Into the Future
by Bad Brains
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. Mojo
    Dec 17, 2012
    80
    This just might be their best work in 25 years. [Jan 2013, p.92]
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  2. Alternative Press
    Nov 21, 2012
    80
    When stripped back to basics the Brains are as brilliantly brutal as ever. [Dec 2012, p.88]
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  3. Los Angeles Times
    Nov 20, 2012
    75
    It's best to sit back and let the power of visionary punk rock wash over you.
  5. Uncut
    Dec 11, 2012
    70
    Into The Future is a heroic act of denial, nonetheless. The remaining Brains still burn with magnesium-strip intensity. [Jan 2013, p.82]
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  6. Revolver
    Nov 20, 2012
    70
    Although none of its 13 tracks hit as hard as the early '80s, "mash"-pit ragers that made them famous, they still sound vital on the Rasta-praising punk pummeler "Popcorn" and the 88-second frenzy "Yes I."
  7. AllMusic
    Nov 20, 2012
    70
    Into the Future fares better than the stale output of most reunited punk acts and also rises above a weak rehash for the sake of nostalgia. Always true to their original vision, Bad Brains continue sailing on.
  8. Paste Magazine
    Nov 20, 2012
    70
    Bad Brains still sounds best when it's angry, though.
  9. Filter
    Nov 26, 2012
    66
    Although this may not be the band's greatest work, at least it's not a parody of what was. Soak that Positive Mental Attitude up.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Jan 30, 2013
    60
    The midtempo grunge-metal and reggae jams, more sustainable channels for grown-ass anger, feel most like home.
  11. Kerrang!
    Jan 2, 2013
    60
    True, some of the reggae songs a re a bit lightweight, but on the punk numbers, Bad Brains' righteous fevour remains undimmed. [24 Nov 2012, p.53]
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  12. Consequence
    Nov 21, 2012
    60
    While Into the Future, like Build a Nation before it, harkens back to the Brains' golden age, it's not the ROIR Sessions. The band couldn't recreate that sort of spitfire aggression today if they tried, and it would be almost unfair to expect them to. But it's close.
  13. Pitchfork
    Nov 28, 2012
    59
    Sloppiness has crept into their once-perfect attack, and there is a certain any-era-of-modern-rock, unstuck-in-time vibe to the production choices and songwriting.
  14. PopMatters
    Dec 6, 2012
    50
    Into the Future ultimately stands as a middling Bad Brains effort.
  15. BBC Music
    Nov 27, 2012
    50
    These sky-surfing legends may have another great album in 'em yet, but for all its intermittently irie moments, Into the Future isn't it.

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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 2 out of 3
  1. yolandivisser
    Nov 28, 2012
    8
    If you wanna hear old bad brains go do that. this is an unforgiving new brand, still as shredtastically brutal as before, but a little bitIf you wanna hear old bad brains go do that. this is an unforgiving new brand, still as shredtastically brutal as before, but a little bit older, more mature, more smart. just as political, just as fun, just as badass. freakin awesome.… Full Review »
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