Drukqs
by Aphex Twin
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. Dot Music
    100
    In-between the chaos and peace, 'Drukqs' induces a whole host of emotions using acid squiggles, plucked piano strings and 80s electro-breaks.
  2. Playlouder
    90
    Everything sounds more accomplished, more intentional than previous efforts. Most important of all, though, 'Drukqs' is an unpredictable (yet compelling) listen.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    90
    What 'Drukqs' never is, of course, is boring. It's also beautifully paced. No track sounds like the one before, even though Aphex rarely strays far from the musical palate that's served him so well in the past.
  5. Mixer
    90
    Sounds more like a greatest hits collection than a singular artistic statement.... Drukqs is unparalleled in its production and undeniable in its brilliance. [Nov 2001, p.73]
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  6. Launch.com
    90
    The best work of his inventively mad career.
  7. E! Online
    83
    The long-standing ambient-techno pioneer uses everything from heart-attack-paced jungle to classically minded electronic minimalism to remind us why bands like Radiohead cite him as an influence
  8. Armchair DJ
    80
    If refining one's vision rather than foraging for new sounds is the mark of emerging artistic maturity, then it appears that techno's jester genius has finally decided to grown up.
  9. Urb
    80
    Drukqs is the most sincere album [James] has released since 1995's I Care Because You Do. [Nov/Dec 2001, p.131]
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  10. Alternative Press
    80
    A dense, diverse, and sometimes dauntingly complex double CD. [Dec 2001, p.78]
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  11. Splendid
    70
    It's a refinement of James' existing art form rather than an exploration of startlingly new concepts
  12. Almost Cool
    70
    While there are a couple of tracks that are completely amazing, the album as a whole could have used a little better sequencing to make it more tight.

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Most Discussed Album of 2001
23
#23 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 114 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 105 out of 114
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 114
  3. Negative: 7 out of 114
  1. Panagram
    Nov 15, 2010
    10
    One of his best, right behind Selected Ambient Works Vol. 1 and Richard D. James. All these mainstream critics just don't get it. Go back toOne of his best, right behind Selected Ambient Works Vol. 1 and Richard D. James. All these mainstream critics just don't get it. Go back to rating Kanye West and Lil Wayne you uncultured dopes.… Full Review »
  2. aliceafx
    Oct 22, 2016
    10
    One of the greatest, most important albums of all time. So ahead of its time that critics didn't know what to think of it. So dense it takesOne of the greatest, most important albums of all time. So ahead of its time that critics didn't know what to think of it. So dense it takes multiple listens to "understand".… Full Review »
  3. vriskasawesome
    Jul 27, 2013
    10
    Drukqs, though I would struggle to define it as James' greatest album among so many masterpieces, is my personal favourite album not just forDrukqs, though I would struggle to define it as James' greatest album among so many masterpieces, is my personal favourite album not just for Aphex Twin, but counting all his pseudonyms. The interspersed piano pieces are hauntingly beautiful (re: Rolling Stone) and provide a rest from the intensity of songs like "Gwarek2" and "Strotha Tynhe". The atmosphere of the album is intense and almost overwhelming but simultaneously comforting and fantastical. "Vordhosbn" is one of James' best ambient tracks, and and "Mt Saint Michael Saint Michaels Mount" reach towering, giddy pinnacles that put you into a trance. A brilliant album that I listen to more than any other, and will never get tired of.… Full Review »
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