Caracal
by Disclosure
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Sep 25, 2015
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. NOW Magazine
    Sep 30, 2015
    60
    Caracal is consistently good but also feels manicured and safe.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 28, 2015
    60
    Thankfully the big-name guests step up to the plate, specifically Miguel on the hazy Good Intentions; the Weeknd, who continues his pop trajectory on Nocturnal; and Lorde, who slinks playfully around Magnets’ subtle electro shuffle. Overall, however, Caracal is an early sign a shake-up may be needed.
  3. DIY Magazine
    Sep 25, 2015
    60
    Too often, Disclosure find themselves playing it safe.
  5. The Guardian
    Sep 24, 2015
    60
    In their bid to become suave and seductive, they sacrifice the energy and rapturous pop hooks of their debut: apart from the heady live favourite Bang That, there are no surprises, no risks.
  6. Billboard.com
    Sep 18, 2015
    60
    Caracal is the kind of effort that diehard fans might convince themselves to appreciate, and then never play again.
  7. Resident Advisor
    Sep 28, 2015
    52
    Caracal has the effect of a magician performing a trick twice in a row, rendering once clandestine, miraculous movements suddenly obvious, over-rehearsed and unnatural.
  8. Clash Music
    Sep 28, 2015
    50
    Even an all-star cast can't save Caracal from its restrained atmosphere and overly polished production
  9. Chicago Tribune
    Sep 25, 2015
    50
    Pleasantly executed exercise in retro dance pop.
  10. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 22, 2015
    40
    The Lawrence bros do pull some new tricks on Caracal. But the album marks the end of Disclosure as a band, and the beginning of Disclosure as a hit-dispensing enterprise that manufactures durable, no-stain, easy-to-clean products to please every audience.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Most Discussed Album of 2015
56
#56 Most Shared Album of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 140 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 140
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 140
  3. Negative: 9 out of 140
  1. tylerlavoie
    Sep 25, 2015
    9
    It's not Settle. You're not going to get the killer basslines or disoriented samples of "Voices" or "Stimulation", or even the CVS-ready popIt's not Settle. You're not going to get the killer basslines or disoriented samples of "Voices" or "Stimulation", or even the CVS-ready pop hit "Latch". At first listen, it might seem a little dull - the synth wubs all sound the same, the hit hats always have the same danceable shuffle, and it seems like whatever chord patch they're using builds up exactly the same way before the drop.

    But listen again. And read their interviews. Because Disclosure have taken themselves in a different direction here: they're less about creating dance hits and more about the brilliant songwriters they've featured. And the songwriting is there - from the chilled out brilliance of "Willing & Able" to the undeniably catchy "Magnets", just because the tempo dropped doesn't mean the record is any less eye-catching. At least, not if you go in with the right expectations.

    Disclosure have been clear about what this album means for their evolution. And sure, the song structures might get a little repetitive, and maybe "Omen" didn't catch on the way everyone hoped it would. Nevertheless, there are quality ideas here. Before you knock the lack of club anthems and house hits, relisten. There's passion in every voice. It's all about the songwriting.    … Full Review »
  2. erickarturo
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    if Caracal outside Disclosure debut album had risen sure the rate of criticism. Good lyrics, good beats, good bass etc,What is wrong with theif Caracal outside Disclosure debut album had risen sure the rate of criticism. Good lyrics, good beats, good bass etc,What is wrong with the album??, caracal is not settle understand once!, Caracal was an album of experimentation and evolution, the next album will be as good as settle, or maybe better!
    the humble opinion of a fanboy    … Full Review »
  3. cjksn21
    Nov 8, 2015
    10
    The definition of crazy is doing the same thing twice and expecting different result….except when it comes to dropping an album. Some wantedThe definition of crazy is doing the same thing twice and expecting different result….except when it comes to dropping an album. Some wanted a Settle 2. No doubt Settle was a classic and catches on instantly. This is more slow deep connection that draws you in after each listen but deeper than the first. They touched a different fan base a drew in a new crowd with this one. The bass is phenonmenal, vocals are repetitive but fun, and some songs make you want to cruise, others just listen, and some just go out and party on New Years eve like there’s no tomorrow. You can listen to every song all the way through which to makes it a classic. Best song Hourglass, Nocturnal, Willing & Able, Good Intentions, Magnets. Caracal made me go buy actually CD which I haven’t done in years.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »