Dark Matter
by Randy Newman
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Aug 4, 2017
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
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  1. DavidWasHere
    Aug 4, 2017
    8
    While the composition and melody is repetitive to his past material, all is forgiven with the lyrics, which is a welcome return to one of music's best songwriters. Returning to his wise guy material from the 70s brings this music to life, especially when it comes with the modern political songs like Putin and the Great Debate. As well as some of Newman's most heartbreaking ballads withWhile the composition and melody is repetitive to his past material, all is forgiven with the lyrics, which is a welcome return to one of music's best songwriters. Returning to his wise guy material from the 70s brings this music to life, especially when it comes with the modern political songs like Putin and the Great Debate. As well as some of Newman's most heartbreaking ballads with Wandering Boy and Lost Without You. While Newman is still as sharp as ever and has a fantastic ear for instrumentation and melody, I wish it was focused on either more political songs or more sincere songs. Either way, another great album to add in Newman's collection… Expand
  2. Music_Observer
    Sep 12, 2017
    7
    It was fun, quirky, and heartfelt all at the same time, especially successful with soft dynamics and small textures that brought out a great harmonic language, even if song structures and overall organization seemed a bit too loose. My Score: 134/180 (Solid) = 7.4/10

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. PopMatters
    Sep 25, 2017
    70
    At this point in Newman’s career, fans can expect the orchestration and the indirect storytelling, the strange viewpoints and unusual characters. That’s what Newman does. And he’s still doing it well, turning his vision into music with renewed energy.
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  2. Magnet
    Aug 15, 2017
    85
    It's Newman's ability to paint such a scene [narrator's wife, on her deathbed, defending him against their concerned and/or churlish offspring] with humor, affection and honest humanity that makes his albums so thoroughly worth the wait. [No. 145, p.60]
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 7, 2017
    70
    Newman is easily distracted and that can make Dark Matter a confusing listen at points, but when he gets it right, you’re reminded of what a singular talent he is.
    Read full review
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