Distortion
by Magnetic Fields
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Jan 15, 2008
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. musicOMH.com
    60
    Most of the songs have plenty to give in these spheres, so for fans this can be viewed as a qualified success, if never quite approaching previous highs.
  2. Uncut
    60
    He may be treading water a little until he really gets into his groove as the 21st century Sondheim, but Distortion at its best is beguiling and quietly devastating.
  3. Spin
    60
    Ultimately, the album succeeds despite the extra fuss, not because of it.
  5. Q Magazine
    60
    There is plenty to enjoy, although it never comes close to recapturing the eclectic brillance of 1999's career high, "69 Love Songs. [Feb 2008, p.99]
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  6. The Guardian
    40
    When Distortion goes wrong, however, it dive-bombs.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Album of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. Ricko
    Feb 5, 2015
    5
    As an album "Distortion" relies heavily on the sonic characteristic after which it is named. A set of throwaway pop songs that hover betweenAs an album "Distortion" relies heavily on the sonic characteristic after which it is named. A set of throwaway pop songs that hover between the quality marks of standard and decent that are given a whole additional dimension through the use of pedals and other studio trickery. Despite this innovation, there is no escaping the fact that the songs are middling. The likes of "Xavier Says" really doesn't belong in the same back catalog as 69LS. Hardcore fans will enjoy and even love but as curious music listener just checking stuff out its a disappointment.… Full Review »
  2. JohnMcC.
    Apr 3, 2008
    9
    Tuneless? I think not. A great pop album reminiscent of earlier Magnetic Fields records.
  3. BrianS.
    Jan 28, 2008
    2
    All the tunefulness from the previous album is gone, replaced by a series of songs that are more kitsch than substance. If "Washington, D.C." All the tunefulness from the previous album is gone, replaced by a series of songs that are more kitsch than substance. If "Washington, D.C." was your favorite song from "69 Love Songs," you'll like this record. If you're looking for real songs, such as "I Don't Believe in the Sun" and "Long Forgotten Fairytale," you'll be disappointed.… Full Review »
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