Generations
by Will Butler
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Sep 25, 2020
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. DIY Magazine
    Sep 24, 2020
    90
    ‘Generations’’ best trick is in its variety: if Will is undoubtedly a curious, enthusiastic sort, then that curiosity stretches across propulsive, vitriolic riffs (‘Bethlehem’), idiosyncratic, stripped-back synths (‘Hide It Away’), Randy Newman-esque piano send-offs (‘Fine’) and more. What unites the record, however, is an urgent, anxious sense of unrest.
  2. Glide Magazine
    Sep 28, 2020
    80
    Generations is a more mature album than Policy in that Butler creates a cohesive narrative throughout. ... Butler also proves that he is adept at creating music on his own without having to rely on past sounds from Arcade Fire.
  3. Exclaim
    Sep 24, 2020
    80
    Generations feature a magnitude of emotions, both raw and sincere.
  5. PopMatters
    Sep 28, 2020
    70
    For the most part, these are songs you to can dance to while pondering the point of it all and what it means to be a good person in present-day America. My guess is that most people will listen to this album by themselves while wearing headphones. He's bringing us together by reminding us of our limitations.
  6. Uncut
    Sep 24, 2020
    70
    It all feels quite timely. with Butler exploring the state of the world. [Nov 2020, p.27]
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  7. AllMusic
    Sep 24, 2020
    70
    Generations finds Butler offering up another set of passionate songs rich with complex but understated arrangements.
  8. Mojo
    Sep 24, 2020
    60
    Melodic snap and guileless sentiments. [Nov 2020, p.90]
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  9. Rolling Stone
    Sep 24, 2020
    60
    “Close My Eyes” feels a bit like Suicide pretending to be a power-pop band with its quivering keys and its catchy “In my mind I want to choose the right” chorus. The glitchy “Hard Times” balances Butler’s brooding with disco-house keyboards, and “Surrender” feels like a gospel call-and-response moment of ascendency. But it all comes crashing down on Generations’ final two offerings.

User Reviews

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User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 4 out of 10
  1. shoeletariat
    Oct 11, 2020
    9
    That rolling stone review reads like it was written by a freshman political science major. The song they're complaining about is speakingThat rolling stone review reads like it was written by a freshman political science major. The song they're complaining about is speaking about the hyperbolic news cycle and information that spreads on social media; it has nothing to do with race politics and to shoehorn in that issue in the review is pretty infuriating, and I fully support the BLM movement. This is a great album with a unique and honest perspective, and plenty of hooks. Only one of the songs doesn't work in my opinion, "Hard Times" comes off as a bit goofy despite its earnestness.… Full Review »
  2. Danijelurvc
    Aug 21, 2022
    0
    Its very boring and disappointing if im honest theres max. 1 good song in it
  3. gbslays
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    Loved it! I don’t have too much to say but I will say that this album is a very interesting listen!
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