Hive Mind
by The Internet
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jul 20, 2018
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 60
  3. Negative: 4 out of 60
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. jessbme28
    Jul 20, 2018
    9
    So after a solid three listens in a row, I give this album an 9 out of 10. The production is top notch. The vibe is right. The band is as on point as ever. Syd's voice is as magical as it has ever been. However, I was hoping that this would eclipse Ego Death and for me [and this is me only] it did not. The album is still a sexy solid groove that has a lot of 80's funk and quiet storm feels.
  2. NjDonovan
    Aug 9, 2018
    10
    What a great album! For starters, it's really well produced. Syd and Steve Lacy add vocals which grove their way through every track. Lacy's guitar work takes you back to old soul and funk records, while Matt Martians cops, cuts and beats keep the music current. They all bring their individual talents to bear, on this fantastic album - 'Hive Mind' seems an appropriate title.
  3. joshdkaye
    Sep 6, 2018
    6
    I like this one. It's a step in the right direction, but has very little replay value.
  4. pmasterfunk
    Sep 6, 2018
    7
    I own 2 records by the Internet, this one and Ego Death. Personnaly, I think Ego Death is the better record, and Hive Mind lags behind for a few reasons. Funny thing is, I think Hive Mind has the higher highs, but except for a few exceptionnal tracks, I find the average level on Ego Death higher.

    The tracks that were pre-releases are the strongest in my opinion, and they also    I own 2 records by the Internet, this one and Ego Death. Personnaly, I think Ego Death is the better record, and Hive Mind lags behind for a few reasons. Funny thing is, I think Hive Mind has the higher highs, but except for a few exceptionnal tracks, I find the average level on Ego Death higher.

    The tracks that were pre-releases are the strongest in my opinion, and they also demonstrate what I feel the other tracks lack.

    Roll is probably the best track, so let's break it down. It's got probably the best bass line on the album. The drum track, though simple, changes during the chorus to communicate that change. Same thing with the keys, you can hear them better when the song lifts. So when the chorus comes, you can feel the whole band going in that direction.

    I suspect the reason Roll does this so well is because the (almost) whole band plays on it. I feel the tracks that seem have more input by all the members of the band work better. I feel that a lot of the tracks that are just Syd and Steve Lacy don't have as interesting bass, drums, and keys, and don't vary as much in dynamic range. They just feel a bit flat to me.

    Having said that, it's still a solid album, and I'll buy whatever the Internet puts out, and you should, too.    … Expand
  5. Munene
    Jul 21, 2018
    10
    This album is so good. Can listen to it on repeat and repeat. It is their best album to date!
  6. thenayan
    Jul 21, 2018
    9
    Easily their best album so far. I'm on my second listen and it justs keeps on getting better and better.
  7. takudzwa
    Jul 20, 2018
    10
    Their best album to date, Hive Mind is even better than Ego Death. The Internet finds a way to improve with every LP.
  8. DJJew
    Jul 22, 2018
    8
    Hands down a very solid album by the internet, Production is great with lots of funk and groove in it, Syd has excellent vocals and Lacy provides solid background vocals definitely a bop and has a lot of replay ability
  9. Jaqwaan
    Jul 22, 2018
    7
    Hive Mind is a funkadelic instrumental with lulling vocals that can chill you out for hours, but unfortunately, this album had no hit singles that made me want to replay this gorgeous album.

    Don't get me wrong, I would not be disappointed if a song from Hive Mind came on the radio but nothing makes me want to listen to these songs, as there aren't any lead singles that make Hive Mind    Hive Mind is a funkadelic instrumental with lulling vocals that can chill you out for hours, but unfortunately, this album had no hit singles that made me want to replay this gorgeous album.

    Don't get me wrong, I would not be disappointed if a song from Hive Mind came on the radio but nothing makes me want to listen to these songs, as there aren't any lead singles that make Hive Mind memorable.

    So whats the reason for this?

    My understanding is they are making music for their fans. They aren't focusing on a new audience, they are focusing on bringing content to their current fans.

    I wish this funky album had a couple more Jamiroquai-esque sounding songs like "La Di Da", but other than that, this is another great piece by The Internet.    … Expand
  10. brownwizard
    Jul 27, 2018
    9
    A strong and warm album about love. The Internet at his best! A summer jam and a future classic.
  11. nic0las
    Jul 24, 2019
    9
    Honestly hive mind was one of my favourite albums out of 2018, although i did liked ego death way more, i felt like i had to listen to this album a few times so i can enjoy it more. It definetly has some great songs like: look what u started and hold on. But none compare to the legends that lie along ego death, for example: special affair, curse or even girl.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Discussed Album of 2018
35
#35 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. HipHopDX
    Aug 2, 2018
    88
    One of the best R&B/soul albums of 2018.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    Aug 1, 2018
    80
    Hive Mind remains as soulful as ever, weaving disparate sounds and textures without feeling erratic; it’s moving even at its most minimal.
    Read full review
  3. Consequence
    Jul 26, 2018
    83
    Though brief, a tardy reprise of the adventurous sound that opens the release is an exciting display of The Internet’s true brilliance, which finds them absolutely nailing every transition and avoiding the anticlimactic ending suggested by a number of the preceding tracks with a pair of stone-cold bops.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »