Supermodel
by Foster the People
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Mar 18, 2014
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 183 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 135 out of 183
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 183
  3. Negative: 13 out of 183
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  1. filmfanatic
    Jul 3, 2014
    10
    It saddens me that modern music criticism has descended to complaining about an album because it doesn't have a "hit" song on it. I'd rather have an album's worth of very good songs than one that has one or two great ones surrounded by mediocrity. This is one of the more consistently engaging, challenging and downright breathtaking albums to come along in some time. Torches was awesome,It saddens me that modern music criticism has descended to complaining about an album because it doesn't have a "hit" song on it. I'd rather have an album's worth of very good songs than one that has one or two great ones surrounded by mediocrity. This is one of the more consistently engaging, challenging and downright breathtaking albums to come along in some time. Torches was awesome, but this is in a different league entirely.

    Foster's rejection of moral relativism, and their search for ultimate truth and meaning in an American culture that devalues the very idea of absolutes, is frankly inspiring. I love it when artists I admire decide that their message is even more important than their popularity. I have no doubt this album will be deeply divisive, even for people who loved Torches, but I really don't think the band cares. It's not for everyone, and that's fine. But those that listen to it and understand it will find themselves challenged to be and do better. In that way, Supermodel makes up for a million frivolous pop songs.    … Expand
  2. jotaeseche
    Jul 28, 2014
    10
    Underestimated by critics, this album (at its own sake) turns out to be a thousand times more cohesive, complex and original than its predecessor Torches - and that is a lot to say.
  3. TheLittleDino
    Apr 3, 2014
    10
    Foster the People comes back two years later after there first debut with this. There overall sound is different, straying away from the darker "Torches." "Supermodel" has great sound with a deeper meaning that some listeners might miss for just some random guy singing in a kick ass falsetto. This album beats "Torches" by a long shot.
  4. SalmanxXxYAAASS
    Oct 6, 2014
    10
    this album has so many deep meanings. the fights inside an artists mind. and this album makes you question so much about yourself and there were really high points musically such as "A Beginner's Guide To Destroying The Moon" "Tabloid Super Junkie" "Best Friend" and "Coming Of Age" so the band did what they needed to do. which is deliver their real music their real message and it wasthis album has so many deep meanings. the fights inside an artists mind. and this album makes you question so much about yourself and there were really high points musically such as "A Beginner's Guide To Destroying The Moon" "Tabloid Super Junkie" "Best Friend" and "Coming Of Age" so the band did what they needed to do. which is deliver their real music their real message and it was unfortunately not accepted by the public.… Expand
  5. IndieCricket
    Apr 5, 2014
    9
    If given time, this album develops into something great. It's not better than Torches, it's definitely not worse than Torches; it's different. I applaud Foster for venturing into new territory while keeping their identity. The more listens, the better it gets.
  6. GamerMeioSangue
    Jan 28, 2018
    10
    The best album of Foster the People, no doubt about it
    The best album of Foster the People, no doubt about it
  7. Beast123
    Jun 25, 2018
    10
    Just because an album doesn't have a standout hit song, doesn't mean it's a fantastic album.
  8. rklem
    Mar 18, 2014
    10
    This album is incredible and so much more mature than "Torches." That's not to say that I don't like the previous album, because I did but this album is just really flawless even in it's flaws, which makes it that much more beautiful. Here's my track by track rating:

    Are You What You Want to Be? 9/10 - This is a pretty cool opener where you can hear the influences of Morocco and    This album is incredible and so much more mature than "Torches." That's not to say that I don't like the previous album, because I did but this album is just really flawless even in it's flaws, which makes it that much more beautiful. Here's my track by track rating:

    Are You What You Want to Be? 9/10
    - This is a pretty cool opener where you can hear the influences of Morocco and Foster's world journey. The only complaint is I feel that it's a tad bit too long to really enjoy.

    Ask Yourself 10/10
    - This song sounds like a mash up between psychedelic rock and 90's alternative, which you would never think could work but this song is really incredible.

    Coming of Age 7/10
    - As much as I enjoy this 80's influenced and super-synthetic driven song, I find that it can get on my nerves sometimes when it comes to chorus. I can't really explain it, but this song has, in my opinion, the lowest replay value.

    Nevermind 9/10
    - This is a really cool song with an amazing structure and the chorus is very catchy. It's very dark sounding and spacey. It's very similar at times, especially the verses, to the sounds off of Portugal. The Man's "Evil Friends."

    Pseudologia Fantastica 10/10
    - This was my favorite song in my entire music library for the past month or so and rightfully so. It feels like Foster the People, MGMT, Portugal. The Man, and a few bands from the 80's came together and this was the product of an incredible mixture. The psychedelic sounds driving the verses and choruses are incredible and that really cool and left-field piano bridge gets me every time.

    The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones 7/10
    - It's hard to really give this a rating and by itself this is a 10/10 but its placement is awkward in the album and I really wish they made it one continuous mix between Pseudologia Fantastica, This, and Best Friend.

    Best Friend 10/10
    - If this isn't the summer jam for 2014 then I don't know what is. Best song of 2014 so far hands down.

    A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon 10/10
    - A really deep and different song for FTP, but I feel that it works beautifully on this album, which is very conceptually drive on the ideas of capitalism and affluence in celebrities. This song could really speak to our society and the music itself is really incredible. The piano chorus/bridge parts are pretty awesome.

    Goats in Trees 9/10
    - This song is a very interesting one and you have to hand it to Foster for delving into different vocal ranges. This slow tune really makes you feel introspective.

    The Truth 10/10
    - It's all in the title for this one. It sounds like a really interesting 80's song for the verses and then the chorus blasts in and I feel like I'm on some journey back in time.

    Fire Escape 10/10
    - If I could give this an 11/10 I would, but that wouldn't be too fair for the other songs and my rating system. Very simple yet beautiful acoustic guitar drives this song musically and the vocal mixing and recording choices are very different than the rest of the album, but it really fits to end the regular version of this album with incredibly deep lyrics.

    Tabloid Super Junkie 10/10
    - If you didn't pre-order this album than you are really missing out on a pretty cool track. Very synthy and sounds like the good music from the 80's

    Altogether, this album averages out to a 9.25, but with a weighting system based off of track lengths, my modified score for this album is a 9.6 which rounds to a 10.    … Expand
  9. Whrod
    Mar 18, 2014
    9
    Foster the People's sophomore effort isn't as innocent or catchy as Torches, but it's a lot better than a bunch of other offerings in the industry today. Its a diverse album in which Foster the People try to find their groove.
  10. Wyzgoski
    Mar 19, 2014
    10
    This album is a lot better if you've been a fan of Foster The People ever since Torches.

    Are you what you want to be:9/10
    Ask yourself:10/10
    Coming of Age:7/10
    Nevermind:8/10
    Pseudologia Fantastica :8/10
    The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones:5/10
    Best Friend:10/10
    A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon:9/10
    Goats in Trees:10/10
    The Truth:10/10
    Fire Escape:10/10
  11. RedOwlReviews
    Mar 18, 2014
    7
    With their second studio album Supermodel, Foster the People make incredible efforts, but the ultimate result just marginally meets expectations. The lyrics aren't always as clever and pungent as the band thinks they are, and the tracks tend to wander off, sometimes into nothingness, before snapping themselves back into reality. This could be due in great part to the somewhat homogenousWith their second studio album Supermodel, Foster the People make incredible efforts, but the ultimate result just marginally meets expectations. The lyrics aren't always as clever and pungent as the band thinks they are, and the tracks tend to wander off, sometimes into nothingness, before snapping themselves back into reality. This could be due in great part to the somewhat homogenous sound that arises in most of the album. However, tracks like "Pseudologia Fantastica" and "Best Friend" occasionally exhibit clear signs of musical genius and cognitive brilliance. Thus, Foster the People reminds us that their departure from the Torches sound was indeed for the better (and had the potential to be absolutely fantastic). Despite the growing electronic biosphere that is engulfing indie pop/rock music, the band still manages to handle synthetic sounds with a grain of salt - allowing the widely eclectic instrumental arrangements to shine. Slowly but surely, Mark Foster's creative image will become clear as his works progressively mature. Consider this a transition album, and you'll be more than happy.

    FINAL SCORE: 72.5 (pretty good -----o--------------- great)    … Expand
  12. LetsDoReviews
    Mar 18, 2014
    9
    This album is a perfect follow-up to their 2011 hit album, Torches. It kicks of with a sing along song of What You Want To Be? and follows through this fun and intense line of songs that compliment each other continually, It hits Coming Of Age and just becomes a album basically about growing older and dealing with it. They stick with the classic style and continue to rule the indie rockThis album is a perfect follow-up to their 2011 hit album, Torches. It kicks of with a sing along song of What You Want To Be? and follows through this fun and intense line of songs that compliment each other continually, It hits Coming Of Age and just becomes a album basically about growing older and dealing with it. They stick with the classic style and continue to rule the indie rock world.

