Lost In Space
by Aimee Mann
  • Record Label: Superego
  • Release Date: Aug 27, 2002
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Uncut
    80
    Textured and complex. [Oct 2002, p.108]
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  2. Mojo
    70
    Michael Lockwood's production occasionally affects a sound akin to a Vonda Sheppard reared on black dreams and Russian literature. [Oct 2002, p.98]
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  3. Q Magazine
    80
    [Mann has] returned to writing songs which are wry, funny, adult and perceptive, all wrapped up in handsome melodies. [Oct 2002, p.112]
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  5. Spin
    60
    [Producer] Michael Lockwood lets her coast along over bland accompaniment. [Oct 2002, p.114]
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  6. PopMatters
    70
    Despite its inherently adult contemporary inclinations, Lost in Space does feature some of the great songwriting we've come to expect from Mann, and her songs are, in all reality, still pretty wounded and fractured.
  7. Neumu.net
    70
    This is a rare record that simply responds to the quiet masses who maybe feel just a bit to much too often, and offers them a soothing, downbeat source of comfort without preaching or apology.
  8. The A.V. Club
    80
    The brevity and bleak emotional terrain of the 10-song Lost In Space seem designed to deflate the high expectations greeting it, but Mann remains a perfectionist throughout: Not a note or word is wasted throughout its nearly 40 minutes.
  9. Billboard
    80
    Sonically rich, Lost in Space is home to some of Mann's most intimate storytelling.
  10. Village Voice
    70
    Lost in Space finds Mann in a rut, albeit one with clear sightlines on relationship stasis, occupational drift, and the balm of (unspecified) addictions.
  11. AllMusic
    80
    No one surpasses her as a master of poetic regret, and few albums examine the peculiar beauty of depression with the skill she brings to Lost in Space.
  12. Stylus Magazine
    68
    Unfortunately, barring the opener, few of Lost In Space’s melodies do their lyrical conceits justice, and worse, many sound as if we’ve heard them before, albeit in a fresher, looser context.
  13. E! Online
    83
    Mann's cranky muse is consistently compelling, showcasing both her wry lyrics and terrific melodies.
  14. Launch.com
    80
    Lost In Space is packed with Mann's seductively droll delivery that spikes up the melody while it goes down hard on love.
  15. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    58
    For her fans, the news is that she's invested her profits in studio musicians. Takes talent to make that more boring than solo acoustic, no?
  16. Splendid
    80
    Devoid of obvious weak points, Lost In Space sounds sad without ever becoming schmaltzy.
  17. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Musically, Mann's put a bit more oomph into her songs. [23 Aug 2002, p.142]
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  18. Rolling Stone
    40
    The tempos and melodies drag throughout; it's as though we've heard Mann sing these songs before, only here her understated passion comes off more like overstated indifference.
  19. Blender
    80
    Lost in Space... pushes her in a new direction. [#9, p.152]
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  20. Pitchfork
    76
    Lost in Space leaves you feeling that she's already covered this terrain.
  21. Trouser Press
    60
    The songs are not as strong overall as on her previous albums, and the tempo neither flags nor picks up over the course of the album.

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Most Discussed Album of 2002
76
#76 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 32
  3. Negative: 4 out of 32
  1. AllanF
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    This is honestly one of the only albums I'd ever rent a 10. The emotion she puts into this album is amazing. It's a dark, sad and This is honestly one of the only albums I'd ever rent a 10. The emotion she puts into this album is amazing. It's a dark, sad and bleak look into depression and addiction, but during the whole way you feel like she's right there next to you, and making something beautiful out of it.… Full Review »
  2. SamD
    Oct 2, 2005
    9
    i guess im kinda biased since 'it's not' perfectly describes my life but other than that its all good other than 'this is i guess im kinda biased since 'it's not' perfectly describes my life but other than that its all good other than 'this is how it goes'… Full Review »
  3. levvy
    Jul 8, 2005
    8
    Good album but it's no Bachelor No. 2.
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