Fantasy
by M83
  • Record Label: Mute
  • Release Date: Mar 17, 2023
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Lajaleaa
    May 2, 2023
    7
    This is an interesting place to explore, where when there is actually something to do.
    I admire the space and grandeur on this album, but the adventure kind of gets lost when, in a way, you are walking around in circles.
  2. EnemyOfState
    Apr 30, 2023
    10
    IMO, the best M83 album. Surprisingly. I love every single song. Sunny Boy, Deceiver, Amnesia, Kool Nuit are definitely highlights of the album. This is one of those rare albums for me which feels like it was around my whole life.
  3. jamal500
    Apr 13, 2023
    7
    This was my first lesson of M83, and I had to say I was pretty satisfied with my experience. This album felt fresh and lively and felt everything was flowing so naturally and effortlessly. There were a few cuts on the album that I did not care for, but the majority of this album I thought was very enjoyable and something I would go back and listen to.
  4. Pako95
    Mar 22, 2023
    10
    The production is amazing and I really enjoy the rocky nature with very lush sounds: great melodies and great instrumental intro/instrumental bridges/instrumental breaks. Masterpiece.
  5. BobertBobinski
    Mar 22, 2023
    10
    Beautiful! strongest album of M83's to date. Have had on repeat for days now. Stand out tracks so far are Us and The Rest, Amnesia, Deceiver, Laura and Dismemberment Bureau. Can't wait to see them at the London Roundhouse gig.
  6. Ummagumma09
    Mar 22, 2023
    9
    It's true, this record is an ode to childhood imagination. Great wall of sound, excellent melodies and ingenious instrumental bridges.
  7. heavy2
    Mar 22, 2023
    10
    Masterpiece! There is amazing sound care and beautiful melodies come out of the wall of sound after a few listens. This record is an ode to childhood imagination.
  8. AroundCorners
    Mar 22, 2023
    3
    It didn’t land for me and taking points for messaging around the record. I really tried too. Put it on repeat for hours while working and only Amnesia stuck out. This one is definitely just an instrumental score for a movie that doesn’t exist with a few pop structure songs with minimal a vocals mixed in. I’m cool with that but it’s just not compelling in either way. Gonzalez said in anIt didn’t land for me and taking points for messaging around the record. I really tried too. Put it on repeat for hours while working and only Amnesia stuck out. This one is definitely just an instrumental score for a movie that doesn’t exist with a few pop structure songs with minimal a vocals mixed in. I’m cool with that but it’s just not compelling in either way. Gonzalez said in an interview (paraphrasing) that fans of the more commercially successful “Midnight City” won’t get this album. Eyeroll. I do get it and we’ve all heard these albums before from bands late in their career. Brutal honesty? To me it sounds like what a bunch of guys, with no pressure to create something to keep their careers going, because they are already rich and comfortable and can do whatever they want, who say they don’t care about money or success anymore (cliche), make when locked in a studio, with the best of everything, then start to think their grand production and instrumental noodling is somehow profound and makes up for songs that aren’t good, then scold anyone who doesn’t “get it”. It probably felt great to them making it though. But if being a “anti commercial” album is the main sound bite then you know the quality of your record requires an excuse and apology up front because it’s just not very good. Love the rest of the catalog including the ambient stuff. Hope it’s better for you.… Expand
  9. bwbw86
    Mar 20, 2023
    9
    The kind of album you want to put on repeat. Not really understanding the lackluster critic reviews. I think this is peak M83. Feels like a Hurry Up We're Dreaming part 2. Gorgeous arrangements. Songs that get stuck in your head for days!

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. No Ripcord
    Apr 6, 2023
    70
    Though not his strongest effort by any means, Fantasy proves that his songs can soar even if he dials it back.
    Read full review
  2. PopMatters
    Apr 3, 2023
    50
    Fantasy is, in many ways, comfort listening; the layers of these songs form the sonic equivalent of a warm blanket. Yet this warmth, after all of M83’s successes in refining their style, wanes more quickly than it has in the past.
    Read full review
  3. Uncut
    Mar 20, 2023
    80
    Fantasy is a spellbinding return to form for the French producer. [May 2023, p.31]
See all critic reviews »