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. 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
  2. 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
  3. NolanLundgaard
    Feb 26, 2021
    6
    Supermodel by Foster The People: 5.63

    Are You What You Want to Be?: 1 :) Ask Yourself: 1 :) Coming of Age: 0.75 Nevermind: 1 Pseudologia Fantastica: 0.25 The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones: 0.75 Best Friend: 1 :) A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon: 0.25 Goats in Trees: 0.5 The Truth: 0.75 Fire Escape: 1 8.25/11 = .75 -> 5.63 Supermodel, Foster The People’s    Supermodel by Foster The People: 5.63

    Are You What You Want to Be?: 1 :)
    Ask Yourself: 1 :)
    Coming of Age: 0.75
    Nevermind: 1
    Pseudologia Fantastica: 0.25
    The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones: 0.75
    Best Friend: 1 :)
    A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon: 0.25
    Goats in Trees: 0.5
    The Truth: 0.75
    Fire Escape: 1

    8.25/11 = .75 -> 5.63

    Supermodel, Foster The People’s sophomore album, is a little bit of a letdown. Following Torches, which I liked a lot of, Supermodel embraces lots of synthesizers and adopts a more electronic-sounding feel. This works in some songs, but in others these bits either impede on the music quality at large or with how well I can hear the vocalist. I was honestly kind of excited to listen to this album (though I haven’t gotten to it until now) because the only exposure to Foster The People was their first and I wanted to listen to more, as songs like Pumped Up Kicks were enjoyable. However, while there were a few winners in Supermodel, I found the work rather unfocused and over-reliant on synths, especially when they were unnecessary. There were some familiar aspects though, which was nice, such as the effect the singer’s voice uses. I wish I could give my song by song commentary, but that would go over the 5,000 character limit. Overall, I felt very mixed about Supermodel. Yes, there are a few definite winners, but at the same time there were as many complete duds. The album as a whole was a little bit on the electronic side for me, and as a result, I couldn’t quite give it a “green” score. The lyrics were pretty good throughout, though sometimes I had a hard time hearing the vocalist. Fans of electronic music should like this album, but fans of pop may find this polarizing, as I did. While Supermodel was a slight disappointment, I am still planning on listening to Sacred Hearts Club, which hopefully will be better than Supermodel. Highlights: Are You What You Want to Be?, Ask Yourself, Nevermind, Best Friend, and Fire Escape.    … Expand
  4. 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
  5. Beast123
    Jun 25, 2018
    10
    Just because an album doesn't have a standout hit song, doesn't mean it's a fantastic album.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. zdw
    Jun 24, 2016
    5
    Honestly it's just kind of meh. Most of these songs fail to hook into you like the previous album did. "Coming of Age", "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon" and "Pseudologia Fantastica" are the only songs that were somewhat enjoyable. "Best Friend" sounds like a more boring version of "Call It What You Want". Pseudologia has a wonderful sound to it, eerie and shoegazey, even if itHonestly it's just kind of meh. Most of these songs fail to hook into you like the previous album did. "Coming of Age", "A Beginner's Guide to Destroying the Moon" and "Pseudologia Fantastica" are the only songs that were somewhat enjoyable. "Best Friend" sounds like a more boring version of "Call It What You Want". Pseudologia has a wonderful sound to it, eerie and shoegazey, even if it doesn't remind me of their previous sound. But the interesting sound this track has doesn't show up anywhere else. It's no wonder it's the longest song - they most likely realized they really had something here, and wanted to make it last as long as possible. Nothing even close to Houdini or Helena Beat on here in terms of songwriting.… Expand
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. dante_finn
    Jul 8, 2014
    5
    While I did enjoy most of the album I had to ask myself ,"What ever happened to them from 'Torches'?". Wb
    hile I can understand that they want to try something new the rythms in some songs are just hard to get. But I will say that their lyrics are trasgressive as they try something new with this album
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. drecool95
    Jun 1, 2014
    0
    Dull and uninteresting, this album really has nothing to offer. At least Torches was kind of different from most other indie pop. Where they were unobjectionable last time, here they're just unwelcome. I don't really know what happened.
  19. 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
  20. mike4444
    Apr 25, 2014
    6
    I'm not thrilled at all with their anti-capitalist message but there are some good songs on this album. Fire Escape is by far the best; however, it can be easily found boring if you don't like this kind of music. Goats in Trees and the three singles (Coming of Age, Psuedologica Fantastica, Best Friend) are also very nice. However, the message of the album still leaves me uneasy
  21. Scooter4849
    Apr 23, 2014
    5
    After not really getting into their previous album, the same happens here, but worse. By far worse than Torches, which did have some good tracks like Helena Beat, Pumped Up Kicks and Don't Stop. This overall does not. This album features unmemorable bland pop rock and little personality for the most part. Middle of the road.
  22. jaxmcgraw
    Apr 16, 2014
    4
    If I were to describe Foster the people in one word it would be "fluffy." There are some neat lyrics an catchy moments, but nothing really happens and all I get is all of this is a vapid listen.
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. DownByTheRiver
    Mar 28, 2014
    6
    I was very excited when I heard this was going to be released. Hearing coming of age and puedologia fantastica were excellent. However hearing best friend made me think it was just a misfire. Unfortunately the album has more misfires like best friend than excellent songs like coming of age. Though I do like the great songs on supermodel enough to warrant a positive rating I can't recommendI was very excited when I heard this was going to be released. Hearing coming of age and puedologia fantastica were excellent. However hearing best friend made me think it was just a misfire. Unfortunately the album has more misfires like best friend than excellent songs like coming of age. Though I do like the great songs on supermodel enough to warrant a positive rating I can't recommend it per say to people who aren't fans of the band or who don't like indie very much.… Expand
  27. HighTensions23
    Mar 21, 2014
    0
    None of these songs are catchy. There are no potential hit singles in this bunch. I am afraid this group is going to turn out to be a one-hit wonder.
  28. jimmyjimone
    Mar 21, 2014
    4
    I really like the singles from their previous effort, but I think this new release is a failure... Its does sounds like their TRIED to be original but Supermodel ends up displaying only a lack of inspiration and talent.
  29. Matielli
    Mar 20, 2014
    6
    Supermodel não foi tão bom como se esperava que fosse, porém o novo album contém algumas músicas que mostram uma mudança no estilo da banda, diferenciando do primeiro album, que ainda continua sendo melhor.
  30. 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
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Awards & Rankings

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#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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