Man-Made
by Teenage Fanclub
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 1 out of 23

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  1. MadDog20/20
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    Top of their game. Man Made is brilliant, innit.
  2. NileshB
    Jun 30, 2005
    9
    On first listen you may fell a bit of 'is that it?' but every subsequent play reveals more depth and beauty. Wonderful stuff.
  3. matta
    Jul 20, 2005
    8
    All around solid pop/british rock. Nothing that's going to change the music industry, but good nonetheless.
  4. JasonP
    Aug 4, 2005
    9
    A great disc. Nilesh B. hit the nail on the head: the initial listen may not make you think it's a great album, but the hooks and warmness of the album burrows into you mind and starts festering. It's gotten to the point where I can't go more than 20 minutes without smiling and humming something from this disc. It's also good that Mr. McDonald is back on the drum kit A great disc. Nilesh B. hit the nail on the head: the initial listen may not make you think it's a great album, but the hooks and warmness of the album burrows into you mind and starts festering. It's gotten to the point where I can't go more than 20 minutes without smiling and humming something from this disc. It's also good that Mr. McDonald is back on the drum kit as well. His sparse playing ties in great with the album's sound. Highly recommended.… Expand
  5. JPNesker
    Dec 30, 2005
    10
    This record makes my top 3 of 2005, along with "Plans" by Death Cab, "Some Cities" by doves, and "Illinoise" by Sufjan Stevens...anyone who isn't moved by the peerless pop genius of Norman, Raymond, and Gerald has no musical soul...nuff said.
  6. Eddie_V
    Oct 26, 2005
    9
    This album is a real jewel, it brings me back souvenirs, it make me happy. The sound is incredible, the voice is excellent. All songs on this album are amazing. Not listening to this album is missing one of the best music experience!!!!!
  7. TomL
    Jun 17, 2005
    9
    One of their very best. In the same league as Grand Prix and Songs from Northern Britain. Superb. May they carry on for many years longer.
  8. [Anonymous]
    Jun 18, 2005
    7
    This is an improvement over the half-baked Howdy but still not their best batch of songs - nowhere near as good as Grand Prix or Songs From Nothern Britain.
  9. Rob
    Jun 8, 2005
    9
    Another Fanclub classic in the making. It's a real grower, after a few listens you won't be able to prize it from you cd player. Lovely stuff.
  10. JonathanC
    Jul 7, 2005
    9
    Another winning outing from the best band in Scotland. Timeless, mature power pop in the same vein as the previous release "Howdy."
  11. JeremyK
    Aug 9, 2005
    9
    A very mature, unpretentious recording from the most underappreciated band around today (that I know of). Their arrangements, both melodically and rhythmically are a refreshing lift from the predictable pop/rock variaton - and they don't ask -or plead - as some bands do, to be worshipped by their listenership. Light fare, fantastic stuff enveloped with the innate knowledge that real, A very mature, unpretentious recording from the most underappreciated band around today (that I know of). Their arrangements, both melodically and rhythmically are a refreshing lift from the predictable pop/rock variaton - and they don't ask -or plead - as some bands do, to be worshipped by their listenership. Light fare, fantastic stuff enveloped with the innate knowledge that real, lasting power and beauty lie in subtlety and understatement - not catch phrases, sound bites or overzealous "anthems". This album is an indication that they march on with pride of artisanship in tact - unwaveringly true to themselves as a musical entity that continues to levitate in its own space.… Expand
  12. NDBrown
    Aug 23, 2006
    8
    A beautiful, moving, almost trancendent album. The minimalistic production allows the warmth of the melodies and harmonies to come through, and 'It's All In My Mind', 'Cells' and 'Only With You' must be some of the best songs of the year.
  13. ShawnG
    Jun 22, 2005
    4
    Agree with the NME and EW: a drowsy affair. Hey, if this is supposed to be a brilliant pop album, where the heck are the great melodies?
  14. JeffK
    Jun 23, 2005
    9
    Big improvement from Howdy
  15. peteb
    Jun 24, 2005
    8
    Best album since Songs From Northern Britain. Unexpectedly good return to form!
  16. AlanS
    Jun 7, 2005
    3
    I rated the prior album "Howdy" a '4' because I thought it was boring and lacking energy. Well, these guys have succeeded in making "Howdy, Part II" Time to go to bed now; good night.
  17. pkindieboy
    Dec 3, 2013
    9
    Love the songs 'Cells' and 'It's All In My Mind'. Very nice writing all around, and John McEntire does a great job producing. There aren't many bands making music this melodic these days.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Rolling Stone
    70
    Eerie and lovely, this is the sound of a band that's managed to mature with dark dignity.
    Read full review
  2. Dot Music
    80
    You may need to spend a little more time getting to know the Fanclub these days, but without any clutter you get closer, deeper, right to the very heart of it all - emotionally and musically.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    80
    A classic Fannies record with scant regard for prescribed notions of cool. [Jun 2005, p.104]
See all critic reviews »