Fulfilled/Complete
by Broken Spindles
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Alternative Press
    80
    He's brought classical melodic sophistication and beauty to this recording while retaining the post-punk edginess Gang Of Four disciples love. [Jul 2004, p.148]
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  2. Junkmedia
    80
    fulfilled/complete is thoroughly compelling, until it reaches its closer, "The Dream," and becomes urgent, essential listening.
  3. Splendid
    80
    Fulfilled/Complete has a raw, compelling urgency.
  5. The Wire
    70
    It's carefully constructed music that makes few demands but rewards close attention. [#244, p.69]
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  6. Pitchfork
    69
    Fulfilled/Complete succeeds on a number of levels-- Mogis' recording is clear as a bell, there are several fine songs, and the string arrangements are impressively detailed-- but doesn't quite live up to either portion of its title, its sequencing too disjointed to make for a truly cohesive statement.
  7. PopMatters
    60
    The songs could all get away with at least half of the words they currently employ.
  8. Under The Radar
    60
    Sometimes fades into the background, but it is interesting background music at that. [#7]
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  9. Urb
    60
    It's a lot of wicked, loud noise, and if that's your thing, this is your record. [Jun 2004, p.84]
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  10. AllMusic
    60
    The tracks with singing find Broken Spindles moving in one direction, and the purely instrumental pieces find them moving in another, and sometimes the contrast between the two styles just ends up as a clash of sounds.
  11. Playlouder
    50
    It's not easy listening, it's scarcely fashionable,... and, to be frank, it's not exactly the best advert for Joel's generally estimable talents.
  12. Stylus Magazine
    50
    Unfortunately, after this three-track novelty act, Fulfilled/Complete comes down to earth in a decided crater-dive.
  13. cokemachineglow
    42
    It has more than enough moments to make it a solid album, had Joel Petersen stayed with instrumental electroclash. It’s just that the lyrics are god-awful strands of post-teen angst monotonously spoken with the rhythm.

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User Score
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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. chrism
    Mar 16, 2006
    9
    The experimentation Joel has used in this album is refreshing. The use of synthesizers has given this album a new approach and way to look at The experimentation Joel has used in this album is refreshing. The use of synthesizers has given this album a new approach and way to look at electronical music. I have noticed that the majority of people rating, reviewing, analyzing and listening to this album say that they cannot stand Joels monotonous voice but I feel as though this rather automatonic voice mixed with the inspirational and abnormal sounds are something utterly divine. Alot of critics also stated that they strongly disliked the lyrics because they were pessimistic, dark and saddening but I feel as though these songs intertwine sadness with happiness because the beats are uplifting yet the lyrics are depressing. In a nutshell buy this album.… Full Review »
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