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Synthetica
by
Synthetica Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 67 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length album for indie rock band was produced by Metric's guitarist Jimmy Shaw.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. The Telegraph (UK)
    Jun 22, 2012
    100
    What feels right (or at least absolutely right now) about Metric is the perfect balance, every element in its place and in service of a set of sinuous, hook-laden, elegantly crafted pop songs.
  2. Spin
    Jun 14, 2012
    80
    Synthetica manufactures dependable, big-hearted joy straight through, whether it's slightly gloomy or coquettish or just flat-out pop fun.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Jun 12, 2012
    75
    On Synthetica, Metric isn't necessarily making a transition; they're simply taking stock of where they've been before figuring out where they're going.
  4. musicOMH.com
    Jun 8, 2012
    70
    Haines is a compelling performer, and there's certainly more than enough decent songs here to satisfy the faithful who may have been put off by the lacklustre Fantasies.
  5. Pitchfork
    Jun 12, 2012
    70
    Synthetica is something of a polemic, but Haines' moments of ambivalence are what make the record compelling.
  6. Q Magazine
    Oct 12, 2012
    60
    Synthetica's relentless efficiency feels a tad mechanical. [Jul 2012, p.107]
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  7. Slant Magazine
    Jun 8, 2012
    40
    For a large chunk of the album, the band seems to assume that Haines's ice-queen snarl somehow lends Synthetica's bland, hookless milieu a cool irreverence, but more often than not, what's supposed to be punk-ish detachment often plays like the group is bored by their own material.

See all 29 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. EludiumQ36
    Aug 11, 2018
    10
    This album is amazing! Every song on Fantasies is a favorite except for Nothing but Time. Amazing that there are so many favorites from albumThis album is amazing! Every song on Fantasies is a favorite except for Nothing but Time. Amazing that there are so many favorites from album to album! Love Metric's sound, their lyrics, their imagery, and the feeling the music inspires. (Their subsequent album, Pagans in Vegas, not listed here on Metacritic for some reason, was a real letdown though. Not one, not one favorite on that album.)… Expand
  2. indierokker
    Jul 14, 2013
    10
    Easily the best album of 2012. Not only does the record lack a bad song, but the songs flow together beautifully, each building upon the last.Easily the best album of 2012. Not only does the record lack a bad song, but the songs flow together beautifully, each building upon the last. Personally, I even prefer this album to Fantasies, though barely.… Expand
  4. agunsux
    Dec 9, 2012
    9
    Do you like Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs? Paramore? Best Coast? Beach House? Dum Dum Girls? Yuck!? You
  5. LetittakeYou
    Jun 14, 2012
    8
    I really like this one, it reminds me of "Let It Out" for the year 2012, but instead of the buzzing guitars you get shimmering synths. AtI really like this one, it reminds me of "Let It Out" for the year 2012, but instead of the buzzing guitars you get shimmering synths. At first listen this album doesn't jump out at you like "Let It Out". But it has a major maturity side to it. This album is Metric all grown up.… Expand
  6. musicforall
    May 18, 2014
    8
    I really liked this album. I agree with the guy that said "it's Metric all grown up". Throughout the whole album there are some great songsI really liked this album. I agree with the guy that said "it's Metric all grown up". Throughout the whole album there are some great songs that keep up the interest. Both the tunes and lyrics capture great sentiments. (Speed of Collapse, Nothing but Time, Clone, etc). This was one of my favorite albums of recent memory.… Expand
  7. WeAreTheFilter
    Jul 1, 2012
    7
    Schizophrenic fifth album from Canadian indie rockers - read full review here:Schizophrenic fifth album from Canadian indie rockers - read full review here: http://wearethefilter.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/review-schizophrenic-fifth-album-from.html… Expand
  8. mgyukeri
    Jul 10, 2012
    6
    While "Synthetica" touts "I'm not Synthetica/I'll keep the life that I've got", sadly, Metric is really starting to feel just the opposite,While "Synthetica" touts "I'm not Synthetica/I'll keep the life that I've got", sadly, Metric is really starting to feel just the opposite, lifeless and synthetic. While "Breathing Underwater", "Lost Kitten", and "The Void" are all respectable songs, the rest of Synthetica is dull and dry. Sorry Emily Hanes, but repeating the same verse over and over in a nasally singing voice seems a bit tired out by now.… Expand

See all 13 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Most Discussed Album of 2012
42
#42 Most Shared Album of 2012

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