    OPINION
    My favorite album of the year so far and my personal favorite is the awesome Best Friend.    … Expand
  13. Zezilia154
    Jul 14, 2017
    10
    Are You What Want Be To Be? 10/10
    Ask Yourself 9/10
    Coming Of Age 10/10
    Nevermind 10/10
    Pseudologia Fantastica 10/10
    Best Friend 10/10
    A Beginner's Guide To Destroying The Moon 10/10
    Goats In Tree 9/10
    The Truth 8/10
    Fire Escape 7/10

    General: 9.3
  14. MrSaturn
    Mar 18, 2014
    10
    11/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/101111/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/1011/10… Expand
  15. rickyman10
    Mar 18, 2014
    10
    best album ever！！！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！coming of age is flawless！
  16. Mab_987
    May 5, 2014
    8
    On FTP's sophomore album & first since their breakout hit, they effectively build & experiment on their established sound, which makes for a very interesting yet catchy listen. You get influences from alternative rock, psychedelic rock & even a bit of singer-songwriter folk. I'll admit the lyrics fall a bit short of what they try to accomplish, but it never really becomes a huge problemOn FTP's sophomore album & first since their breakout hit, they effectively build & experiment on their established sound, which makes for a very interesting yet catchy listen. You get influences from alternative rock, psychedelic rock & even a bit of singer-songwriter folk. I'll admit the lyrics fall a bit short of what they try to accomplish, but it never really becomes a huge problem in the big picture & overall it's an impressive followup.

    (If you wanna see a much more in-depth review, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube.)    … Expand
  17. SimpleMethod
    Mar 18, 2014
    7
    It's a good album. It's not even close to being as smooth or unique as Torches, but it provides a solid follow up. Torches was so different that it didn't surprise me when Supermodel slipped into slightly more familiar territory. Still, it's a pretty good listen.
  18. Rocose
    Mar 19, 2014
    9
    This album is a proof that Foster the People are experimenting new sounds and ways that show that they are growing up. This is no Torches #2, but this album is still a perfect indie-pop experience! My favorite tracks in the album are Best Friend and Pseudologia Fantastica.

    SCORE: 9/10
  19. daFigz2013
    Oct 7, 2014
    8
    Frankly, 'Supermodel' by Foster The People is by far a more engaging recording.The electro-pop flourishes mixed with the clever lyrics make for an enjoyable listen from start to finish. All Music's Mark Collar raises a remarkably valid point in that this CD is by far less claustrophobic sounding than its predecessor. That undoubtedly is what caught my attention and finds me regularlyFrankly, 'Supermodel' by Foster The People is by far a more engaging recording.The electro-pop flourishes mixed with the clever lyrics make for an enjoyable listen from start to finish. All Music's Mark Collar raises a remarkably valid point in that this CD is by far less claustrophobic sounding than its predecessor. That undoubtedly is what caught my attention and finds me regularly spinning the CD!… Expand
  20. shell684
    Apr 7, 2014
    9
    I really enjoyed this album. It is refreshing to have a pop album that actually has intelligent and thoughtful lyrics rather than all the Keisha like dribble about throwing glitter and drinking **** vodka in a club that is on the radio now. Some of the songs are catchy but not annoyingly so. At other times the lyrics are cryptic and hard to follow but each time I listen I notice somethingI really enjoyed this album. It is refreshing to have a pop album that actually has intelligent and thoughtful lyrics rather than all the Keisha like dribble about throwing glitter and drinking **** vodka in a club that is on the radio now. Some of the songs are catchy but not annoyingly so. At other times the lyrics are cryptic and hard to follow but each time I listen I notice something I didn't hear before which is cool.… Expand
  21. jojas412
    Sep 8, 2014
    8
    Such an underrated band. Someday people will look back to Foster the People and really understand how big they were. The next big bands are taking notes on this incredible album for sure.
  22. harris0n
    Jun 7, 2014
    9
    The contrast in style between this album and Torches turned me of at first - to be honest. But upon second listen, and subsequent listens, this album has grown in favor with me faster than perhaps any album has in the past. Before judging/reviewing this album, listen to it a minimum of 10 times. There's a very good chance you'll cherish it more and more with each listen. HeavilyThe contrast in style between this album and Torches turned me of at first - to be honest. But upon second listen, and subsequent listens, this album has grown in favor with me faster than perhaps any album has in the past. Before judging/reviewing this album, listen to it a minimum of 10 times. There's a very good chance you'll cherish it more and more with each listen. Heavily layered, multiple melodic hooks per track - big and anthem-like in sections, trading stadium-big echoes with intimate acoustic passages. Re-listenable. Thumbs way up.… Expand
  23. arcanjo
    Jun 16, 2017
    9
    We see a more mature record of FTP, questioning about self conciousness, aspirations, society. It may have no to be the supper mellow lyrics and cheerful vibe of Torches, but the coming of age is for everyone. and this is the FTP one. The atmosphere of the album is completely different too, with a little more diversity and discover of new territories.
  24. PretentiousGeek
    Apr 15, 2019
    8
    After writing my review for Sacred Hearts Club, I figured I should clear the air. I have no issue with most of the individual styles found on that record, but style can definitely define an album in my mind.

