Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?
by Of Montreal
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Under The Radar
    60
    Everything's going just swell on Hissing Fauna--from moody to hyper hip shaking to stand-still hipster pose--until Barnes stops it all with the twelve minute "The Past is a Grotesque Animal." [#16, p.93]
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  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    An intermittently pleasurable record from a talented songwriter with an overstuffed brain. [8 Feb 2007, p.70]
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  3. The Guardian
    60
    The second half is dominated by a seedy funk that feels at once self-indulgent and unappetising, despite the odd dazzling moment.
  5. NOW Magazine
    40
    Most of what Barnes throws together here doesn't get beyond annoying pastiche, and he still lacks the chops as a wordsmith to magically transform mediocre jams into memorable songs.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best Album of 2007
29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 164 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 146 out of 164
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 164
  3. Negative: 9 out of 164
  1. Zonhin
    Feb 2, 2008
    4
    I want to like this. I want to like this. I wish I could say that I love this even more then I Sunlandic Twins. As it is, I'm not angry. I want to like this. I want to like this. I wish I could say that I love this even more then I Sunlandic Twins. As it is, I'm not angry. Just sad. The songs seem to go on forever, and I felt bored through the whole thing. The only two songs I found myself enjoying were Suffer for Fashion and Gronlandic Edit. The rest weren't sad. They weren't moving. Just boring.… Full Review »
  2. DavidC.
    May 31, 2009
    10
    This is one of the greatest albums of this decade. The comedic and cynical lyrics counter the poppy melodies of the album in almost an ironic This is one of the greatest albums of this decade. The comedic and cynical lyrics counter the poppy melodies of the album in almost an ironic way. "The Past is a Grotesque Animal" lies perfectly in the middle of the album, where the music takes a sharp turn for the serious and angry. Of Montreal finds a way to make the most unlikely combination of lyrics and music to create one amazing feeling of loss and anger. It is a truly unique and wonderful album from a truly unique and wonderful band.… Full Review »
  3. TimL
    May 28, 2008
    10
    I really don't see how anyone can see this album as anything other than perfect. The lyrics are so meaningful and it's clear that I really don't see how anyone can see this album as anything other than perfect. The lyrics are so meaningful and it's clear that this album means a lot to Barnes. He take you for a ride through marital and mental breakdown through dark pop and funk music. The first half is definitely the more accessible of the two halves of the album, but the second half is certainly my favourite. With brilliant tracks like 'She's a rejecter' and of course 'Past is a grotesque animal' this is without a doubt the best album of 2007 and, most likely, the best of the decade.… Full Review »
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