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Rounds
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Rounds Image
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

  • Summary: The sample-based indietronica LP 'Rounds' is the third solo effort for Fridge's Kieran Hebden.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The Guardian
    100
    A trove of bewitching melody and subtle invention, Rounds succeeds not only as a meticulously conceived piece of art but also as a moving expression of human warmth.
  2. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    Charming, civilized, childish, Kieran Hebden imagines an aural space in which electronic malfunction is cute rather than annoying or ominous.
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    Rounds is a perfect mix of subdued chill-out music and up-tempo beats.
  4. Almost Cool
    83
    If you've liked any of his previous work, you won't go wrong here.
  5. Village Voice
    80
    Sensitive ones will fall in love instantly; Fat Beats futurists might wait for the Jay Dee remix due later this year.
  6. Blender
    80
    Hebden treats software as a rocky road to hummable compositions of seductively intricate invention. [#17, p.135]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Rolling Stone
    70
    Rounds is almost accidentally poignant--it's like hearing shattered transmissions of sentimental old music. [15 May 2003, p.134]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. GerardJ
    Aug 1, 2007
    10
    Beautiful. Do I need to say more?
  2. KCH
    Oct 21, 2006
    10
    Groundbreaking, amazing, beautiful electronic music. But its much more than mere electronic music, its music to live life to.
  4. LawrenceP
    May 27, 2005
    10
    Yes it is "as serious as your life". A must have in your collection.
  5. JeroenV
    Jul 14, 2003
    9
    Very intelligent electronic compilations...!
  6. clem666
    Jan 27, 2022
    9
    Amazing combinations of varied textures, interesting patterns and experimental moves ! Really striking. 'Rounds' is one of these albums youAmazing combinations of varied textures, interesting patterns and experimental moves ! Really striking. 'Rounds' is one of these albums you have to listen to as a whole (rather than listen to the tracks separated from the rest), because it makes you achieve a terrific journey.

    Four Tet captures bright and vivid pieces of jazz, electro and fuse them into a never-heard before ambient patchwork. It feels free, slight, pure, unalterable. This record is poetic yet highly accessible, dark but also very joyful. It's certainly one of those complicated and intricate pieces of the past that you would like to keep to yourself, for as long as you can.    … Expand
  7. dougie812
    Dec 20, 2013
    8
    This album just flat out leaves a great impression. I find myself going back to it over and over. Domino records has a great list of employeesThis album just flat out leaves a great impression. I find myself going back to it over and over. Domino records has a great list of employees and Four Tet is equal to its company. Rounds is my favorite addition addition to their discography, right after There is Love in You.… Expand
  8. stavyys.
    May 9, 2003
    0
    just plain boring :-( and without true emotions and fragility

See all 17 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2003
99
#99 Most Discussed Album of 2003
48
#48 Most Shared Album of 2003