Frances The Mute
by The Mars Volta
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 348 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 299 out of 348
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 348
  3. Negative: 37 out of 348

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  1. DevinB
    Feb 28, 2005
    2
    Technical prowess alone does not a good album make.
  2. BobS
    Feb 28, 2005
    0
    Now this some crappy prog rock. Worst album ever.
  3. LucaS
    Feb 28, 2005
    10
    Another wonderfull album for the greatest band of the new millennium. I love them.
  4. MarshallS
    Feb 28, 2005
    9
    I'm feeling an 8.5 right now, but felt fine about rounding up because there's so much more to hear (after roughly 6 listenings) and it's all I want to listen to ... and I want to listen to it all the time.
  5. joshh
    Feb 28, 2005
    10
    so much better than deloused. this is awesome.
  6. ShellyG
    Feb 28, 2005
    10
    The surreal tantric union of Joyce's Anna Livia and Burrough's Dr. Benway, with more than a pinch of Lorca thrown in for good measure, and set to music. My favorite album.
  7. StevenJ
    Feb 28, 2005
    0
    I can't believe how bad this album is. Wanky wanky. Shredding is soooo cool. OHHHHH.....and lyrics that sometimes its own writer can't even figure out is sooo cool too. The Mars Volta is a traveling circus side freak show.
  8. Jay
    Feb 28, 2005
    9
    Could have been shorter, but the first (Cygnus....Vismund Cygnus) and last songs (Cassandra Gemini) are amazing. The Widow is a good rock ballad and L'Via L'Viaquez is great in parts and a bit boring in others. Miranda is great in the middle where there's the actual song, but the lead up and out add to the overall feel. Overall though, the album is a glimpse into their Could have been shorter, but the first (Cygnus....Vismund Cygnus) and last songs (Cassandra Gemini) are amazing. The Widow is a good rock ballad and L'Via L'Viaquez is great in parts and a bit boring in others. Miranda is great in the middle where there's the actual song, but the lead up and out add to the overall feel. Overall though, the album is a glimpse into their current incarnation which has moments of genius and others of jamming and experimentation.… Expand
  9. CurranS
    Mar 14, 2005
    6
    Ok so I think that everyone can agree that the Mars Volta are all ridiculously talented. However, "Frances the Mute" essentially just brings the phrase "it has it's moments" new meaning. When listening to this I find myself being enchanted one minute and disgusted the next. It's a very inconsistant and messy album. When the Mars Volta are on, they are really on; the first half Ok so I think that everyone can agree that the Mars Volta are all ridiculously talented. However, "Frances the Mute" essentially just brings the phrase "it has it's moments" new meaning. When listening to this I find myself being enchanted one minute and disgusted the next. It's a very inconsistant and messy album. When the Mars Volta are on, they are really on; the first half of "L'Via L'Viaquez" is utterly an amazing listen. On the other hand, when the Mars Volta are off, they are really, really off; pseudo power-ballad, "The Widow" is three minutes of cheesy, melodramatic sludge followed by three minutes of pointless noise sludge. It is a terrible single and I find it kind of ironic that the shortest song, 5 times shorter than the longest is also 5 times the inferior to "Cassandra Gemini", a thirty three minute, seven part, four suite opus that was not only intended to be huge in length and much to my suprise, about half of it works. No one can deny the talent of Omar, Cedric and company but no one likes a showing off, which is what most of this album is.… Expand
  10. StevenC
    Mar 17, 2005
    10
    THE MARS VOLTA I just have to say that I fucking love the mars volta. THE BEST BAND IN THE WORLD. Without a doubt. Completely unique, progressive and In no way repedetive or redundant. They dont need to focus the song on the chorus. Its just part of the flow of the story. The sound and the words come together in an almost hypnotic story. Some of wich can be sad at times and at other times THE MARS VOLTA I just have to say that I fucking love the mars volta. THE BEST BAND IN THE WORLD. Without a doubt. Completely unique, progressive and In no way repedetive or redundant. They dont need to focus the song on the chorus. Its just part of the flow of the story. The sound and the words come together in an almost hypnotic story. Some of wich can be sad at times and at other times It can be impowering and intense. But always a treat for the brain. Its almost like taking a trip through the world they've set up for you to interpret. An evolution in a positive direction. I've been a fan of these guy's since they were in At The Drive In. Its good to see a band grow into something so amazing. And they didnt sell out ONE BIT. A++++… Expand
  11. JerradN
    Mar 17, 2005
    9
    Although this album is really great, I don't really like how there are so few and lengthy tracks. I had to split up the mp3s just so I could enjoy each unique section of the multi-part songs. Also, the music is a lot less structured, as I've heard a few people say, than what was on De-Loused, but overall, it is still an amazing album, and would not hesitate to recommend it to... Although this album is really great, I don't really like how there are so few and lengthy tracks. I had to split up the mp3s just so I could enjoy each unique section of the multi-part songs. Also, the music is a lot less structured, as I've heard a few people say, than what was on De-Loused, but overall, it is still an amazing album, and would not hesitate to recommend it to... anyone, really.… Expand
  12. travisb
    Mar 17, 2005
    10
    this album is refreshingly original. I think that one cannot truly appreciate the music on this CD without listening to it from beginning to end. Personally, I rank this as one of its greatest strengths, but I can see how some people more grounded in a pop-music sensibility might find this aspect tedious. They definitely try very hard (successfully, I might add) to break the cliche 3 this album is refreshingly original. I think that one cannot truly appreciate the music on this CD without listening to it from beginning to end. Personally, I rank this as one of its greatest strengths, but I can see how some people more grounded in a pop-music sensibility might find this aspect tedious. They definitely try very hard (successfully, I might add) to break the cliche 3 minute pop-song mentality. I don't think it is possible to truly appreciate this album when confined to a one-song-per-track mentality. This album is definitely greater than the sum of its parts.… Expand
  13. PeterB
    Mar 26, 2005
    9
    God I'm tired of reading pretentious reviews from individuals whose sole purpose in life is to seek validation that perhaps they were responsible for defining a new music genre. Just listen to the bloody music. This is different from anything that's come out for a long time. So what if it's made up of bits that have come before? What isn't these days? To sum up - just God I'm tired of reading pretentious reviews from individuals whose sole purpose in life is to seek validation that perhaps they were responsible for defining a new music genre. Just listen to the bloody music. This is different from anything that's come out for a long time. So what if it's made up of bits that have come before? What isn't these days? To sum up - just awesome, if you can just get rid of that chip on your shoulder!… Expand
  14. manuels
    Mar 26, 2005
    10
    it´s very addictive...
  15. IsaiahC
    Mar 27, 2005
    10
    The Mars Volta prove once again why they are the best band since Led Zeppelin. Seventy-seven minutes of pure genius is what Frances the Mute is. The Mars Volta make ALL current bands seem like a poor joke--not to put down all the other bands out there, it's just that The Mars Volta are THAT good. No, scratch that, They are absolutely GREAT. If only more bands were as great as The Mars Volta.
  16. JonH.
    Mar 28, 2005
    6
    Takes some getting use to, but it's not that bad, i doubt it will last in my collection though. I would love for this band to actually write real songs, y'know, one's that don't take up 30 minutes of my time.
  17. Meat
    Apr 11, 2005
    3
    Shudder to Think put out the same type of music back in the mid 90s... arty, technical, challenging prog rock. And they got trashed for it... Its funny how now its "cool" to like this album. The only difference is that Shudder actually rocked while this is just a complete mess. You have to have a huge ego to put out this type of crap. This is proportional to Travolta putting out that Shudder to Think put out the same type of music back in the mid 90s... arty, technical, challenging prog rock. And they got trashed for it... Its funny how now its "cool" to like this album. The only difference is that Shudder actually rocked while this is just a complete mess. You have to have a huge ego to put out this type of crap. This is proportional to Travolta putting out that sci-fi bomb Battlefield Earth! That takes guts...… Expand
  18. Spencer
    Apr 22, 2005
    4
    where as De-loused was tight, exciting, and enjoyable, Frances The Mute is pretensious, drawn out, and all around a drag to listen to. Even Rodriguez's playing is nothing special on this album. The album seems to be entirely improv, and not very good improv at that (3 notes of a diminished scale over and over again isn't interesting, which is proven in one of his solo's). where as De-loused was tight, exciting, and enjoyable, Frances The Mute is pretensious, drawn out, and all around a drag to listen to. Even Rodriguez's playing is nothing special on this album. The album seems to be entirely improv, and not very good improv at that (3 notes of a diminished scale over and over again isn't interesting, which is proven in one of his solo's). EXTREMELY dissapointing… Expand
  19. BWilling
    Apr 28, 2005
    10
    Those that have been unplugged from the Matrix will Groovitate towards this........It Rocks!!!!
  20. AndrewG
    May 21, 2005
    10
    I was worried about whether Volta could top De-Loused, and I wasn't sure the first time I heard Frances, but every time I listen to it, just like with De-Loused, it just keeps getting better and better. The band is tighter, they have found their groove. Of course a lot of people don't like it. Those are the slaves of the three minute pop formula. The Mars Volta are completely I was worried about whether Volta could top De-Loused, and I wasn't sure the first time I heard Frances, but every time I listen to it, just like with De-Loused, it just keeps getting better and better. The band is tighter, they have found their groove. Of course a lot of people don't like it. Those are the slaves of the three minute pop formula. The Mars Volta are completely unlike anything that has come before. They synthesize, but don't duplicate their influences. I just saw them live in Minneapolis, and it was the second (Prince's Musicology Tour being the first) greatest concert I've ever been to. Playing for just over two and a half hours nonstop, it was sheer brilliance, and absolute beauty.… Expand
  21. GismoCrackwise
    May 31, 2005
    10
    I really do believe TMV did a good job giving birth to another kick ass albulm. They put all their energy, and passion into their music. Cedric's high vocals, this time even more higher from Deloused. Omar's blazing guitar skills, and all those weird-electro sounds, sphycodelic souns they use into their music. This is something new, from ATD-I. I believe their music and lyrics I really do believe TMV did a good job giving birth to another kick ass albulm. They put all their energy, and passion into their music. Cedric's high vocals, this time even more higher from Deloused. Omar's blazing guitar skills, and all those weird-electro sounds, sphycodelic souns they use into their music. This is something new, from ATD-I. I believe their music and lyrics have matured from Deloused. Even though they use all those big dictionary words, or made up words, you can still feel the message, the mood of their peotuc songs. This is truely work of art, very beautifully made. All! You losers that don't appreciate real music, not all those other stupid cliche bands like Simple Plan, Hoobastank and you get the idea, can kiss my ass!… Expand
  22. GuillaumeC
    Jul 13, 2005
    9
    There are parts on this album that are simply RIDICULOUS. The first track opens with a beautifully sorrowful acoustic ballad that suddenly explodes into a pulsing, throbbing beast of percussion, slowly building momentum as Cedric Bixler's chants push the intensity relentlessly forward, until finally Omar Rodriguez's wailing guitar rips a searing hole through the rythm, tumbling There are parts on this album that are simply RIDICULOUS. The first track opens with a beautifully sorrowful acoustic ballad that suddenly explodes into a pulsing, throbbing beast of percussion, slowly building momentum as Cedric Bixler's chants push the intensity relentlessly forward, until finally Omar Rodriguez's wailing guitar rips a searing hole through the rythm, tumbling and sommersaulting and flipping out with an energy that is more than electrifying--it's damn near heart-stopping. And all of this is before the first verse even starts. To make a long story short, when the music on this album gets going, it's pure insanity. The only trouble is, there are sections in between the music that are nothing more than spaced-out fancy white noise, and this is where the record can lose your attention and require you to skip forward. Still, on the whole this album is nothing short of a sonic masterpiece. Not as easy to listen through as De-Loused, but just as brilliant. For that I give it a 9.… Expand
  23. CalvinC
    Sep 11, 2005
    9
    Frances... is one of those albums that contains little surprises in every song. Granted, it is also one of those albums that takes multiple listens to find the "true" beauty in the songs. With all of it's amazing aspects, it still does feel as if some of it's "conceptual" soundscapes carry on for too long at points. No matter what though, it still still one of the most original Frances... is one of those albums that contains little surprises in every song. Granted, it is also one of those albums that takes multiple listens to find the "true" beauty in the songs. With all of it's amazing aspects, it still does feel as if some of it's "conceptual" soundscapes carry on for too long at points. No matter what though, it still still one of the most original albums in contemporary music.… Expand
  24. cerppintaxt
    Nov 2, 2006
    10
