Frantic
by Bryan Ferry
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: May 21, 2002
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Uncut
    90
    Frantic is packed with potential singles, as if he's decided it's not crime to enjoy himself, to embrace foolish things earthier than Avalon. This is classic Ferry, but full of surprises. [May 2002, p.92]
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  2. Stylus Magazine
    86
    No period of Ferry's extraordinary career goes untouched on Frantic, easily his most rewarding solo work since Roxy's disbandment in 1983.
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Any fan of Bryan Ferry's Roxy work will find Frantic music to their ears.
  5. The A.V. Club
    80
    A general openness to experimentation makes Frantic exciting after the shock of the singer's newfound gusto has worn off.
  6. AllMusic
    80
    Some listeners might suggest that an album this varied has an identity crisis, but with standout tracks as glorious as the Dylan covers and the Eno closer, Frantic is a fascinating addition to Bryan Ferry's accomplished discography.
  7. Splendid
    80
    This time around, the man actually sounds excited to be making music.
  8. Billboard
    80
    A frisky set that rocks with more excitement than Ferry has exhibited in years.
  9. Launch.com
    80
    Unlike artists who "discover" the idea during songwriting droughts, Ferry is one of the few "rock" singers to embrace (and master) the underrated art of "song stylist."
  10. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    70
    Ferry could seem too reverent toward the material on As Time Goes By, but his new album, Frantic, feels a lot looser (and less respectful) even as it revisits the singer's favorite sources (Dylan, Leadbelly).
  11. PopMatters
    70
    Frantic may play like a greatest hits album, with bits here recalling Boys & Girls and songs there echoing late Roxy, and it may rank in the middle to upper of the pack of his overall body of work. But it's the most cohesive album he's done in ages.
  12. Mojo
    70
    A pleasantly surprising step in the right direction. [May 2002, p.104]
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  13. Rolling Stone
    70
    Ferry's voice, even for Earth's maestro of remote-control Sinatra-esque soul, is plainly spectacular.
  14. Trouser Press
    70
    Positive energy and enthusiasm go a long way here.

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Best Album of 2002
80
#80 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. JeffO
    Jun 3, 2005
    10
    A great CD by one fo the all time greats. A mix of styles - early Roxy, Cajun lament, Dylan covers, cool joint effort with Eno, medeival even A great CD by one fo the all time greats. A mix of styles - early Roxy, Cajun lament, Dylan covers, cool joint effort with Eno, medeival even - but extremely coherent and cool. Check out the piano version of Fool for Love put out in the mini-movie The Porter (with Bryan in a supporting role).… Full Review »
  2. daven
    Aug 7, 2003
    10
    Frantic is Fucking fantastic!!!!
  3. RaeR
    Feb 16, 2003
    9
    I can't get this guy out of my head. There's just something that's almost too perfect about this album. Hopefully it's I can't get this guy out of my head. There's just something that's almost too perfect about this album. Hopefully it's this 'something' that will expand Ferry's audience base to a level he's deserved for a very long time. His collaboration with Brian Eno on 'I Thought' is simply stellar.… Full Review »
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