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4 x 4 = 12 Image
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 112 Ratings

  • Summary: The Canadian DJ who is known for his mouse-head costume releases his third full-length album.
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Top Track

Raise Your Weapon
Ripping my heart was so easy, so easy Launch your assault now, take it easy Raise your weapon, raise your weapon One word and it's over Rippin'... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Q Magazine
    Feb 2, 2011
    80
    The title's maths may not add up, but he's onto a winning formula. [Feb. 2011, p. 115]
  2. Jan 10, 2011
    80
    He's not relying on anybody else out there to make something unique for him to sample; he's making them all himself. Joel Zimmerman only has to rely on deadmau5, and the party won't ever stop. And the mouse is far from dead.
  3. Dec 21, 2010
    73
    Still, his range is admirable and 4 × 4 appropriates just enough familiar tone to act as a mainstream dance sampler for the under-initiated.
  4. Dec 7, 2010
    60
    4x4=12 is audacious, mixing generic house grooves with eclectic fare like "Bad Selection," a kinetic jam with dog-whistle synth builds.
  5. Dec 16, 2010
    60
    Those who go to genuine underground parties every weekend will find it a bit lame, but considering the work of his fellow chart-topping populists, you could do a lot worse.
  6. Dec 10, 2010
    60
    It's a colourful grab-bag, but Zimmerman's ear for stock clubland dynamics means that while 4x4=12 barely breaks sweat whomping the listener into submission, it also stops way short of revealing the man behind the mask.
  7. Dec 7, 2010
    50
    Hipsters will hate it, but that's partly the point. Admitting he was "born and raised an Internet hate machine," Deadmau5 knows the power of provocation.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Feb 23, 2011
    10
    Deadmau5 is a name that has been in the media quite often the past five years as the techno and house scene has triumphed and all other genresDeadmau5 is a name that has been in the media quite often the past five years as the techno and house scene has triumphed and all other genres have unfortunately taken a hit. At first he was just a Canadian DJ who released a few good tracks that caught him a bit of attention. Several years later he is no longer that semiprofessional DJ he is sweeping the nation with several albums all of which are hits and producing is now a title he can strongly say he has conquered. His new album 4*4=12 is full of great tracks that differ a tad from his previous ones. He has a different style that is working in his favor. He now incorporates different artists in to his music which inevitably helps in making him main stream. Deadmau5 now has songs on the radio which is boosting his popularity a bunch. I think Deadmau5 is on the road to making many more intricate and catchy tracks with the support he has from other artists and the solid fan base he has now he has a long and prosperous career ahead. Expand
  2. Apr 10, 2022
    10
    Love this album, it has a lot of different ultra unique songs and compositions, that nobody could ever repeate.
  3. Jul 21, 2011
    10
    Deadmau5 is a great electronic artist, #1 on my list of top 5 electronic artists, tied with Daft Punk. The songs on this should be iconic, butDeadmau5 is a great electronic artist, #1 on my list of top 5 electronic artists, tied with Daft Punk. The songs on this should be iconic, but sadly aren't. Thankfully, there are a lot of deadmau5 fans who love and respect his music, me being one of them. However, I still want his (as Leadmeister called it) "artist album" to come out soon, so I can listen the hell out of it. Expand
  4. Mar 5, 2012
    8
    Although not as good as 'For Lack of a Better Name' or 'Random Album Title' , in its own right this album is still outstanding.Deadmau5 showsAlthough not as good as 'For Lack of a Better Name' or 'Random Album Title' , in its own right this album is still outstanding.Deadmau5 shows some more of his flair. Expand
  5. Jun 24, 2014
    8
    This album sounds a little bit more agressive than the previous one. I think it is ok, but in overall this album is monotonusly in some shortThis album sounds a little bit more agressive than the previous one. I think it is ok, but in overall this album is monotonusly in some short parts. Of course we can find great tracks (for example: Some Chords, A city in Florida or Cthulhu Sleeps) but Joel sometimes turned into **** dubstep. It is still good album but i hope deadmau5 will not go wrong path.

    Sry for mistakes, im not english master...
    Expand
  6. Dec 18, 2020
    7
    An audacious album. It marks the domination of deadmau5 in the electro/house scene and beyond. Dubstep is also approached during '4 x 4 = 12'.An audacious album. It marks the domination of deadmau5 in the electro/house scene and beyond. Dubstep is also approached during '4 x 4 = 12'. Some tracks may appear to be quite basic (like 'Bad Selection' and 'A City in Florida') but a lot of others are really innovative (like 'Animal Rights' and 'Raise Your Weapon'). In overall '4 x 4 = 12' is a powerful and brilliant house album with some really interesting featured artists. We can thank Wolfgang Gartner, Skrillex and Greta Svabo Bech (who reamained in the shadows but still brought her splendid contribution on 'Raise Your Weapon') among others. There are so many different emotions emerging while listening to the project. Unfortunately its agressivity remains one of its worst flaws. Expand
  7. Dec 17, 2012
    6
    Like his previous material, 4x4=12 is of the EDM genre (specifically progressive house music) and to be honest, it's more of the same. ForLike his previous material, 4x4=12 is of the EDM genre (specifically progressive house music) and to be honest, it's more of the same. For some, that's a pros; tracks such as "Raise Your Weapon" and "One Trick Pony" cleverly combine catchy progressive house with dubstep influenced beats. For others, it's a cons; the majority of 4x4=12 is limited when it comes to listeners, and can get repetitive. "Sofi Needs a Ladder" is the most accessible track when it comes to listeners outside of the EDM fan base, if you can withstand the tedious opening. Overall, 4x4=12 isn't a great album, but for his fans, it should be pleasing. Expand

See all 20 User Reviews