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Free the Universe
by
Free the Universe Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length studio release for the Diplo project features guest appearances from such artists as Amber of Dirty Projectors, Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, Wyclef Jean, Bruno Mars, Santigold, Shaggy, Tyga, and Yasmin.
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Bubble Butt
Bubble butt, bubble, bubble, bubble butt Bubble butt, bubble, bubble, bubble butt Bubble butt, bubble, bubble, bubble butt Bubble butt, bubble,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Filter
    Apr 16, 2013
    84
    The multiple guest stars on each and every one of these 14 tracks have been upgraded from the regional heroes found on 2009 Lazer debut Guns Don’t Kill People Lazers Do to bona fide industry studs on Free the Universe. Some might view this third-world talent invasion as a form of dancehall imperialism, but there is depth here, respect, knowledge and oodles of heart... and enough freaky fun to dagger 52 weekends away.
  2. AllMusic
    Apr 15, 2013
    80
    Those who blew their minds and/or speakers pumping the project's 2009 debut will find it familiar ground, but how Free the Universe arguably tops Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do is with the meatier, more subdued cuts.
  3. PopMatters
    May 3, 2013
    70
    This is wall-shaking club music for screaming crowds and vast towers of sub-bass. It’s hard to imagine listening to the whole thing end to end unless you were also working a case of beer at the same pace.
  4. Alternative Press
    Apr 12, 2013
    60
    There’s enough inventive, Jamaican-inspired music on Free The Universe to make it worth hearing--but here’s hoping Diplo keeps things Kingston-centric again next time around.
  5. Mojo
    May 20, 2013
    60
    A relentlessly effervescent electro/dancehall mash-up. [Jun 2013, p.89]
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  6. Consequence
    Apr 16, 2013
    60
    The inclusion of larger singles-moving, profit-generating artists leads to mixed results on Free The Universe.
  7. NOW Magazine
    Apr 25, 2013
    40
    Too bad the missteps and poorly executed collaborations stink badly enough to make the borderline stupid/genius party rockers get tainted by proximity.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. hallfreddyc
    Apr 18, 2013
    8
    Dancehall, reggae fusion, reggae, hip hop, electro house, daggering, Moombahton, Dutch house, it's all there in spirited zeal, continuingDancehall, reggae fusion, reggae, hip hop, electro house, daggering, Moombahton, Dutch house, it's all there in spirited zeal, continuing DJ/producer Diplo's brassy musical project in style.… Expand

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