    best body of work by tmv...ever. first album that i picked up when i heard these guys were opening for rhcp at a show i was going to. i like them more than rhcp now, they're unhinderd music is jaw dropping at it's best and trance inducing at it's worst. Fortunately on frances tmv has you in jaw dropping state for a good 90% of the time (parts the widow and miranda that best body of work by tmv...ever. first album that i picked up when i heard these guys were opening for rhcp at a show i was going to. i like them more than rhcp now, they're unhinderd music is jaw dropping at it's best and trance inducing at it's worst. Fortunately on frances tmv has you in jaw dropping state for a good 90% of the time (parts the widow and miranda that ghost just isnt holy anymore). 1)cygnus... vismund cygnus- rush anyone? the volta happen to blow their forefathers of prog rock away in this song that shiftshapes constantly, going from gentle acoustic to bits of zeppelin-esque riffs continuing to an amazing solo then bringing it all home. ends on some kind of annoying bits of noise that pertain to the story...which brings us to 2) the widow- this album sold as many copies as it did because mtv crowds liked the video for this. good thing they didnt listen to the music, not much here, some cool ambiance bixler is terrific as usual, but all together unenergized, they do this format alot better with asilos magdalena 3)l'via l'viaquez- l'via is the defining point of this album. if you manage too dislike this song you quite literally are rumppofsteelskin (p funk character who hates dancing). amazing beat, riff, vocals, everything is amazing. stellar song, definately one of the best volta tunes ever. 4)miranda that ghost just isnt holy anymore- another downhill slope, gradually calms everything down with bixlers mesmerizing singing then builds up to the finale with some really talented brass (i believe that includes rhcp's flea), that recalls infamous westerns and is damn near the instrumental highlight on the album 5) cassandra gemini- wow. if i created 30 mins of music this good i would probably be able to die happy on the spot. some slow patches where the song begins to run low on steam, but omar is able to pick up the pace and get everything top notch in preparation for a free jazz improvization section that makes gilmour and waters cry and blows echoes out of the water. ends on gentle acoustic section from the beginning, taking the song and forcing it out in a slow burn that never ceases to make me smile. i know i gave it a ten, but this is album is not perfect. there are flaws but if you are willing to sit through some electronic wanking and get to the good stuff the mars volta will reward you… Expand
  25. diegom
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    i can´t say it in human words
  26. TamasV
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    One of the best albums I've heard, second only to De-loused In The Comatorium, The Mars Volta's first album.
  27. rumplef
    Apr 11, 2006
    8
    Frances The Mute is really good but it does not come close to De-Loused. its rather unorganized and some parts seem to just go on and on. It definatly does have its great moments like all parts of the first three songs and some other stuff after that as well.
  28. MichaelT.
    Nov 3, 2007
    10
    Although not my fave Mars Volta LP it does contain my fave song in Cassandra Gemmeni (sic) It still gets a score of 10 out of 10 as it's The Mars Volta. Looking threw various reviews it seems that a lot of people who give the Volta bad ones seem to whinge that it's not as good as At The Drive In. Well boo hoo. The fact of the matter is I quite like at the drive in but I think Although not my fave Mars Volta LP it does contain my fave song in Cassandra Gemmeni (sic) It still gets a score of 10 out of 10 as it's The Mars Volta. Looking threw various reviews it seems that a lot of people who give the Volta bad ones seem to whinge that it's not as good as At The Drive In. Well boo hoo. The fact of the matter is I quite like at the drive in but I think The Mars Volta are a gagillion times better. I just made up the word gagillion. Its a bit like the word bizillion or other words of there ilk its basically a word to mean a high number.… Expand
  29. SeanP.
    Mar 11, 2007
    9
    No David, i'm not lying when i say i love this. But here's the thing: this is one of the most difficult, challenging, weirdest albums of the decade, right up there with Kid A, A Ghost Is Born, Medulla. The Drift, and their own De-Loused in the Comatorium. Every one of those albums is a masterpiece, but only if you, the listener, is on the same wave-length as the bands. Those No David, i'm not lying when i say i love this. But here's the thing: this is one of the most difficult, challenging, weirdest albums of the decade, right up there with Kid A, A Ghost Is Born, Medulla. The Drift, and their own De-Loused in the Comatorium. Every one of those albums is a masterpiece, but only if you, the listener, is on the same wave-length as the bands. Those albums, and this one, are the epitome of love-it-or-hate-it. You either get what the artists are going for, or you denounce these albums as unlistenable garbage. Suffice it to say, i get it. One either hopes this album never existed, or can't live without it. I'm definitely the latter. To those who aren't on the same wave-length as these artists: I understand, and i pity you. I give this a 9 only because it isn't quite as good as Comatorium.… Expand
  30. LuisL
    Aug 19, 2007
    10
