Masseduction
by St. Vincent
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 469 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 424 out of 469
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 469
  3. Negative: 21 out of 469
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  1. beatlemaniac
    Dec 27, 2021
    0
    My favorite St. Vincent album. The best songs are Masseduction (title track), Los Ageless, Happy Birthday Johnny and New York.
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Dec 7, 2021
    6
    the promise of another knockout. One that, unfortunately, takes the liberty of reshaping past half-baked ideas without really adding much flair to Clark’s otherwise intriguing exploration of fame and femininity.
  3. Christopher_G2
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    MASSEDUCTION, from singer Annie Clark who is better known as St. Vincent, is a delightful, original alternative-rock album by a delightful and original artist, who constantly puts out critical hits and deserves broader recognition. It’s arguably her best work to date, though I slightly prefer her previous album St. Vincent (while self-titled, that was actually her fourth solo album, withMASSEDUCTION, from singer Annie Clark who is better known as St. Vincent, is a delightful, original alternative-rock album by a delightful and original artist, who constantly puts out critical hits and deserves broader recognition. It’s arguably her best work to date, though I slightly prefer her previous album St. Vincent (while self-titled, that was actually her fourth solo album, with MASSEDUCTION being her fifth). It’s a remarkable work in its scope, including the mesmerizingly humorous “Los Ageless”, the upbeat title track “Masseduction”, the poignant and clearly personal “New York” and “Happy Birthday, Johnny”, and my favorite, the intoxicating, both figuratively and literally, “Pills”, and more. Like in prior (and now also future) albums, she combines music techniques and styles to make rousing beats that are not easily described, but easy to enjoy, and even the few lesser songs here have merited a lasting place in my collection.

    With MASSEDUCTION, coming on the heels of St. Vincent, and going into her most recent album
    Daddy’s Home (which has also received high acclaim), Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, has become one of the premier alternative artists of this generation. She’s also become one of my favorite musicians performing in any genre. Inventive, thrilling, touching, and sometimes all of these at once, this is one album not to miss.    … Expand
  4. mothh
    May 16, 2021
    10
    Meu primeiro álbum da St. Vincent e um ótimo ponto de partida. Precisei ouvir algumas vezes e quando reparei não conseguia mais parar de ouvir. Sem nenhum defeito do começo ao fim. Annie Clark é um gênio e que privilégio viver na mesma era que ela.
  5. Kijhy
    Mar 19, 2021
    8
    84/100

    i love this album. it is cohesive and i like the sound of it
    i liked most of the songs, however happy b johnny and smoking section werent that good in my opinion
  6. ClassyDog
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    Someday this album will be looked back on as one of the best and most important albums of rock history. Almost transcending her genres, Masseduction doesn't adhere to any one style. Low points on this album are simply production misconceptions that are made more clear on the follow up album MassEducation. With sounds that are close to David Bowie art rock and Talking Heads art funk. StSomeday this album will be looked back on as one of the best and most important albums of rock history. Almost transcending her genres, Masseduction doesn't adhere to any one style. Low points on this album are simply production misconceptions that are made more clear on the follow up album MassEducation. With sounds that are close to David Bowie art rock and Talking Heads art funk. St Vincent makes her own sound that is sure to inspire a fof a new age of rock… Expand
  7. Sugarboy
    Aug 30, 2019
    10
    ARTEDUCTION IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING ALBUMS THAT I HEAR IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.
    It's an amazing singer and i love everything That she does.
  8. orlathomas18
    Aug 24, 2019
    9
    This album is one of the most amazing pieces of art I've heard in a long time. Annie Clark is a true artist and this record is so distinctly her. From the amazing use of synthesisers and guitars to the solid production. There are songs that are upbeat bangers like the title track and opener "Pills" and then there are songs like "New York" and "Happy Birthday, Johnny" that hit like a punchThis album is one of the most amazing pieces of art I've heard in a long time. Annie Clark is a true artist and this record is so distinctly her. From the amazing use of synthesisers and guitars to the solid production. There are songs that are upbeat bangers like the title track and opener "Pills" and then there are songs like "New York" and "Happy Birthday, Johnny" that hit like a punch to the gut. My favourite track has to be the closer "Smoking Section". The lyricism is breathtaking and the build up in the instrumentals makes this song an absolute masterpiece. This album is up there with Annie Clark's best work and I can't wait to see what she does next.… Expand
  9. viniciuspotrich
    Jun 30, 2019
    9
    Sensual, divertido, dançante e por vezes emocionante, Masseduction traz uma estética perfeita para St. Vincent.
  10. prestonhung
    Mar 3, 2019
    8
    'MASSEDUCTION' consists of upbeat yet sad lyrics and criticizes the daily lives of human beings. 'MASSEDUCTION' displays songs such as "Los Ageless" and "Sugarboy", both of which successfully lure listeners into developing imagination and analyzing the carefully written lyrics. The album may turn a bit dull and emotionless at times.
