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
  31. CPaccini
    Oct 20, 2017
    8
    The highs on MASSEDUCTION are very high, I mean, some of the best songs of the year, but there are a couple of songs in the tracklist that slows the pace down unnecessarily. Specifically, "Happy Birthday, Johnny" and "Dancing With A Ghost," which are great songs, but at the same time don't seem to fit at that point in the tracklist. Small complaints aside, one of the best albums of theThe highs on MASSEDUCTION are very high, I mean, some of the best songs of the year, but there are a couple of songs in the tracklist that slows the pace down unnecessarily. Specifically, "Happy Birthday, Johnny" and "Dancing With A Ghost," which are great songs, but at the same time don't seem to fit at that point in the tracklist. Small complaints aside, one of the best albums of the year for sure!… Expand
  32. iantennis
    Oct 20, 2017
    10
    Genuinely experienced such an emotional reaction to this beautiful album. It's my favorite of this year by leaps and bounds, and a truly unique journey. Never been a big St. Vincent fan, but this album functions as both great music to work to, and a thoughtful deep listen.
  33. Music_Observer
    Oct 18, 2017
    8
    By creatively using all the timbral conventions that today’s astute listeners crave while maintaining a core of stability and simplicity through outstanding melodic lines in nearly every song, this work is wonderfully gratifying on multiple levels and an important album for the modern music world to take in. My Score: 150/180 (Great) = 8.3/10
  34. joethealien
    Oct 16, 2017
    10
    Annie Clark has always given the indie world delicious, complex melodies blended smoothly with stunning instrumentals. it seems with every album she gets better and better though, paving her way as one of those rare 21st century artists who has established a deep-rooted legacy already before their 40s. Masseduction, her second finest album (self-titled is my fav), feels exhilarating onAnnie Clark has always given the indie world delicious, complex melodies blended smoothly with stunning instrumentals. it seems with every album she gets better and better though, paving her way as one of those rare 21st century artists who has established a deep-rooted legacy already before their 40s. Masseduction, her second finest album (self-titled is my fav), feels exhilarating on first listen, with its ever fabulous flourishes of Clark-characteristic guitar licks and humid synths. on her last album, Clark pretty much ditched the baroque pop sensibilities of her first three solo albums, and here she ups the ante even further with soul-fueled glam rock. if there was ever any anxiety that she might have lost a spark since her self-titled album, its immediately shut down by the first two songs here.
    first we got some fuzzy and uplifting art rock with astonishing opener Hang on Me. the second track, Pills, is a progressive glam rock early standout. this absolute banger starts a verse-chorus structure with a late 60s tv jingle type chorus that is a bit unsettling with its recalling of all things pills can help with in a day-to-day context. 2 minutes and 50 seconds in is when the song really moves the listener, with a Bewlay Brothers-reminiscent guitar outro. the fun has only just started though. other highlights include: Savior, an irresistibly funky space-age sex jam; Los Ageless, a dance-rock banger with instantly memorable riffs, impressive vocals and an outro slightly redolent of Lorde's Supercut (both were co-produced by Jack Antonoff); the glitchy, manic Fear the Future; and of course the epic, emotive closer, Smoking Section, a glam waltz with haunting, atmospheric harmonies.
    this is really everything 2017 needed in music and more. a 21st century glam rock masterpiece. thank you St. Vincent, we love you so much.    … Expand
  35. elmalzinotti
    Oct 16, 2017
    10
    Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect!
  36. Pericowsky
    Oct 15, 2017
    10
    It definitely has to be the best record of 2017, it's fun, daring and full of criticism. It is a sincere record, and loaded with many rhythms, from the 80's to the present, that guitar and that synthesizer do majestic works. I will be honest, I did not go with high expectations since 'St. Vincent' was a very good album, but it surpassed them, excellent for always surpassing.It definitely has to be the best record of 2017, it's fun, daring and full of criticism. It is a sincere record, and loaded with many rhythms, from the 80's to the present, that guitar and that synthesizer do majestic works. I will be honest, I did not go with high expectations since 'St. Vincent' was a very good album, but it surpassed them, excellent for always surpassing.

    Distinguished songs: 'New York', 'Pills', 'Sugarboy' and 'Smoking Section'.    … Expand
  37. Nina1
    Oct 15, 2017
    10
    Amazing album, heartbreaking songs with absolutely quality lyrics. Not one easy song. Every song becomes better than the other with every listen. Welldone.
  38. JasonViljoen97
    Oct 15, 2017
    10
    When I heard Annie was going to take a step into a more pop sound, I was worried; but I was wrong.
    This album is a masterpiece from start to finish. Her most accessible album yet, without losing that idiosyncratic St. Vincent charm. Bravo, Annie. Bravo!
  39. Bretto66
    Oct 14, 2017
    10
    Psychotic pop taken to a level that totally............................................................................................................................................................................................ blows your mind apart!
  40. linclink
    Oct 14, 2017
    10
    First of all, let me say, after more than a half dozen listens now.... That I absolutely adore this album!!!

    With the last one ("St. Vincent" from 2014), I was just blown away by the advance tracks. I, initially, wasn't blown away by "New York" & "Los Ageless". I liked them, but was approaching the new one with trepidation. That's partly because, for me, she'd released album that were    First of all, let me say, after more than a half dozen listens now.... That I absolutely adore this album!!!

    With the last one ("St. Vincent" from 2014), I was just blown away by the advance tracks. I, initially, wasn't blown away by "New York" & "Los Ageless". I liked them, but was approaching the new one with trepidation. That's partly because, for me, she'd released album that were varying degrees of greatness & wildly eclectic as well. I was waiting for the drop off & thinking thosee two tracks that I "merely liked" might be a harbinger of the come down to come.

    Then the videos came out & then the live performances & I more than warmed up to those two lead tracks. I look back now & am a bit surprised that they didn't click with me more immediately. I warmed up fast & by the time "Pills" dropped, I was very excited, but still wondering if she could blow me away with the full album, at that same lofty level. There is no working artist whose work speaks to me more deeply, or does so more consistently. A couple are up there with her, but none more so.

    There will be some more reviews coming in, but it's currently got the 4th highest score of the year here with critics & I believe it's in first place with user ratings (9.5 from 96 ratings) & I honestly don't think I could overpraise it. "Masseduction" by St. Vincent is head & shoulders my favorite album this year.    … Expand
  41. PrinceJhonny
    Oct 14, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. How do you top a Grammy-winning album? Tackle it with Jack Antonoff and a curious pop sensibility -- and that's exactly what Annie Clark did with this record.

    Her signature guitar is up front, pulsing yet fractured akin to her previous record, but this time around, it doesn't feel as stark and alien. Perhaps it's because she gets intimate with her lyrics -- not the "futuristic-cult-dominatrix" she previously portrayed. All that glitter is great, and genuinely dance-able ("Sugarboy", "Masseduction"). But when you take it away, you're left with the bare bone balladry we've come to love ("New York, "Smoking Section").

    Then there's the stand out "Happy Birthday Johnny" (yes, it's the spiritual-sequel of the stunning "Prince Johnny" from her self-titled album) where she invokes the Actor-era St. Vincent to bring an utterly heart-breaking track. "Annie, how could you do this to me?" she sings over the minimal chords -- by the end it'll leave you with your heart in your mouth (well, it happened to me).

    Antonoff's involvement in the production has me drawing comparisons to his previous gig as a producer -- Lorde's "Melodrama". Just a few months ago, Lorde had me (and everyone else) convinced "Melodrama" was the Album of the Year. But now that's changed. MASSEDUCTION is The Album of the Year (with a capital T), at least for me -- and while there's no official verdict just yet, the reaction from both the critics and the fans has been overwhelmingly positive.

