Control
by Pedro the Lion
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Launch.com
    90
    It's that rare record that both thinks and rocks.
  2. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    This album includes boasts a brilliant storyteller, amazing music, and, most important, beautifully delivered lyrics.
  3. The A.V. Club
    80
    Control may be dark and sometimes brutal, but it's ultimately life-affirming and difficult to forget.
  5. Alternative Press
    80
    Control's exhilarating high points take Pedro's brooding, hesitantly melodic indie rock closer to Ozzfet than they've ever been. [Jul 2002, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Splendid
    80
    Control stands apart from previous Pedro the Lion releases because its harder material is among its most satisfying.
  7. AllMusic
    80
    He's no Elliott Smith yet, but if he expands his songwriting and subject matter, he could be a future heir to the indie-wuss throne.
  8. Magnet
    80
    Control is the finger-pointing punk record of the year. [#54, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Uncut
    80
    Musically, it predictably alternates between relentless, driving guitars and agonisingly slow dirges, but Bazan's gift lies in lyrics. [Oct 2002, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Almost Cool
    73
    While it may turn off some people who were fans of his earlier, acoustic work, it also shows that he has the chops to do a full-fledged rock album.
  11. Pitchfork
    72
    Where [Winners Never Quit] moved with confidence and conviction of purpose, Control wallows in an amoral netherworld of overamped midtempo ballads and incomplete thoughts.
  12. Rolling Stone
    70
    Control reveals a restrained, calculating rocker.
  13. Austin Chronicle
    67
    Control's opener "Options" is one of the saddest, most sincere songs to come down the pipe in years.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. ianvano
    Dec 8, 2003
    10
    amazing, a awesome story. deffenently buy the cd
  2. rob
    Oct 27, 2003
    10
    shows examples of ugly things occurring, but in such a beautiful way. it's strange how Pedro can make adultery sound so good, but he does...
  3. matts
    Nov 15, 2002
    9
    It's a great album. I think that Pedro is hands down the best emo/indie song writer. His lyrics are dark, and sometimes scary, but other It's a great album. I think that Pedro is hands down the best emo/indie song writer. His lyrics are dark, and sometimes scary, but other times filled with hope.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »