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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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-
  7. asad31
    Sep 10, 2010
    10
    This is a masterpiece. Cassandra Gemini is one of the best songs ever recorded by anyone anywhere anytime. The whole album is amazing. Love the jazz influence combined with what they did on de loused. My personal favorite TMV album and maybe my favorite album of all time. You must listen to this album several times. Dont hear it once and make a decision.. it takes time to really takeThis is a masterpiece. Cassandra Gemini is one of the best songs ever recorded by anyone anywhere anytime. The whole album is amazing. Love the jazz influence combined with what they did on de loused. My personal favorite TMV album and maybe my favorite album of all time. You must listen to this album several times. Dont hear it once and make a decision.. it takes time to really take it all in.… Expand
  8. MaxM
    Dec 2, 2008
    10
    Stupid-ass critics. Cokemachineglow?! Who the fuck?..... And pitchfork?! Please. This album is a work. I would have been satisfied with just the 29/16 time signature part in Cygnus... Vismund Cygnus. It is amazing how the Mars Volta can turn a supposedly complicated time signature into a smooth, catchy, and amazingly simple part of the song. Also, the 32 minute long Cassandra Gemini was a Stupid-ass critics. Cokemachineglow?! Who the fuck?..... And pitchfork?! Please. This album is a work. I would have been satisfied with just the 29/16 time signature part in Cygnus... Vismund Cygnus. It is amazing how the Mars Volta can turn a supposedly complicated time signature into a smooth, catchy, and amazingly simple part of the song. Also, the 32 minute long Cassandra Gemini was a work of genius. The lead guitar, drums, bass, and keyboard blended perfectly together. Those dumbass critics need to pull their heads out of their asses and listen to more progressive rock. Rock doesn't have to be easy to listen to.… Expand
  9. JosephH.
    Sep 21, 2008
    9
    It is a great leap forward from Deloused. The vocals are worlds better -- Bixler-Zavala actually sounds like he means what he's singing. The drumming also shows great improvement. The only bad thing about the album is the overlong instrumental sections, which were trimmed to the exact length they needed to be on Deloused, but now sprawl over upwards of 7 minutes.
  10. MichaelW.
    Feb 1, 2008
    8
    Lacks the cohesion of De-Loused but still an excellent album. You can really follow the progression of their sound.
  11. MitchJ.
    Jan 30, 2008
    10
    A masterpiece a brilliant album that accomplishes more in ten seconds than any other band could in a career.
  12. JustinH.
    Jan 22, 2008
    0
    This album is absolute garbage. Picture the worst elements of both Rush and Santana and spread the heap out far enough to cover 77 minutes and you'll have a good idea of what you're getting into. Some of the tracks, like "L'Via L'Viaquez" are laugh out loud funny, while others (such as the allegedly homoerotic "The Widow) are just plain boring. If this sounds like This album is absolute garbage. Picture the worst elements of both Rush and Santana and spread the heap out far enough to cover 77 minutes and you'll have a good idea of what you're getting into. Some of the tracks, like "L'Via L'Viaquez" are laugh out loud funny, while others (such as the allegedly homoerotic "The Widow) are just plain boring. If this sounds like innovative new music to you, then welcome to the 70's.… Expand
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. TrishL.
    Jun 25, 2007
    8
    I could do without some of the drawn out noise fillers but other than that, very solid album.
  17. Matt?A
    Jun 10, 2007
    10
    This album is pure awesomeness in a cup. When I'm listening to this album, I don't really think about the story, because the music itself is so amazing! My only complaint falls upon that organ thing that consumes the last two or so minutes of The Widow. You can tell that that's just pointless filler thrown in there. Then again, The Mars Volta is awesome because they do what This album is pure awesomeness in a cup. When I'm listening to this album, I don't really think about the story, because the music itself is so amazing! My only complaint falls upon that organ thing that consumes the last two or so minutes of The Widow. You can tell that that's just pointless filler thrown in there. Then again, The Mars Volta is awesome because they do what they want, not what we want. And I guess that organ thing is what they want, so yea, who am i to complain? And i forget if its one of the Mirandas or the Cassandra Geminis, but that "I think I've become one of the others ooohhh....ooooohhhhh...." part is strait up GANGSTA! yes-indeedy.… Expand
  18. IanB
    Mar 28, 2007
    9
    Sean P speaks wisdom. I actually prefer this to comotorium. The only reason this doesn't score a 10 is because a couple slower sections are too drawn out *cough*chirpfrogs*cough*.
  19. 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
  20. RaulC
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    a very cool disc and casandra gemmini dam!!!
  21. David
    Jan 23, 2007
    1
    The emperor has no clothes. Anyone that tells you they like this has NO musical taste or is flat out lying. Never ever listen to them again. In fact cut them out of your lives, you have no need for such lies/ignorance. To like this is to become a slave to your pretension.
  22. AnonyM.
    Jan 20, 2007
    10
    Why does it seem like no one figured out the twists of this album? Either they got and don't want to give it away, or they dismissed it as "impenetrable" and "pretentious." If you are one of the latter, please read the following. First of all, this is a great album. Definitely the best prog since the 70's. Omar took the helm this time, and he really moved the band's sound Why does it seem like no one figured out the twists of this album? Either they got and don't want to give it away, or they dismissed it as "impenetrable" and "pretentious." If you are one of the latter, please read the following. First of all, this is a great album. Definitely the best prog since the 70's. Omar took the helm this time, and he really moved the band's sound in startling and consistently rewarding directions. The only album of the present decade that gets better every time I listen to it. Now, the twist. I'm not going to give it away, but suffice to say, these hints should help some get over the seemingly incongruous bits of sound. They do get progressively more obvious, so STOP READING IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SPOIL IT. 1) Despite everything, pump the volume at the beginning of the album, the first "Sarcophagi." See what you hear. 2) Turn the volume up again during the long guitar solo at the 23 minute mark of Cassandra. Yep, thats the scratches back from the beginning... 3) Look at the first two pages of the booklet. The first is the only character not included in the album's song cycle (though she got a single essentially explaining all this). The second is a record player... 4)The Widow - yeah, that noise bugged the crap out of me when I first heard it too. But it's there for a reason (booklet!)... 5)The second "Sarcophagi" - OK, this is really obvious. Hear the needle scratching at the end of Cassandra? We're actually right back at the beginning... OK, so how does this relate to anything in the real world? Well, it's a bit of a stretch. Basically, "Frances the Mute" and the, ahem, twist, is a sort of metaphor for the diary the band found following Ward's death. This connection is admittedly not very articulate, but hey, it's really cool.… Expand
  23. aliem
    Dec 2, 2006
    10
    best album ever. ever.
  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. Tinuva
    Aug 26, 2006
    0
    Ow Mars Volta, heel fijn
  26. JohnD
    Aug 18, 2006
    2
    Great moments instead of hits? Translation: 87 seconds of awesomeness in a song that's 10+ minutes long. These guys have the ability to make some great music...but seeing as how they already did when they were called At The Drive-In, purchasing more of Cedric and Omar's output (and let's face it, those are the only two members of MV that you care about) is questionable. Great moments instead of hits? Translation: 87 seconds of awesomeness in a song that's 10+ minutes long. These guys have the ability to make some great music...but seeing as how they already did when they were called At The Drive-In, purchasing more of Cedric and Omar's output (and let's face it, those are the only two members of MV that you care about) is questionable. "Deloused" actually had a center to its madness; if you were willing to read the story that went with the album, most of the music made sense (and it also had 2 good songs that were 10 minutes when taken together, "Inertiatic ESP" and "This Apparatus Must Be Unearthed"). "Frances the Mute"...I thought I liked it for the longest time. But it's just smoke and mirrors. Investing time in it does not reward the listener. I've owned it for a year; trust me, there is no cohesive center to Frances's concept. Omar shreds, and Cedric strains his vocal chords, which is cool, since they're good at what they do. But they both need short leashes. Cedric's vocals are great, but too often, they're resting on lyrics that just flat-out suck (and occasionally disguising them with Spanish). Omar's a beast on guitar, filling each song with licks that would make the guys at Daddy's Junk Music shops around the US crap their pants, but Led Zep didn't rely on Plant doing a million and two licks a song; guitar solos need scrutinizing as much as any other part of the total package ("Outside of its awesomeness, WHAT DOES THIS CHORD ACCOMPLISH?"). In other words, Omar is an extremely talented guitarist, but a terrible musician. "L'Via "L'Viaquez" stands as the only song of note on here, but even L'Via doesn't know when to quit. Why not give it a zero, then? Well, three reasons. One: NO MUSIC DESERVES A ZERO, because every band gets at least one thing right on an album (why else would they release it?). Two: If you want to stay pissed off at someone and need some fuel, "Frances The Mute" will keep you pissed (that's a compliment. Really.). Three: "L'Via". Their new album is coming out soon, and I'm pretty sure my brother is going to buy it for the sole reason that he hasn't been to a music store in a while. The grapevine says that the Volta haven't changed their sound around at all, that "Amputexture" is going to get a million more idiots play awkward riffs on their guitars and attempt to pass it off as "avant-garde". Well, fuck.… Expand
  27. GuillermoB.
    Jun 28, 2006
    10
    Fuck all those fucling main stream rockers. they can lick both my ass and balls. They don't know what they are talking about. They just want to listen to hits instead of moments, because The Mars Volta makes moments instead of hits. The best band that walks the earth in today's bullshit mainstream music, they are all sell outs. This is true music. Pinkfloyd, Hendrix, Led Fuck all those fucling main stream rockers. they can lick both my ass and balls. They don't know what they are talking about. They just want to listen to hits instead of moments, because The Mars Volta makes moments instead of hits. The best band that walks the earth in today's bullshit mainstream music, they are all sell outs. This is true music. Pinkfloyd, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, The Mahavishnu Orchestra, jass-fuzzion, electronica and tropicana in a blender and you get pure fucking genious!… Expand
  28. Bughunter
    Jun 1, 2006
    9
    Volta opened my mind with comatorium and Frances filled it. Volta continue to push the envelop. Brilliant
  29. christianw
    May 30, 2006
    8
    Not as thrilling as deloused, but it really challenges the listener and credits them with enough intelligence to work it out for themselves. Also its one of those rare albums that stands up to and even improves over repeated listens. Brilliant chaos.
  30. JohnB
    May 25, 2006
    10
    The Mars Volta is a truly revolutionary band that recalls the innovation that pioneering artists such as Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd had in their day. Frances The Mute only proves this band's incredible talent as well as creativity. Bands like the Mars Volta only come around every so often that to not try and understand the music they are making is only doing yourself an injustice. The Mars Volta is a truly revolutionary band that recalls the innovation that pioneering artists such as Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd had in their day. Frances The Mute only proves this band's incredible talent as well as creativity. Bands like the Mars Volta only come around every so often that to not try and understand the music they are making is only doing yourself an injustice. Listen to this album with an open mind and really focus on every little thing. Nothing can match neither the intensity, complexity, creativity and sheer talent that this band possesses.… 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 »