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. JeremiahF
    May 4, 2006
    10
    I love this entire album. Great mix of pure sounds that will invade your every ear drum canal. If thats even possible.
  2. Shawnaq
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    This is the most amazing album I've ever heard. Period. The Mars Volta never disappoints.
  3. stlvocals
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    So ridiculously superior to anything out right now, it's a joke. There's isn't a band around that can hold The Mars Volta's sweaty, screaming jock strap. Consider it an honor to listen to the Led Zeppelin of this generation in vestal splendor. A perfect album in almost every sense of the word.
  4. jonv
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    this is the greatest band ever
  5. 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
  6. TylerF
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    The awesome explosive sound of the mars volta will not be forgotten soon.
  7. bweni
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    i love this more than i love men, and thats a lot!!
  8. Kris
    Feb 27, 2005
    10
    VERY enjoyable.
  9. AndyP
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    Anyone giving this album less than a 7 is just stuck up. Unless you really just don't like music.
  10. JoshC
    Mar 28, 2005
    10
    crazy but it sounds fucking great
  11. GeorgeB
    Apr 4, 2005
    10
    THis album is great, just pure poetry. It lives up to its predecessor and it just great, everyone should buy this album and enjoy the sweet easy listening!
  12. [Anonymous]
    May 5, 2005
    10
    It takes a while to get used to this album, but when you have, IT'S BRILLIANT!!!
  13. juanc
    May 9, 2005
    10
    Excellent
  14. LudvigB
    Aug 3, 2005
    10
    Its an incredable album that every sane an unsane person should own and for my money its the best album ever!!!
  15. Reuben
    Mar 21, 2006
    10
    This is possibly the most amazing record i have ever heard. It isn't the kind of album you can skip around on, but is only done full justice when listened to from start to finish (preferably alone). Simply an unbelievable experience full of talent and emotion
  16. ZosoZoso
    Mar 20, 2006
    10
    Best 2005 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. SpencerW
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    An amazing album. I don't know what Pat N was thinking. The solos in frances the mute are very well done. Listen to Miranda: Pisacis... tell your brother to play those solos. Just because you don't enjoy the art-work does not mean you need to give it a bad rating. 10 thumbs up on the album though.
  19. MattP
    Oct 2, 2005
    10
    There seems to be 2 opinions on this album. You either think it's long, boring and pretentious or you think it's an epic prog rock masterpiece. Quite frankly there are very few groups out there doing music this adventurous. "Frances The Mute" is an album you don't listen to. You experience it. The best album I've heard this year.
  20. VinceF
    Feb 27, 2005
    10
    For anyone that likes real music, music with feelings, colors and depths you can't explain, turn here. This album leaves the listener to put the pieces to the puzzle on what the back story of this album is. The Mars Volta are the new classic rock of our time, and anyone that disagrees does not have an imagination. The Volta will be big in 05, I guarantee it
  21. ezrapound
    Feb 28, 2005
    10
    There are musicians who can write catchy songs (Coldplay, Pearl Jam etc) and there are those who are technically great and inventive beyond words (Hendrix, Pink Floyd etc). Both these traits make artists worth listening to, but the Mars Volta are both, make the most of it!! don't bitch about pretentiousness just because you are listening to something that came out of a time-capsule There are musicians who can write catchy songs (Coldplay, Pearl Jam etc) and there are those who are technically great and inventive beyond words (Hendrix, Pink Floyd etc). Both these traits make artists worth listening to, but the Mars Volta are both, make the most of it!! don't bitch about pretentiousness just because you are listening to something that came out of a time-capsule from the year 2020.… Expand
  22. TomB
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    oh my god.... the mars volta have done it again as far as bringing music to a new level of pure awesomeness!
  23. davidg
    Mar 10, 2005
    10
    a masterpiece, from beginning to end, its like watching a movie, only without the screen.
  24. PaulF
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    I never thought the Mars Volta would come up with the goods again after listening to the amazing De-Loused in the Comatorium, but this is just stunning! It just sucks you right in from the fantastic opening track and doesn't let go until the very end. It's everything I hoped it would be - not more of the same, but a progression in their music. It is very different to the DITC I never thought the Mars Volta would come up with the goods again after listening to the amazing De-Loused in the Comatorium, but this is just stunning! It just sucks you right in from the fantastic opening track and doesn't let go until the very end. It's everything I hoped it would be - not more of the same, but a progression in their music. It is very different to the DITC but it is just as good. It thoroughly deserves a rare 10/10 from me.… Expand
  25. CamS
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    by far the best cd to come out since deloused
  26. BartT
    Mar 17, 2005
    10
    Interestingly enough, all of the negative comments I have read in reviews have to do with the Mars Volta "showing off" or being "pretentious". Just because the lyrics are not blatantly obvious does not mean they are "showing off", it means they are "artistic". Just because most people are too ignorant and stale to appreciate abstract poetry does not mean that the Mars Volta fail as Interestingly enough, all of the negative comments I have read in reviews have to do with the Mars Volta "showing off" or being "pretentious". Just because the lyrics are not blatantly obvious does not mean they are "showing off", it means they are "artistic". Just because most people are too ignorant and stale to appreciate abstract poetry does not mean that the Mars Volta fail as musicians. The album pushes the boundaries of the floundering rock scene and has once again awoken creativity and art in music. "Cassandra Gemini" should be a dull 31 minute listen but is not that. The track begins intense, then slowly drifts into a dream like state before battling back. Then the track quickly drifts into this "dream world" (marked by the sloppy piano) before shifting course into a new world. Almost the entire 30 minutes is alive and enjoyable. I would have spent the money for that track alone. One criticism I have is "L'via l'vasquez" was a little too "traditional classic rock" for me and "Widow" was an obvious commercial track. The first and fifth track make this album an undeniable 10.… Expand
  27. DrH
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    As moving and stunning as "De-loused". Mars further displays their remarkable talent and musical vision. Anyone who dislikes this album should go back to driving there safe economical mid-sided sedan and listening to nice safe top 40 radio hits.
  28. cw
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    haha i just had to stick up for that album. it's funny how every negative review here is from pitchfork homepage college freshmen :-P
  29. NathanS
    Mar 22, 2005
    10
    This is the best damn cd ever made mother fuckers!
  30. GinaG
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    Mars Volta never stops amazing me.. they're right up there with tool!
  31. ValerieM
    Mar 31, 2005
    10
    It is awesome! Something different and refreshing, finally!
  32. dave
    Mar 3, 2005
    10
    our generations pink floyd
  33. AlexK
    Mar 3, 2005
    10
    This album kicks! If your a musician or a poet, this album is enjoyable. Those few who chose this album because of reviews and peer pressure should be aware of the intellegence and musical skill of the Mars Volta. There is a new era approaching and The Mars Volta is the Alexander.
  34. Laura
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    This album is a breath of fresh air amidst the stagnant idiotic fluff that tries to pass itself off as music nowadays. Pop tartlets and angst ridden pseudo-guitarists/songwriters come a dime a dozen, but Cedric and Omar have taken music and made it flesh that feeds the soul.
  35. BSpike
    Mar 3, 2005
    10
    I feel bad for the reviewers giving this album a 0. This album can't be listened to passively. You have to fully immerse yourself within Mars Volta's world and let the music take you by storm. Dissecting the lyrical poetry opens the door to this world. Once this is done, put the album on repeat, nonstop, and then let me hear your review. I like Deloused...but since I got a hold I feel bad for the reviewers giving this album a 0. This album can't be listened to passively. You have to fully immerse yourself within Mars Volta's world and let the music take you by storm. Dissecting the lyrical poetry opens the door to this world. Once this is done, put the album on repeat, nonstop, and then let me hear your review. I like Deloused...but since I got a hold of this album I am now offically a Mars Volta junky.… Expand
  36. OtonielM
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    Music at its best. Beautiful
  37. ElliotJ
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    one of the best albums i have ever heard no doubt!
  38. LukeCz.
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    This is amazing. There's no sense in making any comments, this record is like boat ride. You can't go out in the middle of it...
  39. NH
    Mar 5, 2005
    10
    this album is the definition of perfection. for those of you nay sayers, you obviously aren't intelligent enough to understand the concept of something beutiful
  40. jeremyh
    Mar 6, 2005
    10
    An orgasm for your ears....
  41. EricS
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    Unbelievable. I can listen and listen and listen. It's thick, it's heavy and it drives.
  42. DonavonR
    Mar 8, 2005
    10
    composition, lyrics, musicianship...this is music at its most imaginative and daring; no matter what genre you prefer. that mars volta enjoys such depricating reviews from indie and "popular" music critics demonstrates, not the volta's lack of craft or artistry, but the mediocrity which prevails regardless of venue. if you prefer a passive listening experience, without provocation composition, lyrics, musicianship...this is music at its most imaginative and daring; no matter what genre you prefer. that mars volta enjoys such depricating reviews from indie and "popular" music critics demonstrates, not the volta's lack of craft or artistry, but the mediocrity which prevails regardless of venue. if you prefer a passive listening experience, without provocation then i suggest sniffing j-lo's newest scent while bobbing along to timbland's recycled, over-produced, rhythm tracks. but , if you want to be challenged by music that demands your attention, this is the best of the best. you do not have to understand it, or speak spanish, you simply have to roll up your sleeves and prepare to get dfferent!… Expand
  43. MattK
    Apr 11, 2005
    10
    The Mars Volta just might be the best kept secret in the sub main stream scene. I only turn those who can appreciate the music loose onto their 2 and 1/2 albums. Frances the mute is far more ambitious than the previous releases. It's useless to analyze it track by track, it is a masterpiece. There are high points of course, the pure energy in the widow, shifting modes in the first The Mars Volta just might be the best kept secret in the sub main stream scene. I only turn those who can appreciate the music loose onto their 2 and 1/2 albums. Frances the mute is far more ambitious than the previous releases. It's useless to analyze it track by track, it is a masterpiece. There are high points of course, the pure energy in the widow, shifting modes in the first track, and the haunting lyrics on Miranda. Excellent… Expand
  44. PhantomXIII
    Apr 7, 2005
    10
    A highly ambitious venture from mainstream that fully comes togther as the best album thus far in their careers. Hats off to you, Volta...
  45. ElliotO
    May 4, 2005
    10
    Brilliant. A Masterpeice.
  46. TapanJ
    Jun 1, 2005
    10
    Never have a herd a band with so much more of an understanding of music than even the greats. Not only do I think this is the best album i own, but the best I've ever heard. If TMV comes to town, GO SEE THEM. do not deprive yourselves of the best concert you'll see
  47. ColbstaS
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    this album i hear people say is pretentious but thats bull this album rocks and puts you into a trance type setting to keep that flaring psyche and interrogative type of settig with its fast guitar riffs indian influence spanish influence salsa hard rock metal and blues is noticable to....to say its a concept album is dumb since every album must have a concept....it may be revieved as a this album i hear people say is pretentious but thats bull this album rocks and puts you into a trance type setting to keep that flaring psyche and interrogative type of settig with its fast guitar riffs indian influence spanish influence salsa hard rock metal and blues is noticable to....to say its a concept album is dumb since every album must have a concept....it may be revieved as a concept because people are at lack of a better word since its so hit them in the face withe xcitement....rockon volta… Expand
  48. SkylerW
    Aug 1, 2005
    10
    One of the best albums around from one of the best bands of our day.
  49. skys
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    i loved it,everything fits really nice, an excellent eray of sounds,very creative and well produced. you really just can feel the passion behind there music
  50. DianaS
    Jan 18, 2006
    10
    This album is electrifyingly awesome.
  51. DelMonkey
    Jan 31, 2006
    10
    Do you like Pink Floyd, Fugazi, the Lyres, Queen, Jeff Buckley and Cuban Jazz? Why not put it all in a blender and pour it into the top of your skull? Carefull...you might want to make room first. Contents under pressure!
  52. Ryanxxx
    Jan 4, 2006
    10
    This cd has blown me away, the mars volta are one of the best bands out there right now. L'Via L'viaquez is my favorite song, I have meorized it all, even though its in spanish.
  53. NicoleM
    Feb 2, 2006
    10
    This is an awsome album. I'm actually listening to Scabdates right now. They really are pushing the musical envelope. I look forward to what they will do next!
  54. JudyV
    Feb 2, 2006
    10
    I love it.
  55. RobD
    Oct 31, 2005
    10
    amazing album. simply mind blowing.
  56. Mark
    Feb 27, 2005
    10
    Fulfils the vision that Deloused only hinted at, comparatively speaking. Before listening I would have deemed it impossible for them to create a more genuine, passionate, inventive and spontaneous revitalisation of prog rock than Deloused. But to call (and categorise) this album as 'prog' is to do it a major injustice. It transcends the boundaries of any genre, freeing itself Fulfils the vision that Deloused only hinted at, comparatively speaking. Before listening I would have deemed it impossible for them to create a more genuine, passionate, inventive and spontaneous revitalisation of prog rock than Deloused. But to call (and categorise) this album as 'prog' is to do it a major injustice. It transcends the boundaries of any genre, freeing itself from the stereotypes and mental connotations that all of us associate with them. Quite sincerely, this is in a league of its own, and there are increasingly few artists that you can honestly say that about nowadays.… Expand
  57. CraigC
    Mar 11, 2005
    10
    this album is brilliant. Anyone who thinks otherwise is too closeminded to understand it. Comparing it to At the Drive in, other rock bands, or bands 30 yrs. ago is retarded. They are doing something that has never been done before. That is what makes Frances the Mute so amazing.
  58. MannyA
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    Amazing, even better than "De-Loused..." These guys are brilliant.
  59. PaulT
    Mar 1, 2005
    10
    Incredible... Just blew me away... The Mars Volta have done it again
  60. StevenD
    Mar 12, 2005
    10
    Best album I have heard in years.
  61. JiggaJames
    Mar 13, 2005
    10
    Although I like the more structured Mars Volta on Deloused.. I find that I can't stop listening to this album. It's music done on an epic scale with several moments of emotional musical bliss.
  62. Tristan
    Mar 15, 2005
    10
    Fantastic, even though I missed the concert this makes up for it in a massive way
  63. AndrewB
    Mar 19, 2005
    10
    21st century led zepplin. Finally an album which flows from start to finish, no gaps! Just like a brilliant book that you don't want to put down, you'd feel you were doing this album a great injustice if you were to turn it off before its brilliance had concluded. From start to finish there is constantly pieces of music and possibly the best vocals ever heard that simply take 21st century led zepplin. Finally an album which flows from start to finish, no gaps! Just like a brilliant book that you don't want to put down, you'd feel you were doing this album a great injustice if you were to turn it off before its brilliance had concluded. From start to finish there is constantly pieces of music and possibly the best vocals ever heard that simply take your breath away. I doubt there would be any other band in the world game enough nor good enough to produce a 32 minute song, let alone classic. Cassandra Gemini alone could have been released as the album and it would still be considered in my opinion as one of the greatest this year. As brilliant as At the Drive In were, you can't help but be thankful for their split after hearing this unique masterpiece. Frances the Mute is what Mars Volta should sound like, listening to De-Loused again you can't help but feel that it was the crossover album between At the Drive In and The Mars Volta, which is why Frances is the better album. 10/10 This albums out of this world, so do yourself a favour and go get it. The only band capable of releasing anything better in 2005 would be Tool, but it'd take a great effort.… Expand
  64. MikeyB
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    quite possibly the most complex piece of music i've ever heard. At times it meaders into hard to listen places, but thats the point, it always has a direction that completly relies on what was built before it.
  65. HugeFan
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    Some people have their heads so far up their asses that they couldn't comprehend the masterpiece that TMV gave us back in 2003. Deloused in the Comatarium is easily one of the greatest records out there, but sadly i cant say the same for Frances the Mute. FTM may not be as powerful as Deloused, but it does deliver a great performance that highly ignorant critics(such as pitchfork) Some people have their heads so far up their asses that they couldn't comprehend the masterpiece that TMV gave us back in 2003. Deloused in the Comatarium is easily one of the greatest records out there, but sadly i cant say the same for Frances the Mute. FTM may not be as powerful as Deloused, but it does deliver a great performance that highly ignorant critics(such as pitchfork) could never comprehend. Listen to the music people. Yes Mars Volta does make music that is uneasy to listen to and hard to understand but that is the point. Even though this albumn didn't exceed my expectations it still gets a 10 because it is a great albumn.… Expand
  66. AndyM
    Mar 23, 2005
    10
    fascinating and rockular. Iuv dis shit...
  67. tadm
    Mar 23, 2005
    10
    all the critics that didn't give this a 10 or 100 are retards this is the best display of drumming guitar playing in recent memory this is the first talented band that had been concieved in the 00's
  68. Privatesorry
    Mar 25, 2005
    10
    Mars Volta is one of the best rock groups to come around in a long time. Frances the mute just proves their genius.
  69. joshuah
    Mar 28, 2005
    10
    i get high as fuck to it.(its the shit)!
  70. kevind
    Mar 3, 2005
    10
    after reading some reviews on here i've been pretty pissed off, and id like to shout out a big F*** YOU to anyone who doesn't like this band because it's "not structured" or "pretentious." you obviously don't get it, and you are being left behind in the dust as progression is thrown right in front of your face. give the album a few more listens, learn something about after reading some reviews on here i've been pretty pissed off, and id like to shout out a big F*** YOU to anyone who doesn't like this band because it's "not structured" or "pretentious." you obviously don't get it, and you are being left behind in the dust as progression is thrown right in front of your face. give the album a few more listens, learn something about guitars and music theory, and you will realize these guys are the hottest band on the rock scene, just ask Flea and Frusciante of the Chili Peppers.… Expand
  71. kyokot
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    i was terrified because i didn't think anything could measure up to deloused in the comatorium but geez, i'd say this album is as good or better - amazing writing (music and lyrics), musicians that are fantastic on their own and almost unbelievably ood together and a singer that can sing sweetly and scare the shit outta me at different points of the same song. bravo, bravo, i was terrified because i didn't think anything could measure up to deloused in the comatorium but geez, i'd say this album is as good or better - amazing writing (music and lyrics), musicians that are fantastic on their own and almost unbelievably ood together and a singer that can sing sweetly and scare the shit outta me at different points of the same song. bravo, bravo, bravo. loooove TMV.… Expand
  72. jaimev
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    Fantastic. Superb in almost all aspects.
  73. JayF
    Mar 3, 2005
    10
    Absolutely breathtaking - sonically brilliant production, searing guitars that recall Carlos Santana's best day, a cool Latin groove that permeates everything, explosively ambitious bombast, and the ballsy, operatic grandeur that nobody dares even attempt these days. The Mars Volta are a 21st century Led Zeppelin - and I meant that comparison in the best way possible.
  74. bradW.
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    In a world of commercially manufactured music and semi-sonic hyperbole, the Mars Volta blows my mind with every sound wave.
  75. MikeG
    Mar 4, 2005
    10
    Its in a word, amazing. Quite frankly my favorite album of the last 2 years. As for comments about lack of stucture if you read about The Mars Volta, they formed the band to escape labels and to make music they would be proud of. They've been quoted saying they dont want to sound like anyone eles. They dont. And for idiots saying they sound like Pink Flyod they are more of a more Its in a word, amazing. Quite frankly my favorite album of the last 2 years. As for comments about lack of stucture if you read about The Mars Volta, they formed the band to escape labels and to make music they would be proud of. They've been quoted saying they dont want to sound like anyone eles. They dont. And for idiots saying they sound like Pink Flyod they are more of a more agressive zepplin.… Expand
  76. LoganW
    Mar 5, 2005
    10
    this is hands down one of THE best albums i've ever heard, by one of the best bands i've ever come to know. exhilerating, astonishing, and brilliant, this album conveys the epitome of what music is supposed to do- create an emotion and send a message. though the lyrics don't always make logical sense, their stream of consciousness quality is perfect in the sense that it this is hands down one of THE best albums i've ever heard, by one of the best bands i've ever come to know. exhilerating, astonishing, and brilliant, this album conveys the epitome of what music is supposed to do- create an emotion and send a message. though the lyrics don't always make logical sense, their stream of consciousness quality is perfect in the sense that it creates the exact emotion the band wishes to create. though minutes on end of chirping or electronic wave sounds may at first seem strange, even those parts of the album can come to be loved. never have i heard such a compelling, and unique sound. at the drive-in was incredible, and sparta has it's place in the music world as well, but the mars volta has soared past all competition and expectations as the most riveting band in years. these guys, and this album in particular, ephing sweet.… Expand
  77. KatieR
    Mar 6, 2005
    10
    This album is absolutely amazing. So brilliant. I love it.
  78. steveb
    Mar 6, 2005
    10
    amazing musical art, there is a difference between people who just "do" music or art and people who are artists down to the bone, the mars volta are artists, francis the mute takes a little more getting used to at first, infact the first time i listiend to it i was dissapointed, but as i listend more and more, i find it to be the best modern music i have heard, standing right next to amazing musical art, there is a difference between people who just "do" music or art and people who are artists down to the bone, the mars volta are artists, francis the mute takes a little more getting used to at first, infact the first time i listiend to it i was dissapointed, but as i listend more and more, i find it to be the best modern music i have heard, standing right next to deloused in the comatorium, definaly a classic.… Expand
  79. GlennP
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    Wow and then Wow. For ones who gave this record a bad review, its only because this record is so diversified, so fresh, so new, that many can't fit it in their minds. Remember the Mahavishnu Orchestra, purely monumental for their time. This is the 21st century Mahavishnu Orchestra with a Zepplin influence.
