Home of the Strange
by Young the Giant
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Aug 12, 2016
    83
    Their richest and most varied project to date.
  2. Alternative Press
    Aug 16, 2016
    80
    Home Of The Strange adds back their debut’s indie charm, then catapults Sameer Gadhia’s sensational vocals to the front. Keeping those levels in check allows the band to effortlessly explore ambient electronics (“Amerika”), dance numbers (“Silvertongue”) and every other curiosity along the way.
  3. Boston Globe
    Aug 12, 2016
    80
    Young the Giant’s finely tuned ear for pop is on grand display here, and frontman Sameer Gadhia excels at playing ringmaster, testing the edges of his vocal range while spinning yarns with brio.
  5. AllMusic
    Aug 12, 2016
    80
    There is a wide range of ideas at work on Home of the Strange, which makes for a satisfying, engaging listen.
  6. PopMatters
    Aug 19, 2016
    60
    Home of the Strange certainly won’t convert any naysayers of the band’s straight-and-narrow take on alternative rock, but it does underscore what has emboldened their fanbase for so long: a sound that shakes arenas and a penchant for writing songs about individuals lost in the same places they call home.
  7. Rolling Stone
    Aug 12, 2016
    60
    Though Gadhia hasn't shed all his Chris Martin influence, he's developed an edge of paranoid menace reminiscent of Muse's Matt Bellamy. It's a sound that comes from both everywhere and nowhere.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. sebamauu
    Aug 21, 2016
    10
    The best indie album of the year , nothing more , nothing less.
    Maturation of the best genre band nuances in the 11 songs . They have    The best indie album of the year , nothing more , nothing less.
    Maturation of the best genre band nuances in the 11 songs . They have positioned themselves as one of the best indie bands USA . The criticism could appreciate more the whole, not everything should be extravagantly rock psychedelic or to taste    … Full Review »
  2. thedutchflyer
    Aug 24, 2016
    8
    I discovered the album on spotify, just exploring some different music. I listen to a wide variety of music,and quite recently I discoveredI discovered the album on spotify, just exploring some different music. I listen to a wide variety of music,and quite recently I discovered the Indie music coming from artists like Young the Giant, Walk the Moon and some others. Home of the Strange is an album that really changes tone and style all the time, and still the chemistry stays intact. I really like this new, fresh sound.

    The first song on the record, ''Amerika'', really showcases the voice of lead singer Sameer Gadhia. It's a strong track overall with a touch of pop.

    The second track, my personal favorite ''Something to believe in'', really is a poprock song with a touch of indie. The instrumentals, the lead singer and the backing vocals all seem to come together in a very seducing way. Other tracks, like ''Elsewhere", ''Mr. Know-It-All'', ''Titus was Born'' and ''Silvertongue'' are less prominent on this record, yet they are hidden gems when you listen more and more.

    ''Jungle Youth'' and ''Nothing's over'' really breathe indie-rock all along, and the sound of those two songs remind me of the Black Keys in some way.

    Overall, Home of the Strange is a very nicely mixed album with different styles, it's very polished and therefore very accessible to the grand public. Most tracks do require multiple listens before you become familiar with it, but listening more and more becomes very rewarding eventually. It's a big shame the album only lasts for 39 minutes, which is way too short in my opinion, I really have the feeling they could've done better than this.    … Full Review »
  3. YoungTrout
    Aug 13, 2016
    10
    In the blooming alternative genre, Young the Giant has created a rare sound deeply compelling to the young American heart. From the familiarIn the blooming alternative genre, Young the Giant has created a rare sound deeply compelling to the young American heart. From the familiar bittersweet lyricism of "Repeat" and "Something to Believe In" to the dynamic production of "Jungle Youth" and "Titus Was Born," this album is dense with worthwhile effort. While the explicitly composed ear candy of "Mr. Know-It-All" and "Silvertongue" may come across sour, they color necessary vibrancy and groove to an album that would otherwise stir the mind and leave the body wanting more. The versatility and unity of its many moving parts sail the shadow of meaning from start to finish. This particular album may have narrowed its audience out of the gate, but as a whole it will undoubtedly invite new members to a cult following while leaving veterans satisfied well beyond expectations.… Full Review »
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