Is This the Life We Really Want?
by Roger Waters
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2017
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 75
  3. Negative: 11 out of 75
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  1. Music_Observer
    Aug 15, 2017
    7
    Roger Waters steps into the world again and delivers passionate messages while bringing with him a hint of magic from his once incredibly captivating sound, and even though complacency came off a bit too much in the melodic layer, his compelling harmonic language and influential voice can make up for a few musical shortcomings in the long run. My Score: 130/180 (Solid) = 7.2/10
  2. andreydelorenzo
    Jun 2, 2017
    10
    This is the best Pink Floyd's album since The Wall. Just this.
    By far (with Gilmour's Rattle That Lock) the best solo record from a Floyd's member.
    Good lyrics, good songs, with a mix of sounds which remembers Bob Dylan, Bowie and Radiohead. And of course, one or two songs remembers Floyd too, but this is different, this is something more personal from Roger, with a really stunning    This is the best Pink Floyd's album since The Wall. Just this.
    By far (with Gilmour's Rattle That Lock) the best solo record from a Floyd's member.
    Good lyrics, good songs, with a mix of sounds which remembers Bob Dylan, Bowie and Radiohead.
    And of course, one or two songs remembers Floyd too, but this is different, this is something more personal from Roger, with a really stunning production.
    Godrich's production have taken the best ideas from Roger since the 80's, and that record is a pleasure to hear.

    Long live to Roger!    … Expand
  3. samharaz1985
    Jun 2, 2017
    10
    This Album Is a Masterpiece. Roger is Still Angry and When He's Angry He Can Write Good Songs and Good Lyrics.in My Opinion The World Needed To This Album Because There Are Numerous Problems In The Whole of World.
  4. alb123
    Jun 4, 2017
    10
    This album contains some of the finest songs Roger Waters has ever written. It's possible to call this another "concept album", however, I don't believe that it follows a steadfast linear path the way most of his previous concept albums have. There is definitely a theme to be found with most of the songs, some which I found to be refreshingly different from typical Waters subjects.This album contains some of the finest songs Roger Waters has ever written. It's possible to call this another "concept album", however, I don't believe that it follows a steadfast linear path the way most of his previous concept albums have. There is definitely a theme to be found with most of the songs, some which I found to be refreshingly different from typical Waters subjects.

    The album opens with a familiar Waters/Floyd opening track technique. "Speak to Me" from Dark Side of the Moon wasn't so much of a song either, but an intro into the journey your about to take with Mr. Waters. He did a similar thing with "The Ballad of Bill Hubbard" on Amused to Death. The revolving, repeating lines that you hear from Waters is a smooth, safe way to begin the journey the listener is about to go on.

    Deja Vu & The Last Refugee are two of the stronger tracks on this record. The first shows Roger lamenting on what he might do if he were God to make the world a better, safer world for us all. Next we find a beautiful piece about a refugees journey - a short video was made for this song which shows a gorgeous woman dancing in a beautiful hall, dressed immaculately and then cuts to the same woman dancing the same dance in a dirty, dingy loft wearing ragged clothes, hair unbrushed. Here we have a woman who once was used to a life of opulence reduced to the status of "refugee".

    The next track, "Picture That", is pure old school Roger. This is a song that could have easily fit on the Pink Floyd album "Animals". Venomous as anything Roger has ever written, the lyrics repeat throughout the song asking the listener to picture various scenarios - some seem innocent enough, others may fill you with rage. Musically, this is a very rockin' song...As I said, it could easily fit onto a Pink Floyd record - it is absolutely worthy.

    Rather than go through every song on the record, I'll skip to the final three songs that are married to each other. "Wait for Her" is absolutely beautiful. If Pigs on the Wing (from Animals) was supposed to be a love song Roger wrote for his wife, then Wait For Her is a gushing flood of romance lyrically. It moves into "Oceans Apart", almost in the vein of "The Bravery of Being Out of Range", however this is a one minute reflection of being separated from one's love by the width of an ocean instead of America's enemies as "The Bravery..." reported.

    When "A Part of Me Died" begins we are catapulted back to the piano tune tapped out during "Wait For Her" and we find Roger singing how love can overcome all. It's a man getting rid of a lot of baggage and finding true love, or does it?

    A brilliant record from start to finish. A couple of moments of the album could have used some work, but it's not enough of a distraction to bring this album down from being a 10.    … Expand
  5. Platendraaier
    Jun 5, 2017
    9
    Is This The Life We Really Want? It is the central question of Roger Waters' new album. A question he answers in his anger about the current political games, the world wars and the many refugees victims. The album is full of musical references to classics from the time of Pink Floyd, but due to the influence of producer Nigel Godrich there are some necessary little musical innovations. TheIs This The Life We Really Want? It is the central question of Roger Waters' new album. A question he answers in his anger about the current political games, the world wars and the many refugees victims. The album is full of musical references to classics from the time of Pink Floyd, but due to the influence of producer Nigel Godrich there are some necessary little musical innovations. The depth of the whole is strengthened especially in the use of electronic gadgets and orchestral sounds. Although the emotional tone covers most of the album, there is still a spark of hope on the horizon by the end. The musical package effortlessly connects to the engaging vocal lines and the many images being projected on the retina. Even though Roger Waters knows that this isn't the life he embraces, in love he finds a safe place to await his approaching end. 8.6/10

    Full review in Dutch: https://www.platendraaier.nl/albumrecensies/roger-waters-is-this-the-life-we-really-want/    … Expand
  6. DisgruntledPete
    Jun 7, 2017
    10
    For those still with us (and for those not, we wish you were here) and still listening, this is a fully ripened expression of the visions and ideas Roger has been working on for the past 50+ years. Though I loved Clapton and Beck, the lead guitar is toned down to give more expression to what's really important.
  7. tankeoppbygning
    Jun 7, 2017
    10
    A fantastic album produced by Waters and his crew, musically stunning and lyrically gripping. This album contains some of Roger Waters’ finest songwriting and crafting, and I have no complaints nor see any downsides with this album. I would recommend this to a friend, or even a foe!
  8. Judgexp
    Aug 31, 2017
    0
    The year old British rockers tried to be hip and cater to the millennials with moronic political albums. Really sad that such a great writer as Waters went literally down in flames like this.
  9. kjatafoxhound
    Oct 16, 2017
    3
    Repetitivo por momentos y con un mensaje sectario e inconexo, que por momentos resulta ridículo. Varios temas en los que prioriza una letra torpe y excesiva sobre una música que no termina de funcionar. Otro dato a tener en cuenta es que apenas le queda voz, y esto lastra todo el álbum. A destacar quizá The Last Refugee y poco más.
  10. SonOfMohg
    Nov 1, 2017
    10
    I bought this album in May and have been playing it over and over since. I LOVE Floyd and this is up there with the best of 'em. I wouldn't want to try and top some of the excellent reviews already made here.
    If you're a "conservative" (whatever that means today), or just a Hammer (Trump supporter) then you won't like it. The theme is not new for Waters (or any Floyd album for that    I bought this album in May and have been playing it over and over since. I LOVE Floyd and this is up there with the best of 'em. I wouldn't want to try and top some of the excellent reviews already made here.
    If you're a "conservative" (whatever that means today), or just a Hammer (Trump supporter) then you won't like it. The theme is not new for Waters (or any Floyd album for that matter) so it shouldn't surprise anyone.
    My favorite song is "Bird in a Gale", which I believe is talking about the Democrats loss in 2016. In the last stanza, I believe "the loon" is Trump (the Sea being the body politic), to which Roger also asks, "Can I crash out on your floor?" He asks this of the Dems as well in the previous stanza. The song ends with the answer coming in a drone strike!

    Roger pours his heart out everywhere he goes. At his "Us and Them" concert in Boston on 9/28/17 he knelt before the audience to get our opinion of his message. Never have I witnessed such a thing. About 95% of the audience, along with me, ROARED for about 2 minutes! He is definitely my personal hero!    … Expand
  11. Orli_Aguilar
    Jun 5, 2017
    8
    Tiene sus momentos, aunque suena peligrosamente como a algo que obviamente ya hemos escuchado y que se alarga un poco más de lo que debería. Pese a todo, y en los tiempos que corren... ¡hey! para un músico con la trayectoria y de la talla de Waters es un triunfo presentarse con un disco así de elegante.
  12. psmith69
    Jun 21, 2017
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the finest album since The Wall and indeed with 3 or 4 Dave Gilmour guitar solos included, it would be right up there with Pink Floyd's finest. Passable Rick Wright keyboard impersonations are good, the lyrics are RW at his best and at the age of 73, at least humour is in there that probably wasn't some 35/40 years ago. The four lines from Picture That (Picture a courthouse etc.) are, for me, the 4 greatest lines ever written in rock music. I will never agree with RW's politics but this album is phenomenal.

    Unfortunately I don't think that until RW leaves us, the genius of his lyricism will ever be fully appreciated. In the current UK political world (2017) a phrase from 1972/73 has never been more relevant: "share it fairly, but don't take a slice of my pie...."    … Expand
  13. lenny68
    Jun 4, 2017
    3
    As a Pink Floyd fan it pains me to say it but this is Waters at his most self indulgent and sanctimonious.

    Those that say it's on a par with Floyd's best just leave me confused.
  14. Madkahta
    Jun 6, 2017
    10
    Overall a great album. Deja Vu is a masterpiece, one of the best songs Waters has ever written - comparable, and reminiscent of, the best tracks on The Final Cut. Picture This is a tad shallow and angry but satisfying in this age of stupidity and Trump. The last few tracks on the album, particularly Part of Me Died, are just powerful and haunting particularly as a closing to the angryOverall a great album. Deja Vu is a masterpiece, one of the best songs Waters has ever written - comparable, and reminiscent of, the best tracks on The Final Cut. Picture This is a tad shallow and angry but satisfying in this age of stupidity and Trump. The last few tracks on the album, particularly Part of Me Died, are just powerful and haunting particularly as a closing to the angry political work in the center.… Expand
  15. BlackPR
    Jul 20, 2017
    10
    There is a lineage at play here, and it goes like this: The Wall, The Final Cut, The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking, Amused to Death, Is This the Life We Really Want? ... There is no lineage which contains "The Division Bell.".

    The music is spectacular and Roger Waters might be 73 years old, but he can hold himself in a song-write-off. There's a lot of typical Roger Waters here. Some    There is a lineage at play here, and it goes like this: The Wall, The Final Cut, The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking, Amused to Death, Is This the Life We Really Want? ... There is no lineage which contains "The Division Bell.".

    The music is spectacular and Roger Waters might be 73 years old, but he can hold himself in a song-write-off. There's a lot of typical Roger Waters here. Some of the songs, such as Picture That, implore the listener to picture the mundane, and the horror with which war can insert itself into the mundane -- suddenly making those otherwise dull moments, moments of peace. If there's a standout song, "Imagine That" is it.

    That isn't to slight the other songs on the album at all. The Last Refugee is a fantastic song -- especially if you take it in alongside the official video. In the live show, the character from "The Last Refugee" opens the concert, the video highlights the middle of the show, and finally at the end, she closes the show. This isn't a spoiler.

    One common refrain from people who dislike this album is the claim of "leftism." Those people miss the point. Is the measure of a song actually determined by where it falls on the political spectrum?

    This is Pink Floyd. I only wish it had come 25 years ago -- with Plenty of time for Roger Waters to follow it up.    … Expand
  16. DavidWasHere
    Aug 3, 2017
    7
    As a pretty big Pink Floyd fan, I was interested in hearing what Waters made, even if I was hesitant considering late career records. But I was surprised. Not by how much I liked it, but by how much it reminded me of Pink Floyd. Which admittingly is something that is not really all that ideal to say and yeah I wasn't planning on comparing heavily to Pink Floyd, but when I listen to thisAs a pretty big Pink Floyd fan, I was interested in hearing what Waters made, even if I was hesitant considering late career records. But I was surprised. Not by how much I liked it, but by how much it reminded me of Pink Floyd. Which admittingly is something that is not really all that ideal to say and yeah I wasn't planning on comparing heavily to Pink Floyd, but when I listen to this record I keep on getting reminded of records like Wish You Were Here and ESPECIALLY Animals. However that really is not a bad thing. Distracting, yes, but not bad. Waters still has a knack for songwriting when it comes with composition and melody, which is a bit too relaxed for my taste, especially considering the themes. But the somewhat mellow progressive rock songs do work well with the sound here. The atmosphere adds menace to these songs here. A big shout-out also goes to Nigel Godrich, who I know with his work for Radiohead, who does a fantastic job producing this album and giving the record a lot of character. I wasn't blown away because of how similar it does sound to Pink Floyd and there are some songs that could have used a bit more grit (and also The Most Beautiful Girl has Waters singing with a weird Kermit the Frog impression at the beginning, which stuck with me throughout the song), but overall this is a solid record from Waters and definitely a recommendation to any Pink Floyd fan. Hey at least it's not the Endless River!… Expand
  17. RavenclawRyan
    Jun 28, 2017
    10
    While I fear that some reviewers are mixing in their political feelings, when evaluating this album, no one can deny the haunting beauty behind the overall work that Roger has put together.

