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Critical Equation
by
Critical Equation Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. American Songwriter
    Apr 27, 2018
    80
    When Critical Equation isn’t trying too hard to solve those mysteries lyrically or complicate matters musically, it’s prime Dr. Dog. And that’s more than enough.
  2. AllMusic
    Apr 27, 2018
    80
    Rather than breaking the mold, Dr. Dog instead double down on their strengths to make Critical Equation a surprisingly vital outing.
  3. Uncut
    Apr 27, 2018
    80
    The deep, pulled-back grooves of Critical Equation reveal the harnessed intensity of the songs and performances so deliberately that their myriad pleasures and embedded hooks will sneak up on you. [Jun 2018, p.27]
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  4. Q Magazine
    Apr 27, 2018
    60
    Not every song is a slow ride--True Love and Heart Killer are bluesy folk stompers--but on the likes of the luxurious Buzzing In The Light and Critical Equation they allow themselves to revel in dreaminess. [Jun 2018, p.110]
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  5. PopMatters
    May 11, 2018
    60
    Dr. Dog is a band that can write a hell of a great song. But on Critical Equation, they're mostly treading water.
  6. The 405
    May 3, 2018
    55
    Longtime fans of the band will not find a rebirth in Critical Evaluation but you made find an upbeat improvement on recent efforts.
  7. The A.V. Club
    Apr 27, 2018
    50
    Dr. Dog’s music is usually far more engaging and inventive, so hopefully Critical Equation’s monotonous tedium is a mere blip.

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 1 out of 2
  1. sunugly
    Apr 30, 2018
    7
    Dr. Dog doesn't offer many surprises on this album. Sonically, the album is more interesting than their previous Abandoned Mansion, butDr. Dog doesn't offer many surprises on this album. Sonically, the album is more interesting than their previous Abandoned Mansion, but lyrically falls short of Dr. Dog's glory days. That being said, a mediocre Dr. Dog album is still an album worth listening to, and Critical Equation certainly has its high points (mostly at the tail end of the track list).… Expand
  2. MrNiceGuyMan
    Sep 4, 2019
    3
    Dr. Dog does have their unique sound. But sadly, they don't have any other tricks and more sadly, this is the kind of trick that wears outDr. Dog does have their unique sound. But sadly, they don't have any other tricks and more sadly, this is the kind of trick that wears out fast. "Listening in" is the track where their thing works the best, but then that's it. I feel like there will be something new and good coming in the next ten years, but for now, this album really doesn't show their artistic skills.… Expand

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