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American Utopia
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American Utopia Image
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

  • Summary: The first solo release for the Talking Heads frontman in 14 years is part of a larger project called "Reasons to Be Cheerful" and features contributions from Brian Eno, Jam City, Oneohtrix Point Never, and Sampha.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 12, 2018
    84
    American Utopia, despite the chance at becoming a politically-charged vent towards particular injustices, instead aspires to give hope rather than add onto the dumpster fire of negativity; or so to say, Byrne sits us down and gives us reasons to be cheeful.
  2. Q Magazine
    Mar 1, 2018
    80
    His creative fires still showing no signs of dimming, David Byrne remains as playful and brilliant as ever. [Apr 2018, p.114]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. The Telegraph (UK)
    Mar 8, 2018
    80
    For all Byrne’s other endeavours, music is the forum where his quirky, zany, challenging ideas achieve emotionally satisfying expression. American Utopia is another glittering offering from an old master.
  4. AllMusic
    Mar 12, 2018
    70
    American Utopia is an album of beautiful and witty surfaces stretched over a sea of troubled waters, and if Byrne is rarely inclined to give direct answers to the questions he asks, it's obvious this isn't a joke, it's an ambitious work from an important American artist.
  5. The 405
    Mar 12, 2018
    65
    While American Utopia has its missteps it is, on the whole, a joyous record that only Byrne could make. American Utopia is an album that is inquisitive not just about the world of today but of music’s power to transport and uplift us.
  6. Exclaim
    Mar 6, 2018
    60
    Despite the dream team behind it, American Utopia has much to like but little to love, perhaps its most apt, if unintended, critique of the country itself.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 8, 2018
    40
    Combined with the faux-naive, fairytale tone of the narratives, it makes for an irritatingly condescending experience. The lofty aimlessness is matched by musical settings.

See all 32 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 5 out of 7
  1. citycentre
    Mar 13, 2018
    8
    Great album, definitely a grower. "Everyday is a Miracle" is really missing something however - it just has no flow to it. There's also a fewGreat album, definitely a grower. "Everyday is a Miracle" is really missing something however - it just has no flow to it. There's also a few vocal moments that are just a bit more grating than they needed to be so it's an 8 from me...… Expand
  2. stgrunu
    Mar 18, 2018
    5
    It definitely felt like I forgot I was listening to an album for a few minutes. It's a decent album and some of the instrumentals haveIt definitely felt like I forgot I was listening to an album for a few minutes. It's a decent album and some of the instrumentals have fantastic breakdowns.
    Everybody's Coming to my House is great when he sings on his range.    … Expand
  4. HannahK
    Mar 13, 2018
    3
    American Utopia is a massively disappointing offering from Byrne. It feels lazy and formulaic and worse still, just plain dull. One forAmerican Utopia is a massively disappointing offering from Byrne. It feels lazy and formulaic and worse still, just plain dull. One for completists only.… Expand
  5. JaneMetascore
    Dec 18, 2019
    2
    David Byrne is a fake for phony political correctness. He's blind to justice. His injustices belong in the trash. There is nothing here toDavid Byrne is a fake for phony political correctness. He's blind to justice. His injustices belong in the trash. There is nothing here to listen to, or to like. for listening to music.… Expand
  6. allisonjane65
    Mar 11, 2018
    2
    I'm a big fan of Talking Heads and to a lesser extent David Byrne, though I've enjoyed much of his solo work. American Utopia has to be aI'm a big fan of Talking Heads and to a lesser extent David Byrne, though I've enjoyed much of his solo work. American Utopia has to be a career nadir in my opinion. A collection of dreary, forced and forgettable songs for the most part.… Expand
  7. grapesnacks
    Oct 27, 2020
    0
    American Utopia is a boring, pretentious vanity project. I like David Bryne, but I found this mediocre album, and the smug, sanctimoniousAmerican Utopia is a boring, pretentious vanity project. I like David Bryne, but I found this mediocre album, and the smug, sanctimonious video unwatchable.… Expand
  8. JeffWard
    Mar 10, 2018
    0
    David Byrne ought to be embarrassed by this album. I've been a fan for years, but perhaps it's time for him to retire.

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