    Case and point; Supermodel. An album that lives up to its name, taking their previous style from Torches and running with the neo-psychedelia to the point of auditory overload at    After writing my review for Sacred Hearts Club, I figured I should clear the air. I have no issue with most of the individual styles found on that record, but style can definitely define an album in my mind.

    Case and point; Supermodel. An album that lives up to its name, taking their previous style from Torches and running with the neo-psychedelia to the point of auditory overload at times, until pulling back at just the right time for an chill or acoustic number. It's great work, to be honest. The soundscapes are dense, but not as overtly unwelcoming as SHC, and the glittery facade upheld by the record (which gives way to some mostly decent but darker lyrical content; a FtP staple that was also almost entirely missing on SHC) truly lives up to the Supermodel concept.

    Favourite songs: Coming Of Age, Pseudologia Fantastica, Nevermind, Ask Yourself, Goats From Trees, A Beginner's Guide to Destroying The Moon
    Least favourite: The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones (it's an interlude, here by process of elimination, it's alright)    … Expand
  25. MacsMusic
    Apr 8, 2018
    9
    Supermodel is FTP's most lyrically complex album. It's so complex that I needed to listen to it over and over again to really get it, and I still don't fully get it. The first song, "Moon", "The Truth", "Fire Escape", and other songs have strong, interesting, complex lyrics that are really great. Not one song on this album really drags or fails, but "Best Friend" and "Goats" do haveSupermodel is FTP's most lyrically complex album. It's so complex that I needed to listen to it over and over again to really get it, and I still don't fully get it. The first song, "Moon", "The Truth", "Fire Escape", and other songs have strong, interesting, complex lyrics that are really great. Not one song on this album really drags or fails, but "Best Friend" and "Goats" do have problems. "Best Friend" gets old fast, but is enjoyable the first few times, and "Goats" has weak music during the verses. Still, these songs are nowhere near bad, and "Goats" has a great chorus.

    The production and music on this album isn't as instantly likable like the music on Torches, but is rewarding and can be fully enjoyed with repeat listens and patience. "Fire Escape" is stunning and captivating thanks to the music, vocals, and lyrics. The first song, "Coming of Age", and "Moon" have amazing, original music and sound really great. The production throughout Supermodel is really, really good. The vocals on this album are surprisingly strong, and give the album another layer of character.

    Supermodel takes risks, with far less accessible music and lyrics, and it really pays off. Few albums feel as deep and lyrically complex as this one, and that, along with the killer production, makes it really stand out. Give it a chance if you like original, complex albums.    … Expand
  26. Jack_On_Moon
    Jul 10, 2022
    10
    I think "Torches" is good and all, but for me "Supermodel" is arguably the best of the band
  27. NugMusic
    Sep 7, 2022
    10
    This album means so much to me, i grew up on it and have listened to every song millions of times. its starts with an amazing opener with "are you what you want to be?" with amazing background vocals and melodys, it just sends you somewhere else. Tracks like Nevermind and Pseudologia Fantastica will make you feel like your on drugs its so amazing in every way.
    Are you what you want to be?    This album means so much to me, i grew up on it and have listened to every song millions of times. its starts with an amazing opener with "are you what you want to be?" with amazing background vocals and melodys, it just sends you somewhere else. Tracks like Nevermind and Pseudologia Fantastica will make you feel like your on drugs its so amazing in every way.
    Are you what you want to be? 10/10
    Ask yourself 10/10
    Coming of age 10/10
    Nevermind 20/10
    Pseudologia Fantastica 1000/10
    Best friend 10/10
    A beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon 11/10
    Goats in trees 15/10
    The truth 10/10
    Fire escape 10/10
    LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM!!!!    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Most Discussed Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 27
  3. Negative: 4 out of 27
  1. Consequence
    May 1, 2014
    33
    Equally appropriately, with increased attention comes increased expectations and increased scrutiny, neither of which are met by this sophomore release.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Apr 23, 2014
    40
    Much of Supermodel feels alienatingly dense. [May 2014, p.86]
  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    Apr 4, 2014
    33
    A couple of pseudo-anthems will likely nurse them through a handful of unearned headline gigs--but in all honesty, the world has no need for pop music this faceless, listless or sterile.
    Read full review
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