Barking
by Underworld
  • Record Label: OM
  • Release Date: Sep 14, 2010
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. CMJ
    Jan 11, 2011
    80
    Eight satisfying songs of rhythm and groove later, Underworld pulls a fast one, yanking the cord with album finale "Louisiana," which features beautiful keys, languid vocals and a gentle, time-keeping beat that lulls listeners into the blissful ether.
  2. Uncut
    80
    With experiments in disco, dubstep and drum'n'bass all unmistakably Underworld, Barking is the sound of veterans re-energised. [Oct 2010, p.
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  3. Urb
    80
    Thirty years into their collaboration, Underworld's Rick Smith and Karl Hyde continue to sit at the forefront of dance music innovation. Barking is just further proof that Underworld isn't going anywhere.
  5. cokemachineglow
    76
    Even the forecast backlash from fans of the trance era can't dent Barking's relentless enthusiasm, and given the sufficient exposure and time, everyone should be able to party to it. It's just that for an Underworld album it sounds distinctly un-Underworld, and more like someone's asked Smith and Hyde to ghost-write a Now! compilation.
  6. Filter
    76
    Where Underworld was once a dark foil to what was generally a culture of peace, love and hedonism, in these grim times, Barking is a relatively upper's affair, and something of a techno's-greatest-bits.
  7. BBC Music
    70
    They may not be sticking their necks out as pioneers now but it's not important --they are never less than themselves, and superficial quibbles aside this is the sound of musicians with nothing to prove and everything to give.
  8. Spin
    70
    Underworld is freed up to focus on crafting memorable tunes that hark back to their electronica heyday, as well as more personal, coherent lyrics. Earnest emotions surprisingly suit these dance-floor surrealists.
  9. Alternative Press
    70
    The album can't sustain the energy of early tracks like "Bird" and "Scribble," but while the blaze lasts, it's definitely worth warming yourself up on. [Oct 2010, p.120]
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  10. PopMatters
    70
    Underworld's new album is distinctly Underworld, and has a greater cohesiveness than those previous two full lengths, as well as a greater appeal.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Trenchfoot
    Mar 30, 2016
    8
    Starts off with three cracking tunes which are among their best but with the tunefree Hamburg Hotel it takes a dive. Thereafter it's back onStarts off with three cracking tunes which are among their best but with the tunefree Hamburg Hotel it takes a dive. Thereafter it's back on form with Moon in Water being the stand out. The tail end is brought up with Louisiana, a slow and somewhat dull track. It's a better album than any other since Second Toughest In The Infants but falls short of the standards of Dubnobasswithmyheadman.… Full Review »
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