User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
Strays Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 29 Ratings

  • Summary: A reunited Jane's Addiction (sans bassist Eric Avery) is back with their first studio recording in 13 years.

Top Track

Just Because
If i were you i'd better watch out when was the last time you did anything not for me or anyone else Just because just because Yeah oh, you really... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. It really is like they've never been away; their glee and enthusiasm can be heard coursing through every bar.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    Better than anyone could have predicted. [Sep 2003, p.112]
  3. Uncut
    80
    Nothing too shocking, then, but their old magic surges through: you won't be disappointed. [Sep 2003, p.112]
  4. Filter
    78
    What was once so fresh is now a little tired. [#6, p.80]
  5. Bereft of the force of ideas, the swelling of potential, it largely settles for a pleasant, high-calorie buzz of guitar heroics and sonic familiarity.
  6. This is carefully architected to pack arenas.
  7. Blender
    40
    Too much of Strays settles for the pedestrian. [Aug 2003, p.126]

See all 19 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Mike
    Sep 25, 2006
    10
    This is the best album in years. Sadly without Eric, but still brilliant.
  2. SyDIEleanora
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    This album is the only album that is out there right now, that can helped the lost and confused( the weak), and its not just me its you This album is the only album that is out there right now, that can helped the lost and confused( the weak), and its not just me its you too,(including Janes Addiction for 13 years) and if you cant hear what they are saying, well then you dont get it. read into it, and you will find that this is one of the best albums ever created. Bob Ezrin can I boink you in the butt? If you love me dont answer that. The words are brilliant, its whatever you want it to mean, as long as it means something positive. Its time to live in the moment people. Thats what it means to me, take all your bullshit music and thoughts and put it to the side. No 14 yr old rapper or country girl can tell me what I dont already know, Im only 30. I thought that was a pretty good review Perry......You friend from Mountain Aire. Expand
  3. KennyC
    Aug 9, 2003
    10
    Great album from start to finish. I was worried that it couldn't possibly live up to expectations....but it did and then some. It Great album from start to finish. I was worried that it couldn't possibly live up to expectations....but it did and then some. It doesn't quite have the emotion of the early 90's, but it's definately a great album to rock out to. Full of ENERGY. I'm hoping for more! Expand
  4. Andy
    Feb 25, 2004
    10
    I think it's generally wrong to judge a band on the basis of their previous work. So, granted, it may not be quite on the same level as I think it's generally wrong to judge a band on the basis of their previous work. So, granted, it may not be quite on the same level as Nothing's Shocking or Ritual de lo Habitual...but it's still the best rock album of the year - and better than many from other years as well. Even though it's been more than a decade since they made a CD, they've still got it. Expand
  5. Erik
    Jul 28, 2003
    9
    Simply put, this CD is really good. It is a sad sign that one of the best CD's of the year comes from one of alt-rock's dinosaurs Simply put, this CD is really good. It is a sad sign that one of the best CD's of the year comes from one of alt-rock's dinosaurs (vague reference to Perry Farrell's mid-90's side project, Porno for Pyros) instead of someone new. Typical Jane's - artsy, dark, sensual, inspired. Occasional unnecessary meandering by Farrell (another typical characteristic of Perry Farrell projects). Ihghly recommended. Expand
  6. KrunkPurplemonster
    Oct 18, 2003
    9
    Jane's is, was, and always will be a righteous band. I give it a 9 because something has to differentiate it from the stuff I've Jane's is, was, and always will be a righteous band. I give it a 9 because something has to differentiate it from the stuff I've been listening to for 12 years, which are all easy 10's. This one will withstand the test of time, too, but it's only a few months old right now. Powerful songs, great riffs, amazing drums, props to cool chris on bass now, and although perry's voice has aged and the screams are lacking the ability to soar like they once did, and despite the fact that someone decided not to make perry's vocals so echoey and bouncing off of everything like they used to (bad move) - the spirit is still exactly where it was in 88. fucked-up, nuts, and like a genius, gifted child on acid. speaking of acid, the only other drawback for me was that while i'm glad they boys aren't h-addicts anymore, there's a definite lack of the original albums' "drugged-out" quality - which actually gave it an edge. still, these guys have progressed and matured and blossomed into this - and this rocks. Expand
  7. j30
    Sep 20, 2011
    4
    I made the mistake in making this my introduction to Jane's Addiction. Not nearly as good as Nothing's Shocking and Ritual de lo Habitual. ItI made the mistake in making this my introduction to Jane's Addiction. Not nearly as good as Nothing's Shocking and Ritual de lo Habitual. It does have its moments with Just Because and Superhero. Expand

See all 16 User Reviews