    "It's not the end, it's not the end" Clark chants in the closing track -- out of context, but it leaves me hopeful for more songs, in say, a deluxe edition maybe? Probably next year. Till then, we have ourselves a masterpiece.    … Expand
  42. costivaro
    Oct 14, 2017
    10
    Incrível. Como uma mistura do álbum MAYA (de M.I.A.) e do álbum Ray of Light (de Madonna) de uma forma bem original. Visual, sonoridade e letras muito bem montados. Jack Antonoff é um produtor excelente e St. Vincent só melhora sua própria perfeição.
  43. callumnicholson
    Oct 14, 2017
    10
    St. Vincent keeps on getting better; each record she brings something new to the table. MASSEDUCTION is an adventurous, colourful and creative pop album, with catchy hooks and beats, all still while managing to keep that Annie Clark flair. It maintains a sexy yet somewhat heartbreaking and unsettling atmosphere the whole way through, and in the best way possible. My favourite album of theSt. Vincent keeps on getting better; each record she brings something new to the table. MASSEDUCTION is an adventurous, colourful and creative pop album, with catchy hooks and beats, all still while managing to keep that Annie Clark flair. It maintains a sexy yet somewhat heartbreaking and unsettling atmosphere the whole way through, and in the best way possible. My favourite album of the year so far, and the best from Annie's discography thus far.… Expand
  44. DavidWasHere
    Oct 13, 2017
    8
    St. Vincent is one of the most daring musicians this generation, regardless of genre and gender. While this album goes for more pop than her last album, her explosive Grammy-winning self-titled record, Masseducation is still as daring as ever, with her magnetic presence anchoring this album and Jack Antonoff's co-production adding sharp hooks to this album to give it a bold new directionSt. Vincent is one of the most daring musicians this generation, regardless of genre and gender. While this album goes for more pop than her last album, her explosive Grammy-winning self-titled record, Masseducation is still as daring as ever, with her magnetic presence anchoring this album and Jack Antonoff's co-production adding sharp hooks to this album to give it a bold new direction for this truly alternative goddess. While the album is generally all over the place and inconsistent with the songs, jumping from melted 80s new wave pop to symphonic ballads like Slow Disco, to manic poppy alt rock on Pills, the album is rather jarring and unfocused, keeping it rather low when compared to her past discography, as well as having a pretty terrible album cover even if it's a tribute to the Velvet Underground's classic live album 1969, this is yet another fantastic album in St. Vincent's growing discography of near-flawless albums.… Expand
  45. joshdkaye
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    MASSEDUCTION is by far Ms. Clark's most experimental, complex and entertaining album to date. With every album, she edges closer and closer to a masterpiece.
  46. Russkiy
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    amazing you are a Queen very cool, we need more of MASSEDUCTION that is very ART, Annie i love your New Album, Pills the next single of this piece of ART
  47. DrBlahBlah
    Oct 13, 2017
    8
    A bit of a let down compared to her previous albums. It's still a solid, listenable record, but it lacks the wildness of Strange Mercy and St. Vincent, not to mention the sensational, ground-breaking guitar work. Clearly, she is going for a more mainstream, poppy vibe, and she definitely pulls it off. The question is whether the trade is worthwhile.
  48. Wael
    Oct 13, 2017
    9
    St Vincent's first full-on synthpop effort comes off as a truly beautiful album. Backed-up with beautiful productions (Jack Antonoff's touch on the record is very solid, some aspects reminded me of 'Melodrama' by Lorde), it is Annie's strong voice that shines through the whole thing. The album varies from bangers ('Masseduction', 'Pills'..) to deep original ballads ('Happy Birthday,St Vincent's first full-on synthpop effort comes off as a truly beautiful album. Backed-up with beautiful productions (Jack Antonoff's touch on the record is very solid, some aspects reminded me of 'Melodrama' by Lorde), it is Annie's strong voice that shines through the whole thing. The album varies from bangers ('Masseduction', 'Pills'..) to deep original ballads ('Happy Birthday, Johnny', 'Smoking Section'..). The lyrics are insane (see 'Los Ageless'), and the melodies are sharp, and lot of times, catchy. The whole concept is just amazing, and the album will grab your attention from the opener till the closer, leaving your breathless after its ending mark.… Expand
