Ogilala
by William Patrick Corgan
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. Mojo
    Oct 24, 2017
    80
    Never one to be soul-bearing or crass, Corgan pulls off his "Songer" task with enigmatic, starlit aplomb. [Dec 2017, p.86]
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  2. Q Magazine
    Oct 13, 2017
    80
    Rarely has he sounded so consistently vulnerable. It suits him. [Nov 2017, p.107]
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  3. No Ripcord
    Oct 13, 2017
    80
    Ogilala is anything but musically overwrought, and the melodies do keep a haunting quality that elevates his distinct quivering voice.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Oct 13, 2017
    80
    Much of his recent work remains underrated, but by ‘Monuments…’, he was beginning to sound a little short on ideas; happily, the simplicity of Ogilala seems as if it’s rejuvenated him.
  6. Under The Radar
    Dec 1, 2017
    75
    Unprepared for Ogilala's stripped-bare approach, it should neither shock nor stir those who will follow him through his ostentatious eight-hour musical homage to Herman Hesse's Siddhartha. In fact, Rick Rubin's laissez-faire production chops permits Corgan to showcase the breadth of his compositions.
  7. The Line of Best Fit
    Nov 3, 2017
    75
    You’ve not heard William Patrick Corgan this way before--and if you just let Ogilala do its thing you’ll find a completely pleasant journey that will envelop you happily.
  8. Classic Rock Magazine
    Nov 1, 2017
    70
    There’s little variation in sound over the 11 tracks, but bucketloads of yearning, wistful emotion that is elegant and uplifting, with just a touch of schmaltz.
  9. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 20, 2017
    70
    Whether Ogilala will count as one of them remains to be seen. Like its author it too is both fascinating, brilliant and unlikeable by turns. An interesting curio in an always-compelling career.
  10. Clash Music
    Oct 18, 2017
    70
    Ogilala is nothing particularly new or revolutionary for fans, more a strong reminder that there’s a reason why Corgan managed to shift millions of units with his brand of moody rock.
  11. AllMusic
    Oct 13, 2017
    70
    No matter the setting, Corgan peddles heartfelt prog rock and here, when his songs are shorn of solos and kept at a human scale, his imagination feels immediate and bracing--and also a natural way for this once angry young man to ease into middle age.
  12. Consequence
    Oct 13, 2017
    67
    The anger and frustration that characterized his most famous work melts away on Ogilala, which stands out as his most centered, vulnerable, and soothing music yet.
  13. The 405
    Oct 18, 2017
    65
    Ogilala lives and dies by the strength of its songwriting, and while there’s nothing here that even sniffs at the coattails of Corgan’s best work, it is probably the most consistent and least offensively pretentious album he’s put out in, well, nineteen years.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 32
  3. Negative: 4 out of 32
  1. julio-br
    Oct 14, 2017
    10
    beautiful album, I'm liking this new path that billy is starting, success, as if necessary, this album and as a new beginning, what is alwaysbeautiful album, I'm liking this new path that billy is starting, success, as if necessary, this album and as a new beginning, what is always good, peace for all… Full Review »
  2. SpaceboyScreams
    Oct 22, 2017
    10
    It really is a very pretty album, some songs like Zowie, Aeronaut, Mandarynne and Archer even reaching Adore levels of quality and charm thatIt really is a very pretty album, some songs like Zowie, Aeronaut, Mandarynne and Archer even reaching Adore levels of quality and charm that the production in Billy's albums have been lacking for quite a while in my opinion. If this is where his sound stays for a while I'll be A-Okay with that, I do miss many of the quirks in his vocals that he either grew out of or forgot was one of his huge selling points back in the day - whispers, whines, rasps and snarls that add layers and personality which has been sadly lacking since Machina, now in its place a steady often repetitious tone and prominent vibrato that somehow manages to not get old but certainly won't draw you in and tug at your heartstrings like he once could with ease. For what it is though, I can't fault the album for its vision and for being a perfect atmospheric companion for the Fall season.… Full Review »
  3. Ricko
    Apr 18, 2018
    8
    For those who haven't delved past the Smashing Pumpkins biggest singles, you'd be forgiven for predominantly associating Billy Corgan withFor those who haven't delved past the Smashing Pumpkins biggest singles, you'd be forgiven for predominantly associating Billy Corgan with angst fuelled, hard hitting rock. Long time Pumpkins fans will know that this is very much only half of the story with buckets of gentler numbers in his back catalogue ranking amongst some of his greatest work. To me, Corgan is one of the all time greats and I can see the good in everything he does. To be fair, despite his stellar status, his output has been hit and miss over the past 15 years or so. He's promised so much but has underwhelmed in delivery so expectations were somewhere in the middle for "Ogilala". While the fans still sticking around will take what they get in terms of new material, I'd be amazed if the album garnered Corgan any new fans. It's low key, acoustic guitar and piano but dominated by his distinct and it has to be said, polarizing voice. Personally, I think "Ogilala" is a solid and an appropriate release for Corgan at 50. The focus is on the songwriting which is to be commended but for me the songs, while not the most memorable are still very strong in their own way. "The Spaniards" is the only song you could imagine making the cut of a peak Pumpkins album. Still, "Ogilala" is Corgan having moved on from that time and there is plenty to get into and enjoy here.… Full Review »
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