Sing The Sorrow
by AFI
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 197 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 180 out of 197
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 197
  3. Negative: 12 out of 197

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. tripled24
    Jun 26, 2023
    10
    Absolute classic pop punk/rock album. The dramatic highs and lows, great production, and pure energy is above most bands of this genre during its time. If you're a fan of melodic yet dark punk its a must listen.
  2. soupofpants-com
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    Fifteen years on and it's still without doubt one of the best albums I've ever heard.
  3. RyFox
    Dec 14, 2015
    9
    This is not only the album that got me into AFI, but is also a great example of a punk album. Well, except for Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Wings)...but other than that it was very enjoyable.
  4. brockcheese
    Apr 26, 2015
    8
    This album has a great purpose and message and certainly adds a lot to the Emo genre of music. I love how every song eventually accumulates into the epitome of depression.
  5. Gallifrey
    Aug 30, 2011
    9
    Truly phenomenal... Although quite different from anything before, there is more of the slow, emotional songs that got them this record deal. From the punk genius of Dancing Through Sunday, to the anger of The Leaving Song II, and finally the pure musical beauty of ...But Home Is Nowhere and its two hidden tracks, which is the definite highlight of the album. This album has everything.Truly phenomenal... Although quite different from anything before, there is more of the slow, emotional songs that got them this record deal. From the punk genius of Dancing Through Sunday, to the anger of The Leaving Song II, and finally the pure musical beauty of ...But Home Is Nowhere and its two hidden tracks, which is the definite highlight of the album. This album has everything. Including one of the greatest songs ever written, the hidden track This Time Imperfect.… Expand
  6. ohaiKendyl
    Jun 7, 2011
    9
    It's everything you wouldn't expect from a hardcore punk band from California: beautifully produced, cleverly written, and wonderfully melodic. Regardless of the album's severely dark nature, Sing the Sorrow could appeal to any kind of audience that even remotely enjoy rock music. "The Leaving Song, Pt II" retains all of the bands hardcore punk roots, yet experiments heavily with pop-punkIt's everything you wouldn't expect from a hardcore punk band from California: beautifully produced, cleverly written, and wonderfully melodic. Regardless of the album's severely dark nature, Sing the Sorrow could appeal to any kind of audience that even remotely enjoy rock music. "The Leaving Song, Pt II" retains all of the bands hardcore punk roots, yet experiments heavily with pop-punk and alternative, while "Silver & Cold" introduces something entirely new into the AFI world: a rock ballad. I can honestly say that Sing the Sorrow is "almost" a work of art, if it weren't for the album's slight repetition.… Expand
  7. KendylKlownfish
    Mar 6, 2011
    9
    Sing the Sorrow is not exactly a concept album -- or one of the smartest albums for that matter. However, Havok's lyrics are deliciously dark, glossed with anguished guitars and the band's overall unique sound.
  8. JordyAtkins
    Sep 24, 2010
    8
    An old classic in my own opinion. Having origionally been introduced to AFI during my school years, much before the following releases, I was amazed with how they produced songs that just seemed to fit together, and was the kind of music that could be enjoyed at any time or situation, never overly screamy or shouty, yet never to mellow to still enjoy at a gig. In general its a top albumAn old classic in my own opinion. Having origionally been introduced to AFI during my school years, much before the following releases, I was amazed with how they produced songs that just seemed to fit together, and was the kind of music that could be enjoyed at any time or situation, never overly screamy or shouty, yet never to mellow to still enjoy at a gig. In general its a top album from the past… Expand
  9. CamiiH.
    Jan 26, 2010
    10
    I absolutely adore this album! I is one of my favorite albums created by this glorious band. It is filled with the deep emotional impact of the world and the people in it. I rate this album a 10 because it is truly exquisite.
  10. JamesS
    Apr 27, 2009
    10
    An intricate album that manages to captivate even the unknown listner through its use of dark and melodic tones that propel the sound exerted from Hunter's, Adam's and Jade's instruments. In terms of Havok's vocal ability, this is definitely his magnum opus in regard to him exerting power. 10/10 in every regard.
  11. UnknownPerson
    Jun 22, 2008
    10
    An album full of songs that will leve you wanting for more. The lyrics of these songs are dark and mysterious. Davey H's voice is AWES0ME.
  12. gk
    Jun 1, 2008
    10
    This albumn captures all my deepest feelings in a way that is both poetic ans stark simultaneously. But it never gets too overdramatic or careless in its presentation. Despite some sharp negative criticism it is AFI's best album.
  13. NikoDay
    Jan 18, 2008
    10
    Hands down, the best album ever made. Its epic, grandeous, deep, and has everything an album needs. A heroic opener, fast upbeat songs, just enough/not overdone screaming, slow sad songs, punk songs, and every kind of song you need on an album. Davey's lyrics are amazing, with words ive never even heard heard of in every song, and his vocals hit places that make you want to melt. Hands down, the best album ever made. Its epic, grandeous, deep, and has everything an album needs. A heroic opener, fast upbeat songs, just enough/not overdone screaming, slow sad songs, punk songs, and every kind of song you need on an album. Davey's lyrics are amazing, with words ive never even heard heard of in every song, and his vocals hit places that make you want to melt. Hands down, the guy is a genius. Jade's guitar is flat out incredible, and it blends extremely well with Hunter's intricate basslines. I could go on and on and on but honestly, this is the most amazing album i have ever listened to and for all those old school AFI fans that hate musical maturity and progression, let go- grow up. 11/10 if i could.… Expand
  14. SaphiraM
    Apr 3, 2007
    10
    My favorite album of all time. AFI takes me places that I never thought possible. Davey Havok's lyrics and Jade Puget's music are nothing less then genius and legendary. The four members of AFI are all brilliant musicians and really have created music that has never been done before...this is new territory and it is exciting. Get the CD as fast as you can if you haven't My favorite album of all time. AFI takes me places that I never thought possible. Davey Havok's lyrics and Jade Puget's music are nothing less then genius and legendary. The four members of AFI are all brilliant musicians and really have created music that has never been done before...this is new territory and it is exciting. Get the CD as fast as you can if you haven't done so already.… Expand
  15. AbelD
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    This the magnum opus of AFI. The album is focused on one theme and is shown throughout the whole album. AFI's sound keeps in tune with their dark lyrics and focus, making the whole album weaved tightly together to create a musical trip for all the listeners.
  16. Jazza
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    So damn good!!! Loved every second of it
  17. AndrewF
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    In a word "brilliant". This Celluloid Dream and Paper Airplanes are personal favourites and were the two songs that got me hooked to AFI's music. December Underground was slightly disappointing but this album is pure genius.
  18. carmenf
    Dec 8, 2006
    9
    silver and cold, the leaving song part I, dancing trough sunday and synesthesia are completly amazing. This is AFI greatest albumI
  19. RyanC
    Dec 7, 2006
    9
    Who are they? - Califorinain hardcore punk rock band. Any good? - Oh yes. There isn't a true shocker on the album, all listenable. Must hear. - Death Of Seasons is a really shouty, aggressive song, but is one of the highlights of Sing the Sorrow. My personal favourite. For fans of. -
  20. JohnT
    Sep 13, 2006
    7
    Alright, so this wasn't the best AFI album ever. But I feel that far too many people are being quite heavy-handed with criticism. Not only do I think that they have matured as musicians and finally found an outlet for their sound other than frantic punk, but it takes a lot of guts to put out an album like this when you know you will lose a lot of so called "hardcore" fans. I have Alright, so this wasn't the best AFI album ever. But I feel that far too many people are being quite heavy-handed with criticism. Not only do I think that they have matured as musicians and finally found an outlet for their sound other than frantic punk, but it takes a lot of guts to put out an album like this when you know you will lose a lot of so called "hardcore" fans. I have been listening to these guys since I was 13 and I'm now in my sophomore year of college. Decemberunderground was a huge disappointment, but I can't think of too many bad things to say about this album. And there were also many who felt that Havok's voice has grown too wussy, but I applaud him for finally using vocal technique that he has most likely had the whole time, it's a wonder he can still sing any more the way he has been thrashing his throat through all these years. 7 for me.… Expand
  21. GaryA
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    What this record shows is that this band has gotten to the point they wanted to in there careers although many have said they sold out my opinion is whats wrong with wanting to be heard after all Blink 182,the Offspring And Green Day etc all did it and i believe progression is good because it's that or fading away
  22. toms
    May 25, 2005
    10
    the best punk band ever
  23. MattG
    Apr 6, 2005
    10
    Great Album!!!! Can't stop playing it!
  24. Eichmann
    Feb 4, 2005
    10
    Best lyrics I have Ever read
  25. curefreak
    Jan 21, 2005
    2
    ugh i truly was looking forward to this cd but from the sound of things theyre appreciation of the gothic culture doesnt go very far, dark eyeliner and cure t shirts can only get you so far i expected this to be a half and half mixture of goth and punk what did i get? a lame ass punk whos singer sounds like he got racked in the balls with very very lightweight bits of goth rock for ugh i truly was looking forward to this cd but from the sound of things theyre appreciation of the gothic culture doesnt go very far, dark eyeliner and cure t shirts can only get you so far i expected this to be a half and half mixture of goth and punk what did i get? a lame ass punk whos singer sounds like he got racked in the balls with very very lightweight bits of goth rock for example like the cello that was buried way back in the background or calling there fan club the despair faction? get real the band would do better if they find a new singer seriously he cant sing and he writes some god awfull poetry, the only reason i gave it a two is for the hit song girls not grey unfort 90% of the record sounds exactly like that one song where i cant even remember wich one was the hit single… Expand
  26. tylern
    Jan 9, 2005
    10
    perfection is in sight for AFI. Sing the Sorrow is definately up to par with their past works (if not better)
  27. MikeM
    Dec 18, 2004
    9
    The only people that would rate this album below a eight are all those people who are all "oi" and want to keep AFI all their own and not let AFI get main stream. I agree that "Black Sails" was a great album and is 2nd in line to this album... but Sing the Sorrow is the album AFI has been destined to create. I don't get why punk rock fans hate good production. Rick Rubin really has a The only people that would rate this album below a eight are all those people who are all "oi" and want to keep AFI all their own and not let AFI get main stream. I agree that "Black Sails" was a great album and is 2nd in line to this album... but Sing the Sorrow is the album AFI has been destined to create. I don't get why punk rock fans hate good production. Rick Rubin really has a way for caputuring a bands full potential and at the same time still keeping the roots of their music. Amazing CD, one of the 2003's best. … Expand
  28. horatioe
    Nov 12, 2004
    6
    Its got some good songs on it, but as a whole it is not even comprable to black sails in the sunset or the art of drowning. I hope they can follow it up with something a bit better.
  29. berth
    Oct 27, 2004
    10
    best CD ever
  30. ErikL
    Oct 24, 2004
    10
    Without question, the best album of 03
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Best Album of 2003
14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2003
66
#66 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Alternative Press
    100
    Sing The Sorrow soars with the kind of melodies hit singles are made of, yet it somehow persists with AFI's esoteric darkness. [Apr 2003, p.69]
  2. Blender
    60
    What's keeping the band from achieving a unique identity are Havok's generic whine and medoicre lyrics. [#15, p.120]
  3. E! Online
    91
    A well-crafted mix of hardcore bluster, determined melody and anthemic grandness that boasts depth and texture rarely heard from the Warped Tour ilk.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »