Alligator
by The National
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Dusted Magazine
    60
    Alligator's biggest missteps are the moments when the music joins in the apprehension, rendering the coyness in Berninger's lyrics unreadable.
  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    Depressed guitar poetry that's both elegantly wasted and kinda murky.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    It's music for downhearted cattle rustlers to mournfully skin steers to. [9 Apr 2005, p.58]
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  5. PopMatters
    May 2, 2012
    45
    REVIEW#1: Over 13 doing-nothing tracks, Matt Berninger bumbles out useless lyrics that he doesn't have the guts to put across. (Score=20); REVIEW#2: Alligator is one of those albums that slowly dawns on you. Given half a chance, it's ultimately a very rewarding listening experience that I predict will continue to grow in stature as time passes. (Score=70)
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Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Best Album of 2005
72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2005
20
#20 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 152 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 138 out of 152
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 152
  3. Negative: 9 out of 152
  1. DavidR.
    Mar 29, 2008
    10
    A lot appears to have been made about this guys lyrics, with one review dedicated entirely to ripping them for being cold and dispassionate. A lot appears to have been made about this guys lyrics, with one review dedicated entirely to ripping them for being cold and dispassionate. Talk to any creative person and they will tell you art normally flows from sadness and misery. These songs are not uplifting nor are they meant to be. The album is great because it's a perfect expression of someone who admits to his patchy failures, marginal successes, and ultimately the women whom he has used to get through life. Most of the songs sound like they are written on a hungover a few days after breaking up his girlfriend. The songs are deceptively straightforward and beautifully layered, and his lyrics are thought provoking and emotionally delivered. This album truly deserves a 10 and is their best.… Full Review »
  2. toms
    Apr 15, 2005
    10
    my favorite record of the year so far.
  3. notverygood
    Oct 21, 2017
    10
    The National's masterpiece. The National are well known for being a consistent band — all of their post-Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers albums areThe National's masterpiece. The National are well known for being a consistent band — all of their post-Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers albums are brilliant, with lots of good songs on them. While some would argue that Boxer is their best album, for me, Alligator represents everything The National have strived to achieve.

    For a band who are often criticised for being very samey — both sonically and thematically — Alligator is surprisingly diverse. Want an aggressive, powerful, yet deliberately non-partisan political anthem? Listen to Mr. November. You're more of a fan of the archetypical National song — a slow, moving love ballad? You've got Secret Meeting, City Middle or Val Jester. The album also touches upon then-uncharted territory for The National: Friend of Mine recounts the story of fleeting friendship, Abel explosively retells a Bible story and The National sing of their love of their adopted home — New York — in The Geese of Beverly Road and Daughters of the Soho Riots.

    I've given this album a 10; every song is good, the album has had — and will likely continue to have — a profound effect on me.    … Full Review »
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