Big Red Machine
by Big Red Machine
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Aug 31, 2018
    60
    Big Red Machine sounds like Bon Iver and The National freestyling with friends, drinks and vape pens.
  2. Consequence
    Aug 31, 2018
    50
    There are moments when it feels admirable in its scope and ambition, but ultimately, the pure intentions get lost in the noise.

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. TPhy
    Apr 3, 2020
    10
    Incredible album from Justin Vernon and Aaron Desner. How it hasn’t gotten higher marks is beyond my understanding.
  2. Fra101
    Mar 2, 2022
    10
    This album is a perfect example of what can happen when songwriting and vocal powerhouses get together and lightening strikes.
  3. Ricko
    Jun 3, 2020
    8
    As a huge fan of both artists' work, I was always going to own this album. "Big Red Machine" is not an immediate record but after half a dozenAs a huge fan of both artists' work, I was always going to own this album. "Big Red Machine" is not an immediate record but after half a dozen listens it starts to stick in the memory. There is no career defining song here from Dessner or Vernon but there is a sense of freedom to the material that you would only get from a side project shorn of the normal pressure of expectation that comes with new releases from Bon Iver and The National. It is an understated listen with much to discover underneath the hood. Had this been an EP, it would probably be more impressive but I would have been screaming out for an album. As it is, "Big Red Machine" have brought us an album that is interesting rather than essential listening but certainly a record that I can return to.… Full Review »
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