Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus Image
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 62 Ratings

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  • Summary: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' 13th album actually spans two separate discs, each produced by Nick Launay. And speaking of the Bad Seeds, longtime member Blixa Bargeld has been replaced by James Johnston (Gallon Drunk).

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. The Guardian
    100
    An entirely unique return to form.
  2. Mojo
    100
    The scope and breadth is startling. [Oct 2004, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Playlouder
    90
    'Abattoir Blues' is weirdly full of wonderment, and - get this - 'The Lyre of Orpheus' is even more joyful! And they both kick Nocturama's arse full of buttonholes.
  4. The A.V. Club
    80
    There's hardly any drop in quality over the discs' 17 tracks, and Cave maintains his ability to startle.
  5. Paste Magazine
    80
    Aside from the power of the music and lyrics, the set draws on Cave’s compelling persona: part priest, part sideshow barker--crooning one moment and eviscerating the next. While this has always been the core of his talent, on Abattoir/Lyre it is particularly rich and rewarding.
  6. cokemachineglow
    80
    And with so much music, some cuts solidly fail, and some stand up to the best in the Bad Seeds canon.
  7. The Wire
    60
    In many ways this is his finest outing since The Boatman's Call. [#247, p.55]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. americanbeauty
    Jan 16, 2016
    10
    Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus é simplesmente a melhor coisa que eu já ouvi em toda a minha vida, poderia passar o resto dos meus diasAbattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus é simplesmente a melhor coisa que eu já ouvi em toda a minha vida, poderia passar o resto dos meus dias apenas ouvindo este álbum. Uma verdade obra de arte.… Expand
  2. D.Dagger
    Aug 22, 2005
    10
    His best work in a very very long time. A classic.
  4. Hein
    Apr 30, 2006
    10
    There are no better records than this one. Simple as that.
  5. ScottW
    Nov 9, 2004
    9
    The album is a wonderfully diverse affair of the light, the dark, and the many shades inbetween. An unadulterated masterpiece. Not many in The album is a wonderfully diverse affair of the light, the dark, and the many shades inbetween. An unadulterated masterpiece. Not many in popular music today can boast of a career so vital and relevant. An Unlike a U2 who primarily concern themselves with more immediate grande gestures and themes. Cave concentrates soley on the state of the spiritual. Theres simply nobody out there working today quite like him and with a brilliant testament like Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus likely there never will be. … Expand
  6. Ezra
    Jun 25, 2006
    9
    In my opinion, and several come close, this as a double album, is his best work since The Good Son (probably one of the greatest albums in In my opinion, and several come close, this as a double album, is his best work since The Good Son (probably one of the greatest albums in rock). It's on the level, I'd say, with his stuff with The Birthday Party, and, by extension, worth even the listening of non-fans. Warren Ellis adequately fills the place of Blixa Bargeld (I feel the loss too). His integration of gospel is pure awesome. Don't wait, buy it! 'There She Goes, My Beautiful World' is one of the best songs of ' the '00s.… Expand
  7. RickP
    Feb 26, 2005
    9
    Nick Cave's new album is beautiful, powerful, emotional, and very satisfying. The best recording I have heard in years. It's an Nick Cave's new album is beautiful, powerful, emotional, and very satisfying. The best recording I have heard in years. It's an album that will be in my most regular listening rotation for years.… Expand
  8. EvanW
    Oct 22, 2006
    1
    I've been a fan of Nick Cave for about eight years. I always loved his dark lyrics and instrumentation. After 2002, he seems to have I've been a fan of Nick Cave for about eight years. I always loved his dark lyrics and instrumentation. After 2002, he seems to have completely lost all his old inspiration, and continues making albums only because he's a musician, not because he has something to say. This record did not need to be made. Insipid lyrics, over-produced pap.… Expand

See all 24 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Album of 2004
79
#79 Most Discussed Album of 2004

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