  11. kjhkjhk
    Feb 15, 2019
    10
    I **** love this record. So sexual and just pulsating. St Vincent has learned to really push the boundaries on this one. She's successful too! One of the best pop-alternative records of 2017. Just behind Melodrama by Lorde.
  12. Iker
    Jul 28, 2018
    8
    Para ser mi primer álbum de St Vicent no me decepciono, inicia con un dulce ritmo en Hang on me,para después seguir con la “sexual” “Pills” y todavía demuestra que es buena con la guitarra en los tracks “MASSEDUCTION” y “fear the future”, sus baladas suaves no se quedan atrás “New York”,”Slow Disco” y “Smoking Section”;
    El álbum es disfrutable y con un electropop.
    Es un álbum que toca el    Para ser mi primer álbum de St Vicent no me decepciono, inicia con un dulce ritmo en Hang on me,para después seguir con la “sexual” “Pills” y todavía demuestra que es buena con la guitarra en los tracks “MASSEDUCTION” y “fear the future”, sus baladas suaves no se quedan atrás “New York”,”Slow Disco” y “Smoking Section”;
    El álbum es disfrutable y con un electropop.
    Es un álbum que toca el tema de Desamor en algunos tracks del disco y como fue esta etapa para Annie Clark.    … Expand
  13. fwtll636
    May 21, 2018
    9
    For the past 10 years St. Vincent has been releasing the best pop music right under people's noses. This album is no exception. Its highly experimental, even compared to her past work, yet doesn't lose its addictiveness.
  14. kman5473
    May 4, 2018
    7
    I love that some of my favorite, independent female artists are beginning to open up and create music about their personal explorations with sexuality. It offers music that is much more personalized, as opposed to the shallow and exploitative crap that mainstream pop and hip-hop try to push on us all. This album, to me, pushes social progress forward in terms of not just using sex, butI love that some of my favorite, independent female artists are beginning to open up and create music about their personal explorations with sexuality. It offers music that is much more personalized, as opposed to the shallow and exploitative crap that mainstream pop and hip-hop try to push on us all. This album, to me, pushes social progress forward in terms of not just using sex, but discussing it. Aggressive, American Capitalist Culture has gone too far to completely de-personalize sexuality for each individual, and it's really nice to have an album that, even as a cis-male, I can relate to. It's not dumbed down--it's well thought out.

    Having said that, the composition of this album loses its composure. It starts out feeling like it's going to be a hard-core concept album through and through, but it falters and just kind runs until the end without really being compelling as a whole product. That's pry my only major issue with this album: beyond its themes lyrically, aesthetically as a whole it's not so much an exclamation point added into Annie Clark's discography so much as it is a semi colon that implies expectations that there is more to follow.    … Expand
  15. Ricko
    Apr 26, 2018
    8
    "Masseduction" incredibly improves on her hugely impressive eponymous album of 2014. While the albums from her early career are critically acclaimed, I personally found Clark's experimentation resulted in records that lacked warmth and essentially lacked soul. This has been addressed across "Masseduction" and "St Vincent" which are extremely melodic albums as well as boundary pushing in"Masseduction" incredibly improves on her hugely impressive eponymous album of 2014. While the albums from her early career are critically acclaimed, I personally found Clark's experimentation resulted in records that lacked warmth and essentially lacked soul. This has been addressed across "Masseduction" and "St Vincent" which are extremely melodic albums as well as boundary pushing in pop music terms. There isn't a weak track to be found on "Masseduction" where Clark invokes the spirit of the late Prince along with the likes of PJ Harvey as she brings her own unique sound to us.… Expand
  16. partyfavor
    Apr 22, 2018
    8
    Masseduction is an entirely different experience for me. It is not exactly something that I would listen to but it is definitely one of the album that shook me. Some of the tracks in here got a "pyschedelic aesthetic" into it which honestly, is not my cup of tea but they grew on me after a while. But the tracks that really hooked me are the ones that is raw, emotional and heavy. TracksMasseduction is an entirely different experience for me. It is not exactly something that I would listen to but it is definitely one of the album that shook me. Some of the tracks in here got a "pyschedelic aesthetic" into it which honestly, is not my cup of tea but they grew on me after a while. But the tracks that really hooked me are the ones that is raw, emotional and heavy. Tracks like New York, Hang on Me, and Smoking Section got me to like this album better.… Expand
  17. fkbluelives
    Mar 6, 2018
    10
    Skin is flourished, crops are watered, depression is cured, wig is snatched, album is iconic.
  18. Angelds
    Jan 14, 2018
    9
    Amazing album but i don't know why exists Hang on me and Young Lover , but it isn't a bad album
  19. juliandcardona
    Jan 4, 2018
    10
    La aclamada bomba esplosiva de emociones plásticas y superficiales donde nos embarca en el mundo del Glam con todo lo que este trae en sus manos para ofrecer. Unos de los álbumes del año, explosivo y asombroso.
  20. stanTM4
    Dec 8, 2017
    9
    Masseduction is the 5th go around for art pop songstress, Annie Clark. In those five years, her band, St. Vincent, has grown in two impressive metrics simultaneously – those being popularity and critical acclaim. While her last self-titled album got her a Grammy it also allowed her go on the largest tour of her career. Annie’s artistry never came across as begging to be accepted, butMasseduction is the 5th go around for art pop songstress, Annie Clark. In those five years, her band, St. Vincent, has grown in two impressive metrics simultaneously – those being popularity and critical acclaim. While her last self-titled album got her a Grammy it also allowed her go on the largest tour of her career. Annie’s artistry never came across as begging to be accepted, but rather it was unapologetically indie, almost counter cultural. Furthermore, as the band started getting greater attention in the industry Annie remained committed to making music along her musical convictions, and continued to make ambitious albums that exuded her authentic self. Those ambitions stretch into her latest project, Masseducation, which is a colorful array of vibrant sounds Annie’s one-of-a-kind take on modern society.
    Deep cuts, ‘New York’ and ‘Happy Birthday, Johnny’ showcase St. Vincent in a light that may be unfamiliar to fans, new and old. No longer is persona dressed in lavish synths and decorated by whimsical vocals and thought-provoking lyrics. In these two cuts, all her additional arrangements are pulled back, and what is left is an artist who’s experiencing pain and grief like the rest of us. It’s a refreshing and motivational take on a life that is too often glamorized by fake ideals. St. Vincent admirably uses her heightened status to take off the makeup, and show us her true and honest skin. This new attempt at vulnerability works because she strips down the pro-tools-delivered charades and presents an honest depiction of herself that feels heartbreakingly intimate.
    St. Vincent’s last project was praised universally, ranked #1 on numerous publications year-end lists, and was validated the following year with a Grammy. Paradoxically, however, the albums most prominent shortcoming was also its most praised asset. Ergo experimentation. Despite the appeal of her impressive guitar playing, and synthesized electric rock styled production, the album became too saturated in its own internal manipulations. Years later it’s hard to relate to the project mostly because it’s sound never caught on, and it unfortunately probably never will. Annie appears to have learned from this ambitious pursuit, and created another fast-paced art pop thriller, but this time with an experimental cap. For instance, while the album highlight ‘Pills’ hits you early on with a barrage of drums and horns, the rushed energy is quickly controlled by the melodic undertones. Additionally, the static tinged riffs on ‘Los Ageless’ are complimented by the harsh attractiveness of the chorus. The executive producer of the album Jack Antonoff can surely take credit for this wondrous display of controlled ambition.
    St. Vincent has grown tremendously from the largely Broadway influenced forbearing’s of her debut. Her gift in song-writing, surpassed only by her stunning vocal abilities, has come together amazingly in 5 outstanding projects. Her latest project is the closest she has ever come to pop, and remarkably enough she hasn’t lost herself in the process. Masseduction takes all the best parts of Annie and puts its’ in a widely accessible package for new and old fans to enjoy alike. I’m extremely proud and impressed with her latest project, and am glad she’s still sticking to her roots when doing the opposite is most definitely easier, and more lucrative. As the lyrics suggest in the chorus of ‘Hang on me’, Annie is an outside, and likes it that way. She’s a voice for the those who proudly won’t conform, and remove parts of themselves, just to fit into a world, they weren’t meant for.    … Expand
  21. riordanpett
    Nov 29, 2017
    10
    Album of the year for me, maybe best of the past two years. It’s all subjective, but this album truly is great. Great production, I’m liking her new direction but her album, Actor, will always be her best.
    This album has high replay value, played it so many times since release. The instrumentation is insane, so many sounds, each listen brings something new, great lyrics. Beats any ****    Album of the year for me, maybe best of the past two years. It’s all subjective, but this album truly is great. Great production, I’m liking her new direction but her album, Actor, will always be her best.
    This album has high replay value, played it so many times since release. The instrumentation is insane, so many sounds, each listen brings something new, great lyrics. Beats any **** Taylor Swift album. I definitely prefer it to Melodrama by Lorde (which just lacks experimentation), Antonoff’s other recently produced album.    … Expand
  22. marcmyworks
    Nov 23, 2017
    9
    What a wonderful and intense journey Annie Clark brings us on with Masseduction. With her mixture of beautiful ballads and hard hitting alternative tracks, Clark brings us her best album to date. Download: Los Ageless, Happy Birthday Johnny, Masseduction.
  23. samwich21
    Nov 12, 2017
    10
    This album is a show-stopper. The album's artwork tells it all: Annie baring her assh*le to the entire world watching. This album is spectacular and totally and completely unique in it's own, amazing way.
  24. ouestleguerre
    Nov 10, 2017
    8
    I'm a bit mixed on this album. For the most part, Annie still retains the blunt, witty lyrical style that has carried with her throughout most of her projects. On top of that, the songs feature some of the most bombastic, frenetic yet immediately accessible instrumentations she has ever worked with. The downfall of the album, for me, comes from a track-list that is a bit jumbled and lacksI'm a bit mixed on this album. For the most part, Annie still retains the blunt, witty lyrical style that has carried with her throughout most of her projects. On top of that, the songs feature some of the most bombastic, frenetic yet immediately accessible instrumentations she has ever worked with. The downfall of the album, for me, comes from a track-list that is a bit jumbled and lacks cohesion and some songs in the latter half of the album that feel a little half-baked and don't progress much past their opening seconds (Fear of the Future, Young Lover, Slow Disco). Further, New York, compared to a much more effective ballad on the track-list (Happy Birthday Johnny) comes off watery and affectless.… Expand
  25. Malinaga
    Nov 10, 2017
    10
    Annie Clark hears and processes all the melodies of the world. And these sounds sound fresh and surprisingly good. She is a total and uncompromising artist.
  26. Wonderland28
    Nov 9, 2017
    10
    St. Vincent finds something unique and strangely powerful on MASSEDUCTION that digs into the inner core of what it's like to live life and feel life to the very fullest.
  27. LionInFLL
    Nov 8, 2017
    9
    This is Annie's anti-pop pop album, sure to have fans dancing in the aisles at St Vincent concerts. Production value is high; many tracks set the stage for the subsequent ones. For example, a frenetic version of the Los Ageless melody is heard near the end of Sugarboy to serve as an earworm for what is to come. She does not shy away from the deeply personal, and it is hard to imagineThis is Annie's anti-pop pop album, sure to have fans dancing in the aisles at St Vincent concerts. Production value is high; many tracks set the stage for the subsequent ones. For example, a frenetic version of the Los Ageless melody is heard near the end of Sugarboy to serve as an earworm for what is to come. She does not shy away from the deeply personal, and it is hard to imagine Annie writing a more transparent record. It works itself up into a froth to finish with the self-deprecating Smoking Section, a heap of emotional baggage that reminds us that love really is worth it, even if the bleakest of times. A-grade material from cover to cover.… Expand
  28. Fafamedeiros
    Nov 4, 2017
    10
    Another amazing Annie album. Annie can reinvent herself without losing her essence and brand. The pop music lacks that, the courage to do something new and she does it with beauty.
  29. gustavolsb
    Oct 23, 2017
    10
    A perfectly crafted record - ferocious instrumentals, graceful lyrics, and satirical but heartbreaking moments. One of the best albums released this year, it reinforces the immense creative power of Annie Clark and the bold, sharp production of Jack Antonoff.
  30. Gozi
    Oct 21, 2017
    10
    I'm hesitant to give a 10, but this album is perfect throughout. Its a banger in many ways, but heartbreaker in others. It's ironically saturated in poppy commercialism, sex, and cliched LA stereotypes. This was funny to me thinking about her style and themes in older albums and also seeing how she is in real life: a down to earth genuinely cool chick. She's not chic or stuck up or a diva.I'm hesitant to give a 10, but this album is perfect throughout. Its a banger in many ways, but heartbreaker in others. It's ironically saturated in poppy commercialism, sex, and cliched LA stereotypes. This was funny to me thinking about her style and themes in older albums and also seeing how she is in real life: a down to earth genuinely cool chick. She's not chic or stuck up or a diva. She's certainly mocking an overly sexualized society obsessed with fame and fortune. The subject is not original, but she addresses it in an original way. Its a fantastic listen, and New York is my song of the year. I can't stop listening to it and I recommend it to anyone who likes pop music!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 2017
27
#27 Most Discussed Album of 2017
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Magnet
    Dec 22, 2017
    95
    What we're witnessing is a woman bowing down to nothing but her own muse. [No. 149, p.61]
  2. The Wire
    Dec 11, 2017
    80
    Clark’s fifth album isn’t a retreat to an earlier style--if anything it’s even brighter, bolder and broader than St Vincent, even more given to IMAX worthy gestures-- but Clark does appear to have reconciled the streamlined automation of her new aesthetic with the orch pop crafting of her first three records, Marry Me (2007), Actor (2009) and Strange Mercy (2011). [Nov 2017, p.64]
  3. American Songwriter
    Oct 24, 2017
    80
    The album is far more interesting when Clark is more introspective, pleading “please don’t hang up yet” on the gorgeous “Hang On Me,” or simply showcasing her noisiest guitar riffs on “Young Lover.”
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