, and worst of all, there is not much in the way of catchiness either. Quite a let down compared to his past release under this umbrella.… Expand
  2. bdyandell
    Feb 20, 2017
    7
    I've seen Andrew McMahon 5 times now, both with his previous bands and solo. This album is very pop-rock but Andrew's sound has also somewhat always been pop-rock. It will find mainstream success and you'll be hearing a few songs from this album on pop radio, but when you listen to the album all the way through, you'll find that every song fits within the album and that Andrew hasI've seen Andrew McMahon 5 times now, both with his previous bands and solo. This album is very pop-rock but Andrew's sound has also somewhat always been pop-rock. It will find mainstream success and you'll be hearing a few songs from this album on pop radio, but when you listen to the album all the way through, you'll find that every song fits within the album and that Andrew has continued to innovate. The album is 100% worth multiple listens.… Expand
  3. MacsMusic
    Jan 14, 2018
    7
    I need to be honest, when I wrote this review I had only listened to ZoB all the way through twice. This effects my review in a negative way, as I have not grasped every song completely. Anyway, here's the review:

    This album is definitely different from the self-titled album. It ditches the deep, timeless music for more upbeat, energetic music. Some songs sound like they could be pop or    I need to be honest, when I wrote this review I had only listened to ZoB all the way through twice. This effects my review in a negative way, as I have not grasped every song completely. Anyway, here's the review:

    This album is definitely different from the self-titled album. It ditches the deep, timeless music for more upbeat, energetic music. Some songs sound like they could be pop or EDM songs, if it wen't for the original, spunky lyrics. "Brooklyn, You're Killing Me" and "Don't Speak for Me" have great music. I wouldn't say that any songs on this album have bad music, but some of the music isn't great or very memorable. Lyrically, this album is weaker than the self-titled album for two reasons: 1. The songs feel more repetitive 2. The insane, energetic music overshadows the cool, original lyrics. Of course, ZoB still has it's fair share of great songs. "Dead Man's Dollar" is an Andrew-style love song that has pretty good lyrics and music. "Birthday Song" has good, heartfelt lyrics but the music drags at parts. "Love and Great Buildings" has pretty good lyrics. "Island Radio" is original and interesting. Check it out. Overall, ZoB is weaker than the self-titled album, but still not bad.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Feb 13, 2017
    84
    McMahon shows that he still has as firm of a grasp as ever on his unique brand of piano pop-rock, or whatever you’d want to classify it as. This album--while straightforward from a songwriting perspective--is just a collection of powerhouse pop tunes, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that when it’s executed to perfection like it is here.
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  2. The A.V. Club
    Feb 13, 2017
    50
    In sum, Zombies On Broadway compiles some worthwhile ruminations and life lessons, but McMahon needs to search a little harder for compelling ways to package them.
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  3. AllMusic
    Feb 13, 2017
    80
    Its gleaming surface feels shinier than previous McMahon productions, but rather than seeming like an attempt to chase trends, these inflections and accents feel like a culmination of craft. McMahon has long understood how to craft a song, and Zombies on Broadway proves he has the studio skills to match.
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