Innocence Reaches
by Of Montreal
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. No Ripcord
    Sep 13, 2016
    60
    Challenging and proudly disjointed, Innocence Reaches showcases a deranged songwriter whose fickle character knows no bounds.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 15, 2016
    60
    Mostly it feels like he’s lost in the dress-up box, never quite finding a mask to fit his ever-changing face.
  3. The Guardian
    Aug 11, 2016
    60
    You might sometimes wish Barnes would curb his more outlandish impulses; when focused, he is a fine songwriter.
  5. Q Magazine
    Aug 5, 2016
    60
    Crazy as ever, then, but still just about in an endearing way. [Sep 2016, p.108]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Consequence
    Aug 9, 2016
    58
    By lacking any resonant peg and showing little advancement, the record feels like a question mark, a gray spot on the timeline.
  7. The Quietus
    Aug 22, 2016
    50
    There are some genuinely fun, compelling moments of music, some striking lyrics, and the smattering of modern electronic dance sounds definitely livens things up. But at an hour long, it feels too convoluted: lacking in cohesion and, ultimately, too devoid of specific intent.
  8. Spin
    Aug 11, 2016
    50
    Innocence Reaches is lighter than last year’s appropriately titled Aureate Gloom, but it’s less fun than it thinks it is, and in pursuing a more “current,” electronic-inspired sound, it’s lost the psychedelic charms of a better post-peak Of Montreal album like, say, 2013’s lousy with sylvianbriar.
  9. Pretty Much Amazing
    Aug 15, 2016
    42
    In trying so desperately to be universal, they’ve ended up with their most stiflingly insular album yet.
  10. DIY Magazine
    Aug 12, 2016
    40
    Unfortunately, this slightly more mainstream vision is consistently obscured, making Innocence Reaches a frustrating listen.
  11. NOW Magazine
    Aug 10, 2016
    40
    The amount of fatigue and cynicism baked into 14th album Innocence Reaches is not just a bummer; it's verging on ominous.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16
  1. motherhoeffer
    Sep 26, 2016
    10
    This is one of the best Of Montreal albums, certainly one of the most fun. Trucking Pitchfork gives this a meh review and everyone ignores it.This is one of the best Of Montreal albums, certainly one of the most fun. Trucking Pitchfork gives this a meh review and everyone ignores it. Another reason why the internet has ruined people. They are lazy and just wait for someone else to tell them what they should like. Kevin Barnes and Of Montreal put on one of the best live shows you'll ever see, imagine the Flaming Lips, but with better music, better art work, and more intelligent lyrics.… Full Review »
  2. Mab_987
    Aug 21, 2016
    9
    After 14 albums over 20 years, it's incredible how well Kevin Barnes & co. continue to blur genres with of Montreal's output. The step intoAfter 14 albums over 20 years, it's incredible how well Kevin Barnes & co. continue to blur genres with of Montreal's output. The step into the pop world makes a lot more sense & goes a lot more smoothly than some might expect, and combined with the invigorating garage & indie rock moments it makes for an excitingly diverse record. The lyrics are also some of Kevin's most engaging & direct, especially as you follow the frustrating situations that happen throughout the record. Hissing Fauna has a special place for me, but I have no problem calling Innocence Reaches one of my favorites.

    (To see my full in-depth thoughts on this album, look up "Spin It! Reviews" on YouTube. Thanks.)    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »