Not Your Kind of People
by Garbage
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Mojo
    Jul 18, 2012
    60
    They haven't really been missed, yet it's good to have them back. [Jun 2012, p.83]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Q Magazine
    Jun 22, 2012
    60
    The sulky formula which established them, however, like the seismic chords of Control or the crunching Battle In Me, proves the efficacy of this recycled Garbage. [Jun 2012, p.114]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Slant Magazine
    May 21, 2012
    60
    Not Your Kind of People adheres so doggedly to formula that it often sounds dated... There's no indication that the band has evolved much.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    May 14, 2012
    60
    It's all slick and tuneful but, bar the shoegaze-indebted Felt, feels like business as usual.
  6. BBC Music
    May 10, 2012
    60
    Despite occasional lapses into overproduced mess, the surprise here is their enthusiasm.
  7. The A.V. Club
    May 22, 2012
    58
    For an outfit that's never denied its plastic-coated glamour, Garbage exits Not Your Kind Of People remarkably well-preserved.
  8. No Ripcord
    Jun 5, 2012
    50
    For all the interesting noises that the band have come up with in the studio, the production really doesn't do them any favours, cramming them into a fairly narrow space and stripping them almost entirely of any sense of atmosphere.
  9. PopMatters
    May 23, 2012
    50
    With the release of Not Your Kind of People Garbage prove they are indubitably a one-trick pony who fluked one magnificent album and a half-way decent follow-up, ensuring that they would never again reach that level of authenticity and dark sincerity.
  10. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    May 14, 2012
    50
    This comeback album suggests a hiatus spent in a cryogenic freezer. Which is to say that they sound the same ... only rather less vital.
  11. Consequence
    May 14, 2012
    50
    Aside from the aforementioned pair of tracks [Control and the title track] that hit dark pop highs akin to Garbage's best, this is just another solid disc from solid musicians, no more, no less.
  12. Drowned In Sound
    May 11, 2012
    50
    As you'd likely expect, they're still as confused as ever.
  13. Uncut
    May 9, 2012
    50
    Manson can still whip up an appealingly vengeful turn of phrase, but they retain a tendency to sound stiff. [Jun 2012, p.73]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. Paste Magazine
    May 16, 2012
    46
    Everything from the stilted production to Manson's lyrics to that awful album cover seems hopelessly mired in 1998.
  15. NOW Magazine
    May 24, 2012
    40
    Garbage still have a knack for placing sticky hooks behind walls of guitar sheen, but when they slow down on Beloved Freak and the title track ballad, the results get a bit cringy.

Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Most Discussed Album of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 48 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 48
  3. Negative: 3 out of 48
  1. AshMcAuliffe
    May 22, 2012
    10
    A welcome return by one of the 90's best bands. They have released consistently good albums and with this record have reached a new pinnacleA welcome return by one of the 90's best bands. They have released consistently good albums and with this record have reached a new pinnacle of awesomeness. The tracks are all strong and, praise be, don't sound like everything else out there on mainstream radio. Highlights are "Automatic Systematic Habit", "Control" and the glorious "I Hate Love". DEFINITELY my kind of people.… Full Review »
  2. jbryan
    May 25, 2012
    10
    This is an exceptionally well-crafted album from terrific songwriters, and they sound as good as ever. As evidenced in their recent concerts,This is an exceptionally well-crafted album from terrific songwriters, and they sound as good as ever. As evidenced in their recent concerts, the band is at their peak--and Shirley Manson is incomparable--and it appears that they are enjoying their freedom from record labels and ability to do what they do best: simply make outstanding music.… Full Review »
  3. Distilled_
    May 23, 2012
    9
    It's awesome to see them back. Felt a little disappointed when first heard it but it blew my mind like all the other Garbage albums afterIt's awesome to see them back. Felt a little disappointed when first heard it but it blew my mind like all the other Garbage albums after listening to it several times. Every song is Garbage but not that Garbage. They are getting old but never getting infirm. It just feels so good to have all these alternative digital-rock sound around again. They are still cool and cold in this new world full of aimless and formulaic pop/dance songs and countless other dance-dabbling, electronically tinged rock acts. They are still not "your kind of people". They are extraordinary people.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »