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Figure 8
by
Figure 8 Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 76 Ratings

Top Track

Somebody That I Used to Know
I had tender feelings that you made hard But it's your heart, not mine, that's scarred So when i go home, i'll be happy to go You're just somebody... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Checkout.com
    100
    It's a sweeping, gorgeous masterwork that draws upon a collage of pop flavors from the last four decades, brightly burning the eternal singer/songwriter flame and touching down for a couple of power pop punches.
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Ink Blot Magazine
    90
    A dreamy, layered work that merely ups the rock ante of his perfectly balanced 1998 release, XO -- an exquisite union of wistful acoustic stylings and polished pop.
  3. Spin
    80
    The record is not a disappointment, it's a progression.
  4. MTV.com
    80
    Smith retains the Lennon-esque simplicity and quirky lyrical phrasing that earned him critical praise in the past even as he digs deeper into his psyche and attempts to work through an off-kilter world.
  5. AllMusic
    80
    Even if it is a very impressive statement overall, Figure 8 isn't quite the masterpiece it wants to be -- there's something about the pacing that just makes the record feel long...
  6. HOB.com
    70
    Smith makes a valiant effort to match the austere beauty of XO... Still, he falls short on the most important element of his songs, the vocal melodies.
  7. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    60
    Smith is capable of subtle introspection, but too many of his new songs sound like the self-pitying complaints of an adolescent venting in his diary.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Afan
    Oct 22, 2003
    10
    we will miss you.
  2. mhmusicnmovies
    Sep 7, 2010
    10
    in my opinion, Elliott's best album... the first listen is nice but almost forgettable, but as great music does, Figure 8 just keeps gettingin my opinion, Elliott's best album... the first listen is nice but almost forgettable, but as great music does, Figure 8 just keeps getting better. ...… Expand
  4. eric
    Jan 28, 2004
    10
    Probably not favorite of his, but brilliant and utterly unique it's one of the best albums I've ever heard. Delicate poetry wrapped Probably not favorite of his, but brilliant and utterly unique it's one of the best albums I've ever heard. Delicate poetry wrapped around beautiful sounscapes, Elliot does a whole lot of experimenting on the final record of his lifetime, rocking out on tracks like "L.A. and "Junk Bond Trader" and "Stupidity Tries", trying out new otherwordly piano on "Everything Means Nothing to Me" and "In the Lost and Found". But still manages to deliver a fine supply of good old fashion elliott acoustic ballads including my favorite track "I Better be Quiet Now" First album of Smiths I ever bought and boy am I glad I did. Rest in Peace Elliott. "All I used to be will pass away And then you'll see That all I want now, Is happiness for you and me." (Track 11 "Happiness")… Expand
  5. Paul
    Jan 9, 2006
    10
    It's difficult to give a CD (or movie, or book...) a 10 on metacritic, because a 10 implies perfection, but I LOVE this album. I LOVE It's difficult to give a CD (or movie, or book...) a 10 on metacritic, because a 10 implies perfection, but I LOVE this album. I LOVE IT! I've had this album for over a year now and I've been listening to it constantly since. This album was my first E. Smith album and it encouraged me to get all his other stuff. I can listen to this whole album and not want to skip a single song. Highlights include the whole album, but the cream of the crop include Son of Sam, Junk Bond Trader, LA, Easy Way Out, Happiness, Pretty Mary K, Can't Make a Sound... Do yourself a favor and GET THIS ALBUM!… Expand
  6. borgy
    May 6, 2006
    10
    Fantastic.
  7. lovemusic
    Jul 10, 2011
    9
    it started off really good. the it kinda died down near the end. but the album is still wonderful. its a masterpiece. his melodies areit started off really good. the it kinda died down near the end. but the album is still wonderful. its a masterpiece. his melodies are great. 9 out of 10… Expand
  8. EvilEd
    Feb 6, 2009
    7
    Although not as good as Either/or or X/O its still a good album. If your a music fan you must have this album.

See all 21 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

25
#25 Best Album of 2000
28
#28 Most Discussed Album of 2000
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2000

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