Barbara Barbara, We Face a Shining Future
by Underworld
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Apr 4, 2016
    60
    Its purpose is to cement Underworld as elder statesmen of minor-arena-filling, rather than “floor-filling,” amorphously electronic music. It’s not hip, but it’s not square either.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 18, 2016
    60
    That could stand as a motto for the album: this is music seeking to let in the light.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Mar 17, 2016
    60
    The album, which at just seven tracks long (and none of them 15-minute monsters on the order of “Juanita”) feels almost like a two-fisted EP.
  5. The Skinny
    Feb 26, 2016
    60
    Barbara... is less massive comeback than slight return.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 29
  3. Negative: 3 out of 29
  1. pcossf
    Mar 18, 2016
    9
    Underworld's work is, at the same time, both iconic and underrated. Most people know the British electronica duo as the authors of theUnderworld's work is, at the same time, both iconic and underrated. Most people know the British electronica duo as the authors of the 'Trainspotting' theme –a landmark in EDM and rave culture–, but care to see well beyond this particular piece. Outlandish. 'Barbara Barbara, we face a shining future' proves –once again– that the band's talent is unlimited, and adds a whole new set of great songs to their repertoire. Songs which prove that, at almost 60 years-old, both Rick Smith and Karl Hyde aren't outdated. No. They are very much alive and up-to-date, despite continuing on with an eclectic formula that started back in 1993, with 'Dubnobasswithmyheadman'. Of course, having aged and survived dark times (check out Consequence of Sound's interview with Karl Hyde), the duo's sound has had a few trade-offs: less raw energy, more focused brilliance (e.g. "If Rah" and "Low Burn"); less boisterous beats, more mellow notes (e.g. "Ova Nova" and "Nylon Strung"). Nonetheless, it is still quintessential Underworld, at its finest. Calling a recent album 'a timeless piece of art that will endure the test of time' may seem a little misplaced, even reckless. This is not the case: 'Barbara Barbara, we face a shining future' will certainly achieve it. See you in ten years!… Full Review »
  2. Slowave
    Mar 29, 2016
    10
    My real rating is an 8, but I've given a 10 to counteract the rubbish "1" in red that some idiot gave this. This album isn't in the sameMy real rating is an 8, but I've given a 10 to counteract the rubbish "1" in red that some idiot gave this. This album isn't in the same league as Toughest in the Infants, and and there aren't the same wow-level earworms like Slippy or Pearl's Girl, but it is much better than anything that came afterwards and I can easily see "I Exhale" featured in the opening credits of Danny Boyle's sequel to Trainspotting. It's coming, and we all know it would be incomplete without an Underworld montage. This album is both immediately satisfying and a grower. EDM needs more "intellectual" artistry, and this carries that torch.… Full Review »
  3. Ffaj
    Jun 23, 2022
    9
    Очень хороший альбом, особенно на фоне их прошлых работ. Такой добрый, светлый, хотя и нового тут ничего нет, отдаёт концом 90-х–начале 00-х,Очень хороший альбом, особенно на фоне их прошлых работ. Такой добрый, светлый, хотя и нового тут ничего нет, отдаёт концом 90-х–начале 00-х, но в хорошем смысле/ Ставлю 9, но реальная оценка 8-8.5. Это всё из-за того человека, который поставил этому альбому 0, ты неадекват.… Full Review »
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