More Than Any Other Day
by Ought
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Drowned In Sound
    May 1, 2014
    90
    Steeped in the postpunk aesthetic, a well-established rock style that nonetheless remains richer and deeper than any other in formal possibilities, this is a deceptively complex record that conflates doubt and optimism while at surface remaining aggressively articulate.
  2. Clash Music
    Apr 29, 2014
    90
    Passion is a puzzling thing, expressed in myriad manners. But it can never be fabricated, and Ought’s heated brand of it is amongst the most bracing sounds anyone can encounter in 2014.
  3. Exclaim
    Apr 29, 2014
    90
    Ought have conjured one of the most refreshing and inspiring rock records of the year.
  5. Pitchfork
    Apr 29, 2014
    84
    More so than any identifiable influence, More Than Any Other Day is ultimately defined by its unsettled, restless spirit; this is an album that treats panic attacks and adrenalized ecstasy as two sides of the same pounding heart, with its simultaneous transmissions of joy and fear, discipline and chaos, comedy and tragedy.
  6. Pretty Much Amazing
    May 21, 2014
    83
    They may be a conflicted bunch, but boy, do they ever make a magnificent racket.
  7. Q Magazine
    May 20, 2014
    80
    By turns impassioned, thoughtful and thrilling, it makes for a standout debut. [Jun 2014, p.117]
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  8. NOW Magazine
    Apr 29, 2014
    80
    Even when they get quiet and contemplative, there’s a raw urgency that keeps the energy visceral.
  9. AllMusic
    Apr 29, 2014
    80
    On the whole, More Than Any Other Day is a deeply refreshing listen, bursting at the seams with joy and anger and less indebted to its long list of influences than it is an entity greater than the sum of its parts.
  10. Sputnikmusic
    May 29, 2014
    76
    For now their debut release shows great promise, deftly combining the ferocity of punk with soul-baring lyricism.
  11. Consequence
    May 2, 2014
    75
    Goofy stretches like those [on “Today More Than Any Other Day”: “Today, more than any other day, I am prepared to make the decision between two percent and whole milk”] make it easier to digest, and even relate to, the anxiety that informs More Than Any Other Day more and more as the album marches forward.
  12. Rolling Stone
    May 15, 2014
    70
    The Pere Ubu-like drive of the band lives up to every word.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. TheEverydayMan
    May 13, 2014
    9
    Had this album been released under the name Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire, or any other big name in music, it would be the UNANIMOUS winner ofHad this album been released under the name Arctic Monkeys, Arcade Fire, or any other big name in music, it would be the UNANIMOUS winner of all Grammy awards and year-ends polls, etc. Mixing a conversational (and at times, just plain hilarious) vocal style hearkening back to the days of Talking Heads with a chaotic, high-strung guitar not unlike Pavement or Sonic Youth, these art-rockers have put down the best debut rock record in years--perhaps since Funeral. What's even better is just how much fun Ought evidently had with this record, how much gusto they put into even the most mundane of statements ("I am prepared to make the decision between 2 percent and whole milk"). More Than Any Other Day is like one of those Kurt Vonnegut novels with hilarious characters and plot scenarios but a very serious underlying meaning. Keep this band on your radar--they really might go somewhere.… Full Review »
  2. Custom_Concerns
    Aug 3, 2014
    9
    It's like an angrier Talking Heads turned to 90's post punk instrumentation - and it absolutely works. I'm in disagreement with a review thatIt's like an angrier Talking Heads turned to 90's post punk instrumentation - and it absolutely works. I'm in disagreement with a review that states there is a lapse in quality on the back side of the album. I find that the track placement leaves little disparity in quality throughout (especially considering it is only and 8 track album). My favorite tracks are spread evenly throughout. The instrumentation is energetic and intuitive; not entirely reinventing rock music, but adding a little bit of needed flavor with keyboard strokes over a distorted, guitar heavy backdrop. The vocalist presents an incredibly entertaining vocal style with interesting and thoughtful lyrics (hence the Talking Heads comparison). Overall, Absolutely one of my favorite records of the year thus far.

    90/100

    Track Picks: Today More Than Any Other Day, Habit, The Weather Song, Forgiveness    … Full Review »
  3. adhamhany
    Jun 6, 2014
    7
    The first half of the album is way better than the second, in terms of music. In terms of lyrics and vocal style, one track rises above allThe first half of the album is way better than the second, in terms of music. In terms of lyrics and vocal style, one track rises above all the rest. The almost-title track. It's a symphony that musically starts on a slow note, then escalates into political frenzy that's also personal at the same time. The lyrics are beautiful, and they're done justice by the electric vocal performance of frontman Tim Beeler.

    Other notable tracks are "Pleasant Heart", "Habit", and "The Weather Song", which reminded me of the debut album of another band: The Strokes.

    Unfortunately, the second half of the album is nowhere near as good as the first one, which really prevents this album from becoming the classic it could've been.    … Full Review »
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