Mature Themes
by Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2012
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 37
  3. Negative: 2 out of 37
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  1. Mojo
    Aug 31, 2012
    60
    The smooth edges of Mature Themes doesn't mean this music is any easier to grasp. [Sep 2012, p.86]
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  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 31, 2012
    60
    The mainstream looks a long way off again from here. [Sep 2012, p.97]
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  3. NOW Magazine
    Aug 31, 2012
    60
    Pink's weirdness is a major part of his appeal. It just requires a lot of patience.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 31, 2012
    60
    Ultimately it just makes for frustrating listening.
  6. Prefix Magazine
    Aug 31, 2012
    60
    What you get, then, is an album that may have a sonic breadth, but really only two sides: one of sweet pop tunes, and one of strange goof-offs.
  7. CMJ
    Aug 31, 2012
    50
    Not good, bad or disappointing, but frustrating.
  8. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Aug 31, 2012
    40
    Ultimately, the overall feeling of Mature Themes is of a band and songwriter that don't really care. So why should we?
  9. The Independent (UK)
    Aug 31, 2012
    40
    The results are simply irritating, in so many ways.
  10. Slant Magazine
    Aug 31, 2012
    40
    It's another tiring exercise from an artist who may never tire of releasing such proudly hideous messes.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 31
  3. Negative: 1 out of 31
  1. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 29, 2021
    7
    On his first outing since 2010 breakthrough Before Today and first album of all new material in years, LA's Ariel Pink has proven himself aOn his first outing since 2010 breakthrough Before Today and first album of all new material in years, LA's Ariel Pink has proven himself a compelling songwriter currently carrying the outsider music torch once held by Captain Beefheart and Tom Waits. While not necessarily a breathtaking knockout like Before Today, Mature Themes is a fantastic work of art void of any dull moments. Even weaker tracks (not many here) are worth listening to based on interesting and at times bizarre songwriting and composition. High points include bookend tracks Kinski Assassin and Baby, single Only In My Dreams, the odd yet hard to forget Schnitzel Boogie, and the soft rock meets Elvis Costello pop gem title… Full Review »
  2. InComputers
    Sep 4, 2012
    9
    On his first outing since 2010 breakthrough Before Today and first album of all new material in years, LA's Ariel Pink has proven himself aOn his first outing since 2010 breakthrough Before Today and first album of all new material in years, LA's Ariel Pink has proven himself a compelling songwriter currently carrying the outsider music torch once held by Captain Beefheart and Tom Waits. While not necessarily a breathtaking knockout like Before Today, Mature Themes is a fantastic work of art void of any dull moments. Even weaker tracks (not many here) are worth listening to based on interesting and at times bizarre songwriting and composition. High points include bookend tracks Kinski Assassin and Baby, single Only In My Dreams, the odd yet hard to forget Schnitzel Boogie, and the soft rock meets Elvis Costello pop gem title track.… Full Review »
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