Sonic Nurse
by Sonic Youth
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Jun 8, 2004
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 45
  3. Negative: 2 out of 45

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  1. NeilG
    Jun 30, 2004
    9
    Effortlessly cool and sublimely melodic the Youth have confounded expectations with this wonderful record.
  2. KimmyH
    Feb 14, 2005
    9
    This is such a listenable album. some favorite songs were "paper cup exit" and "stones", this is good driving music. and just good for a lot of things.
  3. RhainL
    Jun 12, 2004
    10
    Amazing. Continues on Murray Street's promie and takes it to a whole new level. The instrumental interludes are mind-blowing.
  4. MosheL
    Jun 22, 2004
    10
    The best album of the year 2004!!!
  5. chris
    Jun 20, 2004
    10
    one of the greatest albums of their incredible career. there is still some time left as far as album of the year goes, but this one will be difficult to beat.
  6. EbieV
    Jun 9, 2004
    8
    This is their strongest album since before 1000 Leaves. Being an adult in rock is not especially easy, but these guys have managed it without crapping out. They've left behind the inexplicable lameness of Murray Street, and found a way to be grown-ups who can still kick you in the head. Aging hipsters of the world, rejoice!
  7. mikep
    Jul 11, 2004
    10
    Great album, better tham murray street imo. Notice how the mediocre reviews come from the paper press? what does this say? I've no idea
  8. Mark
    Jul 20, 2004
    10
    Sonic Youth for the mass!!!!
  9. alexanderl
    Mar 9, 2005
    10
    I never post stuff online, but i love this cd so much that i must emit my infatuation into the electro-abyss. This was my first sy album other than their contributions to the suburbia soundtrack, but now i have a bunch of them and this ranks with my other favorite, the creepily monochromatic "nyc ghosts and flowers". if you can find the japanese version of sonic nurse, risk life and limb I never post stuff online, but i love this cd so much that i must emit my infatuation into the electro-abyss. This was my first sy album other than their contributions to the suburbia soundtrack, but now i have a bunch of them and this ranks with my other favorite, the creepily monochromatic "nyc ghosts and flowers". if you can find the japanese version of sonic nurse, risk life and limb to get it. the two extra instrumental tracks are as good as any of the rest, but with less conventional structures.… Expand
  10. JeffW
    Nov 26, 2004
    8
    In hindsight, I think this is better than Murray Street, at least I listen to it more. It sounds to me like a collision of Crazy Horse with (insert name of any 80's feedback act here).
  11. wo
    Jun 11, 2004
    8
    I thought this was a very good album, but doesn't reach the same heights as some of their other releases... (You all remember those)
  12. markf
    Jun 10, 2004
    8
    After 19 albums, what exactly do you expect? Sonic Youth is currently 10/100 times better than the Stones were after the album they made in their 22nd year. As far as I can tell, there's nothing wrong with any of the songs; they just tend to follow the SY formula. "Murray Street" reinvigorated them, perhaps because their studio was so close to the Twin Towers. They definitely seem After 19 albums, what exactly do you expect? Sonic Youth is currently 10/100 times better than the Stones were after the album they made in their 22nd year. As far as I can tell, there's nothing wrong with any of the songs; they just tend to follow the SY formula. "Murray Street" reinvigorated them, perhaps because their studio was so close to the Twin Towers. They definitely seem more relaxed now. But for anyone who enjoys the affirmation of an old friend during a very troubling time, "Sonic Youth" should provide some assurance. I agree it's too long at an hour, but what exactly do you want to cut out, W?… Expand
  13. BrunoD
    Jun 14, 2004
    10
    It´s just sonic youth, and it´s good!!very good!
  14. Futureman
    Jun 16, 2004
    8
    Great album. Not "Daydream Nation," and perahps not quite as good as "Murray Street." Yet it's another impressive album in their catalogue.
  15. BradE
    Jun 17, 2004
    10
    every single song is a valuable addition to the sonic youth catalog, even MCATADHC (track 4) I dont understand how that guy could rate it a 0.
  16. samueld
    Jun 29, 2004
    9
    I remember when I got this CD. It was my last day of middle school and my mom took me to Best Buy. I was surprised to see multiple rows of this CD. But, it was only the second day after it was released. I put it in my CD player on the way home and once Pattern Recognition started playing I got some chills. I don't know why, but I always seem to like the songs where Kim sings better. I remember when I got this CD. It was my last day of middle school and my mom took me to Best Buy. I was surprised to see multiple rows of this CD. But, it was only the second day after it was released. I put it in my CD player on the way home and once Pattern Recognition started playing I got some chills. I don't know why, but I always seem to like the songs where Kim sings better. I love Pattern Recognition, Kim Gordon And The Arthur Doyle Hand Cream, Stones, Dude Ranch, and I Love You Golden Blue the best. The best album since Experimental Jet Set, I think.… Expand
  17. nate
    Jul 29, 2004
    7
    Not as good as Murray Street, but not too bad.
  18. craigf
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    there last few records have consentrated more on instremental parts then song structure(a chorus). this record captures those ideas but with strong choruses added to the mix. this might be the best hard rock record of the last ten years and definatlly their best album since daydream nation. check out stones and paper cup.
  19. SeamusS
    Mar 27, 2006
    10
    A surprisingly beautiful record. There's something in here that you'll find in the best of Sonic Youth's album. That something is their ability to make something sound beautiful and remain dangerous, never straining their sound or sounding like they're trying to hard. This ranks amongst their best.
  20. glennn
    Jun 16, 2004
    10
    Unlike the other reviews i say it does have stand out tracks namely patern reconition and probably i'd say unmade bed. I saw them play live so maybe i am biased but i think it has a daydream nation feel which is just what music today needs. everything is bland and sonic youth comes out and says it in the album. years have gone by since daydream nation but times have not changed and Unlike the other reviews i say it does have stand out tracks namely patern reconition and probably i'd say unmade bed. I saw them play live so maybe i am biased but i think it has a daydream nation feel which is just what music today needs. everything is bland and sonic youth comes out and says it in the album. years have gone by since daydream nation but times have not changed and this album seems to say that out and open.… Expand
  21. NickS
    Feb 24, 2005
    10
    This was my favorite album of 2004. If you listen to Pattern Recognition and Unmade Bed, you'll find out why. The album as a whole rocks - and for these reasons - outstanding rhythm, guitar work, and lyrics. Kim Gordon rules!!
  22. djm
    Dec 14, 2006
    9
    The only thing preventing a 10 is that not all of the tracks are up to the high standard of standouts such as Pattern Recognition and Unmade Bed, namely Kim's songs about Mariah Carey and Dude Ranch Nurse. They're only good if you are in the mood for them. This cd, to me, is among SY's very best.
  23. hydrawithears
    Nov 19, 2011
    8
    Sonic Nurse (awesome title) is the 13th LP by the alternative rock kingpins, Sonic Youth. If you have never heard of them, you know **** about rock and youâ

Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Most Discussed Album of 2004
29
#29 Most Shared Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    60
    Sonic Nurse neither disappoints nor surpasses expectations.
    Read full review
  2. Under The Radar
    80
    If 1992's Dirty caught the grunge zeitgeist, Nurse might capture something of indie rock's recent taste for emotional epics. [#7]
  3. E! Online
    75
    This ain't another Daydream Nation, but Nurse is a good cure for what ails the airwaves.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »