Regeneration
by The Divine Comedy
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. AllMusic
    90
    By shedding the smirking artifice that served Casanova so well, and hiring producer Nigel Godrich, the Divine Comedy may be treading dangerously close to the sounds of countrymen Radiohead, but the Divine Comedy are smart enough to give listeners just enough lyrical bit to throw them off the scent.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    Represents the best of British pop music.... A lilting, suave and grandiose near-masterpiece. [Dec 2001, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Magnet
    80
    Regeneration is pretty, clever, meticulously planned and tastefully executed.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Dot Music
    80
    Nearly everything that was once infuriating and irritating about The Divine Comedy has now been eradicated in favour of a new honesty and depth to their sound complete with some genuinely touching moments.
  6. L.A. Weekly
    80
    Devoid of the cartoonish cabaret crooning of 1997’s breakthrough Cassanova, Regeneration is more down-to-earth, with less grandstanding and more adventurousness.
  7. Neumu.net
    80
    If you know the Divine Comedy's previous work, it's hard to imagine how Regeneration could disappoint; if they're new to you and you're a fan of literate, orchestrated pop music, give it a try.
  8. Pitchfork
    79
    There's not a bad song to be found anywhere on this disc, and it remains engaging for nearly its entire duration, only falling into the background in a few isolated spots.
  9. Rolling Stone
    70
    Regeneration, the Divine Comedy's sixth album, could find fans on either side of the Atlantic, as it's their first to pay as much attention to the sound as to the songs.
  10. The A.V. Club
    70
    Hannon's latest takes The Divine Comedy in a promising new direction.

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best Album of 2001
87
#87 Most Discussed Album of 2001
67
#67 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. RPF
    Dec 19, 2020
    9
    This album is truly underrated. Its flow is incredible, with every song melding into the next. I like the Radiohead vibes The Divine ComedyThis album is truly underrated. Its flow is incredible, with every song melding into the next. I like the Radiohead vibes The Divine Comedy have brought to this album. Something different from their usual genre. This album is a must listen to. Probably my fav album by The Divine Comedy.… Full Review »
  2. Murukan
    Nov 3, 2020
    10
    Best album by Neil Hannon by far; has little to do with his other previous or latter releases, much more decadent and/or frivolous.Best album by Neil Hannon by far; has little to do with his other previous or latter releases, much more decadent and/or frivolous. Thoughtful, deep and poetic, with little to no concessions to the Britpop hordes, it is also one of the best productions ever by Nigel Godrich. Unbeatable.… Full Review »
  3. darbyj
    May 5, 2011
    10
    A definite 10, as this is one of the few albums that has ever made me cry. Not even Radiohead has accomplished that, and they're my favoriteA definite 10, as this is one of the few albums that has ever made me cry. Not even Radiohead has accomplished that, and they're my favorite band. Neil Hannon has some **** you have to listen to, not only for his lush sound but his absolutely beautiful lyrics. If this album doesn't speak to you, you have no soul.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »