Head Carrier
by Pixies
  • Record Label: PIAS
  • Release Date: Sep 30, 2016
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 29
  3. Negative: 2 out of 29
  1. American Songwriter
    Sep 26, 2016
    90
    Pixies’ full acceptance of the shifts in their schema only further solidify their inimitable identity. The exultant result: Head Carrier, a new classic.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Oct 5, 2016
    80
    In a cleaner, more mature, concerned-about-its-blood-pressure manner, Head Carrier revisits Pixies’ prime, primal age, melodically pumped and squaring up confidently to its admittedly formidable forebears.
  3. Q Magazine
    Sep 23, 2016
    80
    What makes Head Carrier work is that the Pixies see, to have rediscovered what they're great at. [Nov 2016, p.109]
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  5. Mojo
    Sep 15, 2016
    80
    A colourful, catchy and quietly impassioned record. [Oct 2016, p.90]
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  6. Magnet
    Oct 18, 2016
    75
    A pleasant surprise. [No. 136, p.56]
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  7. No Ripcord
    Oct 4, 2016
    70
    It’s not Pixies as you’d like to remember them, but for the first time in years it sounds as if they’re actually enjoying themselves.
  8. PopMatters
    Sep 30, 2016
    70
    All in all, Head Carrier is a collection of lessons, experiences, sounds that exemplify the essence of fun rock ’n’ roll.
  9. AllMusic
    Sep 29, 2016
    70
    While it feels like Pixies are still figuring out how to continue their legacy, Head Carrier's best moments suggest they're heading in the right direction.
  10. Classic Rock Magazine
    Sep 26, 2016
    70
    While nothing on this album will replace anything from Doolittle or Surfer Rosa in your affections, bangers such as Classic Masher and Um Chagga Lagga detonate with a palpable sense of fun that leaves you in no doubt who the authors are and that it’s a better album than Trompe La Monde.

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Most Discussed Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 46
  3. Negative: 2 out of 46
  1. lennycliff123
    Sep 30, 2016
    4
    Some bands really should know when to call it a day and stick with the decision. REM come to mind. When they realised they had nothing left inSome bands really should know when to call it a day and stick with the decision. REM come to mind. When they realised they had nothing left in the tank they quit.

    Pixies should have left it at Trompe Le Monde which was not a bad album at all. Indy Cindy was good in places but Head Carrier is just bland. It doesn't even feel like a Pixies album, more of a mediocre at best Black Francis/Frank Black offering.    … Full Review »
  2. antmolly1995
    Oct 12, 2016
    4
    Head Carrier is hands down the worst Pixies album in this fans humble opinion. Even after repeated listenings it fails to make any lastingHead Carrier is hands down the worst Pixies album in this fans humble opinion. Even after repeated listenings it fails to make any lasting impression.

    I think Kim Deal jumped ship knowing that the band had nothing left to offer. If Pixies continue to make music like his it will be nothing but a doomed Black Francis vanity project / money spinner.    … Full Review »
  3. nuggetman
    Oct 12, 2016
    4
    There's really nothing much I can add to the other mixed reviews. This album is by far the worst in their discography {Indy Cindy was a lotThere's really nothing much I can add to the other mixed reviews. This album is by far the worst in their discography {Indy Cindy was a lot better}, and I'd rate it lower if it wasn't for the fact that I'm a long standing fan.… Full Review »
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