Human Performance
by Parquet Courts
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 11, 2016
    60
    There’s still a degree of inconsistency: I Was Just Here is unpleasantly jarring, the wilfully flat vocal delivery not adding to its charm. But there are enough highs to make this worthy of a listen.
  2. Mojo
    Mar 29, 2016
    60
    Though inconsistent, the quartet have siphoned the best of punk and '90s slacker pop to create an album that couldn't be any more Rough Trade if it tried. [May 2016, p.94]
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  3. Uncut
    Mar 29, 2016
    60
    They're still a little too in thrall to the obvious precursors to take flight, but there are some great, clanging pop songs here, too. [May 2016, p.78]
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Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Best Album of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 45
  3. Negative: 2 out of 45
  1. exodus9237
    Apr 15, 2016
    9
    I remember thinking (and writing) that Sunbathing Animal was a new, more mature approach for the band after its excellent and thrilling debut.I remember thinking (and writing) that Sunbathing Animal was a new, more mature approach for the band after its excellent and thrilling debut. Since then, Parquet Courts have released one album and one ep, the first one being a funnier outing and the second one experimental attempt that didn't continued with the band's aforementioned maturity. It all comes down to this one.

    Human Performance is Parquet Courts best album since Light Up Gold, and also their most mature album, without forgetting their art punk roots. You can hear the band growing in songs like Berlin Got Blurry or One Man, No City, and also you can hear them having fun and sounding great in songs like Outside and Two Dead Cops.

    It changes, it sounds calm and agitated, fun and truthful. This is an album that shows that Parquet Courts are here to stay, and we should hear what they have to say.    … Full Review »
  2. sshpv
    Apr 8, 2016
    9
    New-York band slowly becoming of the best rock bands of this generation. Raw and honest sound plus pretty smart lyrics. My own favorite wouldNew-York band slowly becoming of the best rock bands of this generation. Raw and honest sound plus pretty smart lyrics. My own favorite would be "One man No City", absolutely amazing song.… Full Review »
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