Evil Friends
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Evil Friends Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 81 Ratings

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  • Summary: The eighth full-length studio release for the psychedelic rock band was produced by Danger Mouse.
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  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Rock, Experimental Rock, Neo-Psychedelia
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 4, 2013
    89
    Sure, they're not very hip, but Portugal the Man are anything but slouches, and Evil Friends is proof that some bands get big for being good, nothing else.
  2. PopMatters
    Jun 7, 2013
    80
    Portugal. The Man have created something special with Evil Friends. The core songwriting and performances are top notch, and Danger Mouse’s input adds a plethora of valuable modifications and ideas.
  3. No Ripcord
    Jun 20, 2013
    80
    It is by far their most focused and polished album, and Danger Mouse makes sure that everything is sonically smooth (even if a few feel almost like Broken Bells b-sides).
  4. The A.V. Club
    Jun 4, 2013
    75
    Where Broken Bells is pensive and slow, Evil Friends is hyper-caffeinated and energetic, and better for it.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Jun 4, 2013
    70
    For creating something as fresh and strong as this at album number eight, Portugal. The Man deserve to be applauded.
  6. Under The Radar
    Jun 13, 2013
    65
    The album boasts a fuller sound than previous albums as well as some strong moments, but does not boast anything as immediately memorable, as previous works have. [Jun-Jul 2013, p.89]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 4, 2013
    35
    The songs themselves don’t shine through the production.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. protonjon
    Jun 7, 2013
    10
    Growing up in England with a music obsessed father from Liverpool, meant I was exposed to The Beatles at an early age. In my teenage years,Growing up in England with a music obsessed father from Liverpool, meant I was exposed to The Beatles at an early age. In my teenage years, living just outside of Manchester I had Oasis. I hear inspiration from both of these bands in PTM.
    They have written seven albums in eight years, displaying subtle variance, growth and continuity. Their last album 'In the mountain in the cloud' wasn't adventurous enough, for a band with their creativity. Collaborating with Danger Mouse has really brought out the best in PTM. I could listen to this album all day, everyday. It has the songs, the production, great musicianship, thoughtful lyrics and a brings a fresh new style with it.    … Expand
  2. garfield7081
    Jun 25, 2022
    10
    danger mouse's rock production at his absolute best. while i don't agree with some of the messages the album promotes, from a musical anddanger mouse's rock production at his absolute best. while i don't agree with some of the messages the album promotes, from a musical and artistic standpoint the album is one of the best i've ever heard.

    best song: plastic soldiers

    worst song: someday believers    … Expand
  4. thattwistedman
    Jun 5, 2013
    10
    Been a Portugal the man fan for a couple of years now, but there has not been a better album then what they made with Danger Mouse. This albumBeen a Portugal the man fan for a couple of years now, but there has not been a better album then what they made with Danger Mouse. This album is flawless and the song styles range from arena rock (Atomic Man) to slow smooth songs (Waves. This album is spectacular.… Expand
  5. BONERSMASHER
    Jun 4, 2013
    10
    Hadn't heard of Portugal. The Man before I listened to this album but am so glad I know them now! The album is the perfect mix of catchyHadn't heard of Portugal. The Man before I listened to this album but am so glad I know them now! The album is the perfect mix of catchy hooks, Thought-provoking lyrics, Impressive Instrumentals, and of course great production from Danger Mouse!… Expand
  6. vasek45
    Jun 6, 2013
    9
    Loved it. It's not as dreamy, flashy and psychedelic as In The Mountain In The Cloud and employs an overall more mainstream approach to theLoved it. It's not as dreamy, flashy and psychedelic as In The Mountain In The Cloud and employs an overall more mainstream approach to the sound but nevertheless the result is superb. What truly moves an album forward is the same sense of pompous epicness from the sound and the vocals combined as on the previous one. An incredible collection of catchy pop-rock songs and yet another great album from Portugal.The Man.
    P.S. If you want a instantly-great song that will grab you from the first time you hear and make you buy an album, listen to Hip-Hop Kids.    … Expand
  7. Joemur
    Sep 28, 2013
    9
    I had never heard their previous albums so come to this fresh. And fresh it is. Great songs,great production and a unique style that managesI had never heard their previous albums so come to this fresh. And fresh it is. Great songs,great production and a unique style that manages to wear their influences on the sleeve but hold its own integrity. I will be checking out the back catalogue… Expand
  8. Burns148
    Feb 4, 2014
    6
    I enjoyed this album a lot at first, but then I realized I was only listening to 5 songs. The good songs on this album are incredible and theI enjoyed this album a lot at first, but then I realized I was only listening to 5 songs. The good songs on this album are incredible and the bad songs are just plain bad; it is mainly the lyrics that ruin them with lines such as "you can't fight a war with nobody to fight back" on Waves. Danger Mouse does his job on this album with fantastic music and Gourley just fails to fill it in. The songs to listen to are Atomic Man, Evil Friends, Modern Jesus, Purple, Yellow, Red and Blue, and Creep in a T-shirt. After finally really listening to it this album just doesn't match up with Satanic Satanist or In the Mountain in the Cloud.… Expand

See all 20 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Most Discussed Album of 2013
45
#45 Most Shared Album of 2013

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