    Mr. Waters truly makes you feel like he poured his soul into this work. Songs like "The Last Refugee" and "Broken Bones" are lyrically deep, with gorgeous melodies, but the Title track, "Is This The    While I fear that some reviewers are mixing in their political feelings, when evaluating this album, no one can deny the haunting beauty behind the overall work that Roger has put together.

    Mr. Waters truly makes you feel like he poured his soul into this work. Songs like "The Last Refugee" and "Broken Bones" are lyrically deep, with gorgeous melodies, but the Title track, "Is This The Life We Really Want?" is absolutely unbelievable, and definitely the highlight. This track really makes the listener think about the events occurring in our lives, and question the reality that has been placed before us, not just politically, but ethically.

    As a final note it is clear that Roger has derived some inspiration from previous works, as you'll find many songs bare a similar melody to other Pink Floyd tracks, (No I won't spoil which ones), however between the seamless transitions and terrifyingly beautiful themes there is no doubt Mr. Waters has exposed his creative genius and released, what I personally feel, to be one of the greatest albums I've ever heard.    … Expand
  18. jasharkowalski
    Jun 3, 2017
    10
    Somehow i played Animals before spinning this new Roger's cd and boy - sounds like natural sequel to the best PF album (of course in my opinion)....yes, he sings with the grit, yes he isn't the best singer but he still has coyones to call things by right names and he does it a lot....Of course, like every true PF fan, i can only dream what music would be created if Roger and David playedSomehow i played Animals before spinning this new Roger's cd and boy - sounds like natural sequel to the best PF album (of course in my opinion)....yes, he sings with the grit, yes he isn't the best singer but he still has coyones to call things by right names and he does it a lot....Of course, like every true PF fan, i can only dream what music would be created if Roger and David played together....10 out of 10, for all happy old farts like me :)… Expand
  19. ccantey
    Aug 3, 2017
    10
    Is this the Life We Really Want? is vintage Pink Floyd and vintage seething Roger Waters. The first four tracks are as good as any first four tracks in the Pink Floyd collection. This album and the supporting tour are highly politically charged, the album is one of the first true (and easily the greatest) post-election protest albums. It's sad that at 73 Roger is one of the only voices ofIs this the Life We Really Want? is vintage Pink Floyd and vintage seething Roger Waters. The first four tracks are as good as any first four tracks in the Pink Floyd collection. This album and the supporting tour are highly politically charged, the album is one of the first true (and easily the greatest) post-election protest albums. It's sad that at 73 Roger is one of the only voices of resistance, but he was born to play that role.… Expand
  20. Jakeeey
    Aug 25, 2017
    9
    As a long-time fan of the Floyd, and Waters' solo efforts (most notably the underrated Radio K.A.O.S.), I am absolutely blown away by this latest effort from one of the old progressive rock masters. Sure, it's not as good as The Wall, but, at least in my opinion, it's better than The Final Cut. It's a scathing, no-holds-barred, unflinching and emotive attack on modern society and poses theAs a long-time fan of the Floyd, and Waters' solo efforts (most notably the underrated Radio K.A.O.S.), I am absolutely blown away by this latest effort from one of the old progressive rock masters. Sure, it's not as good as The Wall, but, at least in my opinion, it's better than The Final Cut. It's a scathing, no-holds-barred, unflinching and emotive attack on modern society and poses the ultimate question, the question which should be asked, which NEEDS to be asked - "is this the life we really want?"
