Generations
by Will Butler
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Sep 25, 2020
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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  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 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 aThat 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.… Expand
  2. pobeso
    Apr 11, 2022
    10
    Musical experimentation, brisk songwriting, and biting sincerity are all over this album and I love it. The record manages to explore many different sounds while still weaving together a purposeful sonic storyline. Growling synths, punchy beats, a smattering of orchestral instruments, and flowering melodies keep this album constantly fresh from song to song.

    While I'm sure the musical    Musical experimentation, brisk songwriting, and biting sincerity are all over this album and I love it. The record manages to explore many different sounds while still weaving together a purposeful sonic storyline. Growling synths, punchy beats, a smattering of orchestral instruments, and flowering melodies keep this album constantly fresh from song to song.

    While I'm sure the musical variety will not be for everyone, I am being completely honest when I say there was not a single song I didn't immediately enjoy. Standouts for me were Outta Here, Bethlehem, Hide It Away, and Promised. I also particularly enjoyed the lyrical surprises of Not Gonna Die (I'm gonna die in a hospital / surrounded by strangers / who keep sayin' they're my kids) followed by a rousing anthem against a hyperbolic and fearmongering news cycle ("Quit sayin' that - some doctor's gonna kill me / Quit sayin' that - someone dyin's gonna kill me / Quit sayin' that - some mercy's gonna kill me).

    I am sure the last thing Will wants is to suffer additional comparisons to his earlier work on Arcade Fire, so I'll keep this brief - his musical influence on that band is highly present here, while defiantly climbing to new heights as he carves out his own unquestionably unique spot in the world of indie-pop-rock-grunge-folk. It is an accomplishment deserving of so much more awareness, recognition, and attention than it currently has. Sadly, one misled review can sway a lot of people from checking out good art - their loss in the end! Will Butler fully embraces who & what he is in his music, "flaws" and all, and this only makes the experience of listening to him that much stronger. For those looking for stirring and candid rock that keeps you guessing, keep a close eye on Will Butler. He is way overdue for a moment in the spotlight.    … Expand
  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!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    Sep 24, 2020
    60
    Melodic snap and guileless sentiments. [Nov 2020, p.90]
See all critic reviews »