Paste Magazine's Scores

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For 4,070 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 67% higher than the average critic
  • 3% same as the average critic
  • 30% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 3 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Music review score: 76
Highest review score: 100 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band [50th Anniversary Edition Deluxe Version]
Lowest review score: 10 Songs From Black Mountain
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,634 out of 4070
  2. Mixed: 400 out of 4070
  3. Negative: 36 out of 4070
4070 music reviews
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    • 81 Metascore
    • 83 Critic Score
    Manipulator
    It’s like the hangover lifted. He’s finally able to remove his sunglasses and nod to the light of true pop accessibility.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 88 Critic Score
    Secret Evil
    Her voice instantly captivates, radiating both power and sophistication on 11 tracks that vary wildly in tone.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 91 Critic Score
    Gist Is
    Seeing a band carry on the complexities of long-form songs, especially when giving their entire selves up to the process while they’re at it, is the boldest a debut can be.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch
    Dr. John shows us the scope of Satchmo’s influence, how the early American music that he pioneered has blossomed into a multi-faceted music that still has his soul at its center.
    • 62 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Get Hurt
    It’s not the band’s greatest, most spirited or unifying; it’s not The ’59 Sound or American Slang. Rather, Get Hurt represents the exorcism and the catharsis that needed to transpire.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Golden Echo
    At its worst, The Golden Echo is admirably faceless, exhausting in its eager quest to be everything to everyone at once. At its best, it’s subversive pop brilliance.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Lights Out
    While Lights Out is by no means flawless, its success lies in its ability to not only capture that sentiment but to make it so natural and accessible. Strife has never looked brighter.
    • 88 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Foundations of Burden
    Even though the album is crushing, the band’s penchant for melody is what elevates Foundations of Burden above otherwise comparable records from this year.
    • 64 Metascore
    • 79 Critic Score
    Musik, Die Schwer Zu Twerk
    It’s hard to make an argument for anything here being essential for the Flaming Lips’ career arc, but, it is a side project, and as side projects go, this one is strong.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    High Noon
    High Noon may not necessarily break through the American market, but is worth a listen for its consistently catchy Canadian pop rock.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    I'm Not Bossy, I'm the Boss
    For an album that focuses on the theme of love, it’s really hard to find anything to swoon over on I’m Not Bossy, I’m The Boss.
    • 82 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Live from Atlanta
    Live In Atlanta is not for newbies. It’s too overwhelming for anyone not already established as a lifelong Lucero fan. But for those who have experienced Lucero live before, Live In Atlanta is a necessary addition to the catalog.
    • 86 Metascore
    • 92 Critic Score
    LP1
    With both immediate appeal and density that demands long-term digestion, it’s one of those rare debuts that manifests a fully-grown, deeply engaging sound.
    • 71 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    EDJ
    The album’s best moments come from his willingness to push the envelope--which is promising for what’s to come.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Owl John
    Fans of Frightened Rabbit will feel right at home with the dynamic song structures and visceral lyricism while newcomers will be able to appreciate this album as much more than a one-off solo release, but rather a refreshing take from a songwriter looking to jump out of his comfort zone.
    • 81 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    They Want My Soul
    Throughout They Want My Soul, the songs flow into and out of each other with a subtle movement that’s hypnotic and sounds deceptively simple.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Upright Behavior
    Whether you’d rather stimulate your brain or your heart, it’s all available on Upright Behavior, it’s an impressive effort from an act that feels like it’s just finding its footing.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 57 Critic Score
    Nobody's Smiling
    He set out to depict the pains of contemporary Chicago, but he ended up just making another Common album.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Freeman
    It’s a recovery record that serves as an profound artistic statement of individuality, redemption and freedom.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Cold World
    The various feels weave into a core sample that merges old-school Stax with church music for anyone who’d dare to listen.
    • 65 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    The Breeze: An Appreciation of J.J. Cale
    Breeze: An Appreciation Of JJ Cale isn’t a perfect record by any means, but if these versions of his best-loved songs from Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Willie Nelson and Mark Knopfler encourage people to listen to Cale’s originals, the whole effort will have been worthwhile.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 76 Critic Score
    The Voyager
    Most of these songs are anchored on a foundation of smart, solid pop.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Hypnotic Eye
    Almost 40 years on, Tom Petty has been kind to his mind and his voice. And the Heartbreakers have been kind to Petty. Hypnotic Eye is all the proof you need.
    • 70 Metascore
    • 77 Critic Score
    These Days...
    That Ab-Soul tries to do both makes for a pretty entertaining ride, even when he technically falters. Ambition changes the definition of success, making this Ab-Soul record a better experience that can be picked apart.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 85 Critic Score
    Clear Lake Forest [EP]
    Clear Lake Forest is a quick listen at just seven songs, but The Black Angels have the wherewithal to pack in enough volleying moods that you feel like someone has sprinkled DMT into your smokes.
    • 74 Metascore
    • 75 Critic Score
    For The Recently Found Innocent
    For the Recently Found Innocent is a fantastic-sounding record, the production bringing to life the small details that make it more than a retread or homage.
    • 72 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    For Those Who Stay
    The riffs still explode with the same epic weight, and Saulnier’s cracked tenor still recalls a jittery Tom Verlaine.
    • 89 Metascore
    • 78 Critic Score
    Anthology [Box Set]
    In spite of its minor flaws, it’s the cornerstone of Kiwi indie music, an essential collection that retains its freshness and vitality.
    • 80 Metascore
    • 82 Critic Score
    Live at Biko
    It’s as communal as a set of campfire songs, complete with humor, screw-ups and familiarity.
    • 66 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    No Fools, No Fun
    It could have been--and should have been--a much better listen with the talent these three ladies possess. Unfortunately, it never quite jells.
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