    It really is stellar stuff. Déjà Vu is a slow, reflective acoustic piece with lyrics that make you think. The title track is also excellent - openly mocking President Trump and all that he embodies. The surprise hit for me is 'Bird in a Gale'; a cracking tune which sounds like it belongs out of 'Dark Side of the Moon' or 'Animals', and that's certainly not a criticism. It's my personal favourite from the album.
    All in all, if you're a Pink Floyd or Roger Waters fan, you really should love this album. I'd be surprised if you didn't. However, the one stipulation to liking this record stems from the assumption that you're more a Waters than a Gilmour fan - if you're the latter, you probably won't find the guitar/instrumental sections interesting enough, compared to Gilmour's elaborate guitar work.    … Expand
  21. SuperMax156
    Jun 2, 2017
    1
    1 - When we were young. Not a song, just Roger mumbling, some of which seems to be about his pre-pubescent toilet habits. Probably will never listen to this again. Its a minute and a half long which is the best thing you can say about it, but not sure what the point is.
    2 - Deja Vu. Seems to have been written to expose the limits of Rogers - ahem - singing. Nonsense lyrics about what if    1 - When we were young. Not a song, just Roger mumbling, some of which seems to be about his pre-pubescent toilet habits. Probably will never listen to this again. Its a minute and a half long which is the best thing you can say about it, but not sure what the point is.
    2 - Deja Vu. Seems to have been written to expose the limits of Rogers - ahem - singing. Nonsense lyrics about what if Roger was God, and he thinks he could have arranged things better. The other members of Floyd might have something to say about that given his tyrannical ways before David Gilmour put the band back on course again. So, this song is also bad.
    3 - The Last Refugee. What is a lemon tree sky Roger? But its pleasant enough and doesn't outlive its welcome.
    4 - Broken Bones. Again, not much going on here. Rogers phone calls are not interesting. Lyrics that expose Rogers hatred of Israel, the standard leftist anti-semitism. There is a particularly bad lyric about the Israelis teaching their kids to hate - this is breath taking ignorance. Palestine pays benefits to the families of suicide bombers and has childrens tv programs about killing the jews but Roger has nothing to say about this though does he? Disgusting victim blaming. Nearly turned it off after this crap.
    5 - Is this the life that we really want? Seems to be roger bumming out about crooked hillary losing the election. Well, its called democracy Roger, suck it up. As a song there is again nothing going on here. Roger seems to think his profanity set to music is interesting and shows how ANGRY he is, but its just the tired ranting of an impotent old man. Roger has always had stupid politics, but listening to this I was embarrassed for him.
    6 - Bird in a Gale. OK, so this is a bit better. Something of a song going on here. High point of the album so far, having said that the end is a cribbing of bits from Dogs from the animals album. But still this song had a bit of atmosphere.
    7 - The Most Beautiful Girl in the World. A song with a verse, verse, verse, no chorus structure. Pleasant enough to listen to in the background but not very engaging. Parts of it reminded me of a song from Amused to Death, but I couldn't remember which one.
    8 - Smell the Roses. Ok, this is a good song, very Floydian, which Roger's solo stuff tends not to be. Heavily reminiscent of Have a Cigar the way it chugs along. Best song on the album.
    9 - Wait for her. This is ok, a piano / acoustic guitar driven ballad - it doesn't push Rogers voice into the upper registers where his lack of singing ability becomes painfully evident.
    10 & 11 - Oceans Apart/Part of me died - if you did not know it you would think these were still part of the previous track, I only noticed because the itunes popup box told me we had gone to the next tracks. Towards the end Roger starts ranting about how evil borders are. Which is easy for him to say given he lives in a gated mansion guarded by a private army, the influx of rapists set on destroying the west is hardly going to touch him, he is 73 so he probably won't live to see the disaster this folly is going to visit upon Europe.

