Bubblegum
by Mark Lanegan Band
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    A record filled with such emotional scope and range that it's tailor-made to showcase Lanegan's world weary roar. [24 Jul 2004, p.47]
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  2. ShakingThrough.net
    90
    It's a distillation of the singer's subtly different moods and modes, a cohesive and comprehensive work that stands as the most representative look yet at his musical persona.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    88
    An album that seethes and rocks with real energy and depth. [22 Aug 2004]
  5. AllMusic
    80
    The dank emotional caverns of Bubblegum offer some territory well worth exploring for the strong-willed.
  6. Alternative Press
    60
    It's a deathfest of sound and fury, quietly melancholy and fiercely apocalyptic. But it's a tale that grows wearier with every listen. [Sep 2004, p.122]
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  7. PopMatters
    70
    A tad more abrasive and rocking than the late-night blooze of Whiskey For the Holy Ghost and Scraps at Midnight, Bubblegum should appeal to fans of great songwriting.
  8. Blender
    80
    Lanegan has finally produced his long-threatened masterpiece. [Oct 2004, p.125]
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  9. The Guardian
    80
    It is hardly user-friendly, but Bubblegum is too good an album to languish in the margins. There is something thrilling in its unpredictable lurches between darkness and light, noise and melody. In every sense, Bubblegum is a staggering record.
  10. Q Magazine
    80
    Shows [Lanegan] to be more alive and more vital than ever. [Sep 2004, p.121]
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  11. Splendid
    90
    His most compelling, not to mention complete, work to date.
  12. Uncut
    80
    It's a departure from previous Lanegan solo LPs... This time, Lanegan is looser, open to both experimentation and, once more, full-on rock. [Sep 2004, p.96]
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  13. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    90
    Bubblegum is a blues record, a powerfully original reinterpretation of the genre.
  14. The A.V. Club
    80
    While the guests push and pull Lanegan in different directions, Bubblegum's songs never lose him in the translation.
  15. Playlouder
    90
    Lanegan's lyrics are poetic, well thought out and devastatingly honest, making this more a serious artistic account than some braggadocio bullshit. And then add to that the fact the music is just fantastic.
  16. Spin
    83
    Gruff stuff... A few rockers lighten the load, but not by much. [Sep 2004, p.120]
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  17. Mojo
    80
    It's the feeling of almost imperceptible menace that makes Bubblegum so unsettling. [Aug 2004, p.84]
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  18. Stylus Magazine
    80
    It is, to be frank, one of the most remarkable and forward-looking rock albums that you will hear all year, and testament to Lanegan’s ability to take desolate lyrics and fashion beautiful, redemptive tunes around them.
  19. Dot Music
    90
    It will undoubtedly top some end of year lists this Christmas.
  20. cokemachineglow
    73
    If you like blues-oriented rock from a man who can pour out his soul like Robert Pollard's bartender pours Bud Lite, then, by all means, give Bubblegum a try.
  21. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Alt-rock blues darker and scarier than Jon Spencer or even Jack White ever imagined. [24 Dec 2004, p.66]
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  22. Filter
    88
    It takes willpower and endurance to swim down these dark, dimly lit streams of misery. Even as a listener. [#11, p.98]
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  23. Pitchfork
    72
    The seamy din generated by this revolving ensemble provides a well-matched backdrop for the relentless parade of petty violence, drug deals gone sour, and squalid love affairs portrayed in these songs.
  24. Delusions of Adequacy
    80
    In the end, the album’s rather limited scope is justified by the masterful detail with which it is rendered, granting the listener limited entry to a place most of us wouldn’t want to stay long.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best Album of 2004
97
#97 Most Discussed Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 34
  3. Negative: 2 out of 34
  1. Hein
    Apr 30, 2006
    10
    almost the quality of Mister Tom Waits
  2. Scraper
    May 1, 2017
    5
    I didn't really care for this. I'm a big Screaming Trees, Queens fan but this was just too slow for me. I don't like when previous shreddersI didn't really care for this. I'm a big Screaming Trees, Queens fan but this was just too slow for me. I don't like when previous shredders think a more mature way of songwriting is to slow down and go to motorbike moan into the microphone (See Post Pop Depression). Not awful but just not what I like. Also, I hope that the tradition of putting a weird, throwaway, short track as the first track on an album goes away.… Full Review »
  3. HexG.
    Nov 17, 2007
    9
    Stunning album, definatley his best. "Strange Religion" and "Wedding Dress" are stand-out tracks for me
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