Sparkle Hard
by Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: May 18, 2018
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 31
  3. Negative: 2 out of 31
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  1. Doof
    May 31, 2018
    8
    I'd have called this a return to form if I'd actually kept up with these Jicks albums (I didn't) but I'm happy saying this is, if not better, then at least more 'natural sounding' than either 'Terror Twilight' or the Malkmus s/t debut. Some fantastic songs here ('Solid Silk', 'Refute', etc) which puts it on a similar level to 'Brighten the Corners' for my money.
  2. Ricko
    Oct 22, 2018
    8
    I'll get this out of the way early, I think Pavement are overrated. Yep, appreciate the bands strengths but just think they are incredibly over hyped. I saw "Sparkle Hard" listed in a few mid year best albums so far kind of lists and was looking for something new to listen to so checked it out. I was expecting to be underwhelmed by the critics darling Mr Malkmus but tip of the hat, thisI'll get this out of the way early, I think Pavement are overrated. Yep, appreciate the bands strengths but just think they are incredibly over hyped. I saw "Sparkle Hard" listed in a few mid year best albums so far kind of lists and was looking for something new to listen to so checked it out. I was expecting to be underwhelmed by the critics darling Mr Malkmus but tip of the hat, this is a fantastic album, masterfully crafted and has led me to a point where I must revisit Pavement and reevaluate. I could argue that it fades a little towards the end but I like this album so much I don't really want to go there. Great songs that are delivered with a complexity so well executed it sounds straightforward and simple. Mainstream enough sound but meaty enough to get your teeth into as well. I expect this to be close to the top of many end of year lists.… Expand
  3. frankrog29
    Mar 11, 2021
    8
    Sparkle Hard was a real sleeper hit for me. I listened to it when it came out and kind of wrote it off. Then, I was at a bar and heard “Solid Silk” playing. It sounded familiar but I couldn’t quite place it, so I asked the bartender what it was. Since then I’ve been listening to the album more and more, and it has really blossomed for me. Stephen Malkmus’s music is staccato, angular, andSparkle Hard was a real sleeper hit for me. I listened to it when it came out and kind of wrote it off. Then, I was at a bar and heard “Solid Silk” playing. It sounded familiar but I couldn’t quite place it, so I asked the bartender what it was. Since then I’ve been listening to the album more and more, and it has really blossomed for me. Stephen Malkmus’s music is staccato, angular, and quirky. His songs on Sparkle Hard retain the sharp edges, but beautiful strings, funky synthesizers, great songwriting, masterful instrumentation, and melt-your-face guitar solos give his sound more depth, complexity, and emotional resonance. His songs on this album are by turns energetic and mellow and contemplative. This album represents a more thoughtful, more lush side of the former Pavement frontman’s music. It seems as though his songwriting has become more mature as he has grown older. I know he has come out with a couple solo albums since 2018, but I hope his work with the Jicks continues in this vein because the band really captured a sound that is simultaneously dynamic and introspective on this album.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best Album of 2018
68
#68 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jun 15, 2018
    91
    The experimentation keeps things interesting and is a rare and welcome sight for a musician in his fifties, but it’s the songs that aim for summer afternoon in the suburbs of “Gold Soundz” or “Range Life” that are his forte and the album’s best.
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  2. Dusted Magazine
    May 30, 2018
    80
    The album, produced by Chris Funk of the Decemberists, manages to be both weird and relevant, experimental and comfortable. Malkmus’s grounded surrealism makes for a series of songs that offer connection within a skewed take on life. The music, in any track’s given mode, encourages persistent resistance of the way things are without being heavy-handed. It bridges worlds wonderfully and shows Malkmus to be as vital as ever.
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  3. musicOMH.com
    May 30, 2018
    50
    The music is plainly listenable, the progressions are often entertaining and the lyrics are intricate. For fans, the minor evolution and heavier sonic palette may whet their appetite, but for anyone in search of a new revolutionary energy in the realm of indie rock, steer clear of the throne room.
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