Songs Of Mass Destruction
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Songs Of Mass Destruction Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

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  • Summary: Glen Ballard produces the ex-Eurythmics singer's fourth album.

Top Track

Smithereens
I saw your picture It made me sorry For all the things I never said It seems that you have cause to worry It seems that you don't wish me... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Amazon.com
    80
    Songs of Mass Destruction is a sterling, rock-solid, expert example.
  2. Billboard
    80
    There's no getting around the overall thematic pall, but Lennox surrounds every message with such beauty that one remains convinced that it's all going to be OK.
  3. AllMusic
    80
    It's as gorgeous a collection as "Bare," and pop music should be so lucky as to have more of this kind of thing out in the world.
  4. Rolling Stone
    70
    The result is an album that captures the range of her styles, from the rhythmically charged pop of her Eurythmics days to the haunted, longing ballads of her solo career. If the two approaches don't always cohere, each is satisfying in its own right.
  5. Hot Press
    65
    Lennox’s glossy white-soul template does sound a bit dated but she's still impressive when she gets it right.
  6. PopMatters
    60
    Songs of Mass Destruction is likely to resonate with those who recognize the unique quality of Lennox’s work and there is enough of high artistic value here to allow the album to serve as another guarantee of Lennox’s fine legacy, even if the spectacular musical moments are scattered around a bit more than on previous efforts.
  7. Stylus Magazine
    25
    The only song worth a second listen is 'Smithereens.'

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. GregoryA.
    Oct 5, 2007
    10
    The whole album is brilliant, distinct and powerful.
  2. KatieF.
    Oct 16, 2007
    10
    One of Annie's best. Moving, uplifting . . . a joy for your ears.
  4. EricF.
    Oct 5, 2007
    10
    Never anything less than exceptional - and always a new sound to her voice.
  5. ScottS.
    Oct 9, 2007
    10
    Annie nails it again. She has never sounded better, and the lyrics often bitter and biting with anger and irony, cut the listener to the core Annie nails it again. She has never sounded better, and the lyrics often bitter and biting with anger and irony, cut the listener to the core and make us understand that it is always worth the wait when Annie comes to town!… Expand
  6. rogerm.
    Oct 26, 2007
    10
    When the incredible Annie Lennox released her solo debut CD "Diva" she set the gold standard not only for herself, but for the entire music When the incredible Annie Lennox released her solo debut CD "Diva" she set the gold standard not only for herself, but for the entire music community. Her follow up CD of covers, "Medusa" was finely crafted and gave the listener many hours of pleasure. On her third CD, "Bare" she returned to original compositions and it was a joy to immerse yourself in it. But now, Annie, with "Songs of Mass Destruction" has raised the bar, and created a platinum standard that will stand unchallenged. It's a truly iconic CD, one of those "must haves" for your library, like Carole King's "Tapestry", Bonnie Raitt's "Nick of Time", David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" or any number of Beatles albums. She has surpassed herself, with the witty and, as always, intelligent lyrics and expertly honed melodies. "Dark Road" soars as a ballard as did "Why" off of "Diva" and "Ghosts In My Machine" is the raucus, rocking heir to "Walking On Broken Glass". "Womankind" is catchy with a hook that grabs you and refuses to let go. "Through the glass darkly" is a harrowing yet lifting ballad, and "Fingernail Moon" is a gentle, successful foray into whispery vocals and engaging lyrics. "Lost" has echoes of the moving and beautiful Beatles song "She's Leaving home", and "Love is Blind" just plain old kicks ass. "Coloured Bedspread" hearkens back to the electronic '80's, but sounds suprisingly fresh and new. There isn't a misstep or insignificant song in this collection. It's a treasure. With this CD, Annie has not only reconfirmed her composing skills, but she hasn't lost her chops vocally; if anything she's matured as a singer with nuanced phrasing. This CD is a real gift to music lovers of all persuasions, and I hope it doesn't get overlooked just because she's not 20, anorexic, and wearing a Victoria's Secret costume. This CD is for the discerning and mature listener, whatever their age. Bless you Annie, for this heavenly offering.… Expand
  7. EricP.
    Oct 17, 2007
    9
    An album from Annie is always worth the wait, and "Coloured Bedspread" sounds just like the Eurythmics did in the 80s ... love it!
  8. BrandonS.
    Oct 5, 2007
    7
    Another solid album from a master. (The best album title of the past ten years, for sure.) I love that she makes beautiful music, regardless Another solid album from a master. (The best album title of the past ten years, for sure.) I love that she makes beautiful music, regardless of the trends - this could have been released in the mid-90s and fit right in. Lennox is still into her pain, and I do wish she'd have a little more Eurythmics-style fun, but this is a good outing nevertheless. She still has that voice and sounds terrific.… Expand

See all 16 User Reviews

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