  80. SpiderGlue
    Mar 7, 2005
    10
    Best cd for 2005 by far.
  81. ederl
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    if you have time to listen to all the cd two times you gonna live with another mind
  82. JoeR
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    What a masterpiece. TMV have succeeded in making one of the greatest albums I've heard. Strangely, the album caught me as soon as I heard it and like mentioned before, I only find things to love about it as I listen to it more. All the musical work on this album is amazing and the way Omar is unafraid to hit the "wrong" notes and set such an amazing musical tone is not just What a masterpiece. TMV have succeeded in making one of the greatest albums I've heard. Strangely, the album caught me as soon as I heard it and like mentioned before, I only find things to love about it as I listen to it more. All the musical work on this album is amazing and the way Omar is unafraid to hit the "wrong" notes and set such an amazing musical tone is not just refreshing but simply unbelievable. The trumpet work on Miranda and later on the song is absolutely breathtaking. L'Via bristles with energy and Cygnus overflows with urgency. Then you have The Widow, which is the most like early Led, and Cassandra which is long yet it seems so short. And to those who say the lyrics are nonsense, you've begun to figure the album out. TMV can do something that I've seen no other band do. They can write lyrics that are leading yet at the same time so open ended that it is left to you to interpret. There's meaning there and there isn't. Brilliant.… Expand
  83. jeremyl
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    one of the best albums that will come out this year, period.
  84. JjeffO
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    its classic rock of today. Its an amazing story being told via enchanting and mind boggling poetic music.
  85. kylep
    Apr 17, 2005
    10
    this cd contains the greatest song ever written. cassandra geminni. and every other song is super good also.
  86. NathanM
    May 16, 2005
    10
    I cannot get over how amazing this album is. I listen to it and there are points where i cannot breath, anyways the music is very alternative and you have to have a very open mind to properly enjoy it, if you are willing to accept it for the type of music it is then you can have one of the best albums of the year.
  87. GaryR
    May 28, 2005
    10
    This album is truly amazing! when we heard that The Mars Volta were releasing there new album, most were thinking how they were going to live up to their previous album De-loused in the comatorium. But they have achieved this in style whilst still showing that this still is not the best they can do! Watch this Space! there is still even more to come from these wonderfully talented individuals!
  88. JasonN
    Jun 10, 2005
    10
    The best album this year! If there is a more original and creative band out there, please let me know so I can go and buy their albums as well. A sonic masterpiece that assults your senses and leaves you drooling for more, The Mars Volta have taken it to a whole new level with their latest offering, and this will probably be another album that goes totally under the radar, and what a The best album this year! If there is a more original and creative band out there, please let me know so I can go and buy their albums as well. A sonic masterpiece that assults your senses and leaves you drooling for more, The Mars Volta have taken it to a whole new level with their latest offering, and this will probably be another album that goes totally under the radar, and what a shame that is. Lets give credit where credit is due, these guys are simply better than the rest, and give a much needed boost to the MTV corrupted rock scene. Finally, a cd to replace Deloused for heavy rotation in my car, go figure, its another Mars Volta album! Please, don't stop a rockin'!!… Expand
  89. Alex
    Aug 25, 2005
    10
    If you are looking for an original, in your face pure rock and roll cd, this is your band. They will blow you away movement by movement. Although, you must open up to allow this new sound rock your world.
  90. JL
    Aug 28, 2005
    10
    Positively astonishing once you get used to TMV's style. Omar's guitar solos, Cedric's lyrics, and the insane percussion are ingenious. Better than De-loused on all fronts, and that's an accomplishment in itself.
  91. MarieS
    Sep 23, 2005
    10
    one of the best cd I've ever heard.
  92. AndrewT
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    This album is for those who need rock to rock and spew out all the pussy ass bullshit that all the reviewers that didnt get it like.
  93. aliem
    Dec 2, 2006
    10
    best album ever. ever.
  94. rightouscorect
    Mar 26, 2006
    10
    encapsulating an ostrocised being's own acceptance of it's self aftera wasted lifefo searching it's own origins. at the end we all need to re evaulate normality complaciency and mars voltas ferosity
  95. FrederikF
    Apr 15, 2006
    10
    As great, if not better tan De-Loused!
  96. JosephH
    Apr 4, 2006
    10
    The Shit!!
  97. 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
  98. 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
  99. RaulC
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    a very cool disc and casandra gemmini dam!!!
  100. 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
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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 »