  49. PEDROSILVERO6
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think it's the best female record of this year. Excellent as always ST VINCENT. His voice, his videos, the delicacy he has in each album. She is grand...… Expand
  50. kilgoretrout321
    Oct 13, 2017
    7
    It isn't the best thing I've heard in a long time. Not exactly exciting or consistently thrilling. More like, emotionally interesting and full of good heart. Yearning. And the production/mastering is not in step with the times. Why didn't she just go for it and wield that crappy sheen that adds gusto to the top 40 songs? Young folks will will say it doesn't sound 'right.' Almost too goodIt isn't the best thing I've heard in a long time. Not exactly exciting or consistently thrilling. More like, emotionally interesting and full of good heart. Yearning. And the production/mastering is not in step with the times. Why didn't she just go for it and wield that crappy sheen that adds gusto to the top 40 songs? Young folks will will say it doesn't sound 'right.' Almost too good of a person/artist for stardom.… Expand
  51. jotaeseche
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    No matter how much I love all her previous albums, this is the best Annie has released so far, by a mile. It's daring, sassy, sexy, intimate, entertaining, intelligent and it touches you (and punches you) in many different places at the same time. It takes you from joy and euphoria to introspection and reflection in a matter of seconds, and somehow everything feels totally coherent. TheNo matter how much I love all her previous albums, this is the best Annie has released so far, by a mile. It's daring, sassy, sexy, intimate, entertaining, intelligent and it touches you (and punches you) in many different places at the same time. It takes you from joy and euphoria to introspection and reflection in a matter of seconds, and somehow everything feels totally coherent. The production is stellar, the lyrics are emotional and moving but the thing that stroke me the most was the use of her vocal range (particularly at the end of Young Lover; just incredible.) Firm contestant for album of the year!… Expand
  52. andrevictor
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    Como sempre as mulheres estão trazendo os melhores álbuns do ano. St. Vincent trouxe um dos melhores trabalhos de 2017, fazendo jus ao seu disco antecessor. É incrível como Annie Clark consegue se reinventar a cada álbum lançado e o quanto se torna tão original, sem contar na produção impecável do MASSEDUCTION.
  53. hxydx
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    Um dos melhores álbuns desse ano com toda certeza. Annie continuou com estética sonora St. Vincent, com sua guitarra distorcida, suas experimentações e letras muito bem trabalhadas mas invadiu um novo perimetro musical muito mais maduro. Os vocais apresentam algo inovador. Todas as músicas são fascinantes, engraçadas, intimas, criativas. EXCELENTE!
  54. CharlieGray
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    This is probably my favorite album of 2017 so far. It’s ambitious, bold, creative, it has Annie’s touch, it’s simply fascinating. It’s autobiographical, and a bit sad, but also really catchy.
  55. hipnose1
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    Annie mais uma vez surpreende com seu talento e sua habilidade de fazer suas eras tudo muito bem pensadas, desde a estética à sonoridade. Os vocais estão mais maduros e a sonoridade é ousada, surpreende com seus conceitos que envolvem sua vida em um contexto geral. Álbum do ano.
  56. streamswims
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, **** on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it... she's all those things. But actually she's a **** good person.
  57. WhySoSerious008
    Oct 13, 2017
    10
    Bold, devastating, wickedly funny and yet strangely intimate, St. Vincent's MASSEDUCTION is an exhilarating album that always remains true. An artistic tour de force, the album showcases the consequential nature of power and fame.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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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