Billboard's Scores

  • Music
For 1,720 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 71% higher than the average critic
  • 2% same as the average critic
  • 27% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1 point higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 74
Highest review score: 100 The Boxing Mirror
Lowest review score: 10 Hefty Fine
Score distribution:
1720 music reviews
    • 97 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This is pop music like nothing before it, or since.
    • 97 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The final product exceeds the hype.
    • 94 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    "Savane" is without question one of the finest efforts in his legendary discography.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    A 62-page book and new vinyl pressing complete the package for the audiophiles and superfans, but the real value is in the album itself, an important piece of the history of a seminal '90s band.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Vast in scope, rich in trope and full of hope. [25 Nov 2006]
    • Billboard
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The recording is immaculate, the performance breathtaking.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Adventurous listeners are in for a treat.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Underoath has made definitive strides at progression without abandoning the muscular, broad-shouldered hardcore that made it a household name.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Never has the pair sounded more fresh and self-assured; nor has it delivered such a fully realized work before.
    • 92 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The backing tracks, brimming over with strings, guitars, vaguely Middle Eastern elements, and soundtrack snippets, are more musical than much hip-hop, proffering the perfect gateway to Aesop Rock's verbose world. Dig the dark sounds as you try to decipher the deep thoughts.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Between tunes Cohen recites lyrics from the next song to be performed, and these 26 tunes, delivered in his steady rumbling baritone, may have never sounded better, certainly not in one place on one special night.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Canto is a passionate mix of originals and material drawn from the traditions of Mexico, Cuba, and Peru.
    • 91 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The album is certainly one of 2001's finest, most memorable releases. It just shouldn't be billed beyond what it is: a deliciously fun romp that draws heavily upon influences like the Velvet Underground, Television, and the Stooges.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    A brighter, bouncier counterpart to its wintry predecessor "Michigan," "Illinois" contains some of the most beautiful pop you will hear all year long.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Like many great albums, "Original Pirate Material" wasn't meant to be adored in an instant, so don't let your first impressions fool you. This cat's the real deal.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Emotion and soul run deep throughout (thanks to Staton's raw vocals), with each track an honest revelation.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    "Funeral" is a modest debut, but it hints at a band that sounds like its ready to make a statement over the next several years.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Z
    A bold leap forward. [8 Oct 2005]
    • Billboard
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    Not only shares some textural similarities with Radiohead's "Kid A," but rivals it as an art-rock classic.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    That smile will have a difficult time leaving your face.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    This enchanting album is rife with homespun reflections on philosophy, religion and the never-ending quest for true love.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Instead of coming off as dilettantish, Cale instead sounds intrigued with how these new tools can enhance his music.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Merriweather Post Pavilion is so gorgeously confident that it fulfills expectations and more.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    The fact that "Complete B-Sides" rocks from start to finish speaks volumes about the Pixies' bizarre creative genius, and their focus on output rather than sales.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    At first the beats are jarring. But like the Clipse's debut smash, "Grindin'," once it all clicks, it's unstoppable. [2 Dec 2006]
    • Billboard
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    With the sonic reach of Pink Floyd and convincing, explosive pop in the vein of Rogue Wave and the Apples in Stereo, "Ta Det Lugnt" is thick with variety.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    It's all well and good, but we've mostly heard it before.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    While TVOTR now record for just another major label, their music is more distinctive than ever.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Harvey's first five discs were startlingly complete conceptions. "Stories From The City" shows the same genius -- only in fits and starts.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 90 Critic Score
    This intimate, often breathtakingly beautiful collection (primarily produced by the artist herself) finds solace in the calm after the storm.