    ... iconoclastic, or even more; a blasphemist an heretic. anyone who dislikes the mars volta but have actually an overall good music taste hates comparisions betwen mars volta and great past bands (pink floyd, king crimson, yes, mahavishnu orchestra even radiohead). this pathologic response to any coment relative to this band may be caused by some quasi-religious attachment to past glory. ... iconoclastic, or even more; a blasphemist an heretic. anyone who dislikes the mars volta but have actually an overall good music taste hates comparisions betwen mars volta and great past bands (pink floyd, king crimson, yes, mahavishnu orchestra even radiohead). this pathologic response to any coment relative to this band may be caused by some quasi-religious attachment to past glory. the truth is the creative work, the artistic execution and the production of this band's records (particulary in this disk which is my favorite) are both challeging practically flawless. ranging from psychedelic prog to salsa, from alt rock to hi-fi epilectic sounds. omar rodriguez-lopez is gestating as one of the most impressive music composers and revolutionaries of this time, lacking only of academic formation, he'll find his place aside greats as peter gabriel and roger waters; as miles davis and john zorn.… Expand
  31. kariusk
    Jan 19, 2008
    10
    This is one of the most amazing albums ever released. Anyone who says different should go get an Ouijia board and try and get Goliath to eat their flesh
  32. DavidL
    Dec 12, 2005
    10
    Mind-blowing rock that we would expect from the Mars Volta
  33. Vampire25
    Dec 1, 2010
    9
    Frances The Mute is not quite as good as the The Mars Voltas first album, but this album is definitely more creative. The musicianship is incredible. The guitars soars loud, the meaningless lyrics sound amazing, and the drums are some of the best i've ever heard. All In All, Frances The Mute is a compelling album. A-
  34. j30
    Dec 1, 2011
    9
    Excellent sophomore album from the two former members of punk-rock At The Drive-in. It doesn't hurt to have a little help from John Frusciante (Listen to the first guitar solo on L 'Via L 'Viaquez). The filler noise is the only thing I can frown upon.
  35. Itzkannious
    Nov 21, 2011
    10
    The greatest album of the mars volta, not a moment is weak, not a note is off (accidentally) Omar and Cedric blow your mind and them do it again every time you listen to the album.
  36. Slashy
    May 26, 2016
    10
    Cassandra Gemini is the greatest song of all time. The entire album is fantastic; it really draws you in. Cassandra Gemini at the very end sets it over the edge though, especially the final 5-6 minutes. A true masterpiece.
  37. quidnick
    Oct 22, 2013
    10
    "Will the feed us the womb?" This line, along with other cryptic, esoteric lyrics bloom with such strong emotion from Bixler-Zavala. Rodriguez-Lopez also rips into the depths of his psyche to produce the craziest, intense selection of songs, 6 of which total a sprawling 77 minutes. One can listen to 'Vismund Cygnus' 'Viaquez' and 'Cassandra Gemini' and literally mimic the stimulus one"Will the feed us the womb?" This line, along with other cryptic, esoteric lyrics bloom with such strong emotion from Bixler-Zavala. Rodriguez-Lopez also rips into the depths of his psyche to produce the craziest, intense selection of songs, 6 of which total a sprawling 77 minutes. One can listen to 'Vismund Cygnus' 'Viaquez' and 'Cassandra Gemini' and literally mimic the stimulus one would receive from an adrenaline rush. So next time you ride a super-tall roller coaster or take a drive through the jungles of Central America, be sure to bring a copy of Frances with you. It's not just an album... this is an experience.… Expand
  38. CaseyBartels
    Apr 9, 2016
    10
    This is my favorite album of all time. Hearing this album is like you're free falling through an endless rabbit hole. The assortment of instruments used to create such a masterpiece is astonishing, although I feel that The Mars Volta is an acquired taste don't expect to hear this album for the first time and be able to make a clear cut observation of it all. This album is something uniqueThis is my favorite album of all time. Hearing this album is like you're free falling through an endless rabbit hole. The assortment of instruments used to create such a masterpiece is astonishing, although I feel that The Mars Volta is an acquired taste don't expect to hear this album for the first time and be able to make a clear cut observation of it all. This album is something unique and something special! Don't skip any tracks, listen to this from start to finish.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2005
76
#76 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. Alternative Press
    100
    It's already the most riveting album of 2005--provided you're ready to carve a wide enough hole in your consciousness to accept it. [Mar 2005, p.130]
  2. Filter
    68
    Frances the Mute documents the Mars Volta as a passionate and explosive band that has grown capable of taking the music in a hundred different directions. [#14, p.96]
  3. Spin
    91
    Frances explores an explosive groove Comatorium only implied. [Mar 2005, p.83]
See all critic reviews »