    Overall, there are parts of this album that are ok, but by the end I was glad i didn't spend any actual coin on it. Roger won't mind, being an uppper class socialist he is all about wealth redistribution of other peoples money. He has not done a solo album since Amused to Death, and really he should not have bothered.    … Expand
  22. juliel63
    Apr 26, 2018
    10
    This is another masterpiece by Roger as far as I am concerned. Ageing with grace, style and wisdom he pours it all into this body of work creating a rich collection of songs. The more I listen, the better it sounds. The lyrics and singing are poignant and strong. It is some of the most beautiful singing of his brilliant career. Staying true to his principles as always he delivers hisThis is another masterpiece by Roger as far as I am concerned. Ageing with grace, style and wisdom he pours it all into this body of work creating a rich collection of songs. The more I listen, the better it sounds. The lyrics and singing are poignant and strong. It is some of the most beautiful singing of his brilliant career. Staying true to his principles as always he delivers his messages in a beautiful sound tapestry with sprinkles of his trademark wit throughout. In the right moment this could evoke a chuckle or a tear in the varied subject matter he skilfully navigates. Roger did himself proud on this one. A treasured piece of my music library.… Expand
  23. Sushisnake
    May 1, 2018
    10
    May Roger Waters always be angry. Without him, too many of us would feel we're lone voices, crying out in the dark.
  24. vincentsimeon
    Dec 21, 2022
    10
    Well, when you listen to an album for years and can't stop before the very end of it. When you have more pleasure every time, when you go emotional about it... can it be anything else than a 10 ? For me it can't.

    What is funny about this is that 10's are quite rare in my musical journey and Pink Floyd or Roger Waters never went this high. A lot of my 10s are produced by Nigel Godrich    Well, when you listen to an album for years and can't stop before the very end of it. When you have more pleasure every time, when you go emotional about it... can it be anything else than a 10 ? For me it can't.

    What is funny about this is that 10's are quite rare in my musical journey and Pink Floyd or Roger Waters never went this high. A lot of my 10s are produced by Nigel Godrich BTW (producer of "is this the life we really want ?") because... well... Radiohead :D

    I can understand the critics saying that Roger already done this or that (it's true BTW), that the end of "picture that" is almost a DOORS rip off or whatever blabla. I can understand some political controversies too, Mister Waters don't have his tongue in his pocket ! But my ears don't care about all this crap.

    Damn, the voice, the words, the strings, the drums, the guitars, the synths, the quality of the recording and the mix, the whole "concept album" feeling (rare beasts these days and it makes me sad) It is maybe the best of Roger's albums of all time, Pink Floyd material included. I know it's controversial but don't shoot, it's only a personal opinion and you can disagree in your own review on this very web site :D    … Expand
  25. aether2606
    Aug 6, 2020
    10
    Probably the best Waters solo album, it was clearly made to showcase his lyrics. I don't think any song here is a miss and it gives us things that you instantly wanna hear again, "The Last Refugee", "Picture That", "Smell The Roses", etc.

    It's incredible hearing how well Waters voice has aged, it's clearly not the same, but he gives a wonderful performance with a different style than    Probably the best Waters solo album, it was clearly made to showcase his lyrics. I don't think any song here is a miss and it gives us things that you instantly wanna hear again, "The Last Refugee", "Picture That", "Smell The Roses", etc.

    It's incredible hearing how well Waters voice has aged, it's clearly not the same, but he gives a wonderful performance with a different style than his previous albums.

    Finally it's an album that you clearly need to hear more than once and actually pay attention to the lyrics, or you probably either won't rank it as high on your list.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Most Discussed Album of 2017
55
#55 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. PopMatters
    Aug 15, 2017
    60
    While the solo work of Gilmour and Waters improves with each release and suggests that each is getting more comfortable working on his own and figuring out how to work without the other, their solo albums are also a painful and tantalizing reminder of just how good the music they made together once was.
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  2. Record Collector
    Jun 23, 2017
    100
    Is This The Life We Really Want? is a stunning accomplishment, as rich as anything Waters has ever managed.
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  3. AllMusic
    Jun 6, 2017
    80
    Certainly, Is This the Life We Really Want? lacks the straightforward narrative or melodic thrust of The Wall, but it isn't as somnolent as The Final Cut, and if the songs don't call attention to themselves, they nevertheless form a long suite that works as a sustained mood piece.
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