Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus
by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
  • Record Label: Anti
  • Release Date: Oct 26, 2004
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 62
  3. Negative: 2 out of 62

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  1. 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 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.

Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Album of 2004
80
#80 Most Discussed Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. 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.
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  2. Filter
    82
    This is not Cave's best work by any means, but these songs do showcase his impressive range as a lyricist, performer and musician. [#12, p.100]
  3. Blender
    80
    The kind of boiling, roiling blues the Bad Seeds haven't cooked up in years. [Nov 2004, p.131]
See all critic reviews »