Synthetica
by Metric
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. Q Magazine
    Oct 12, 2012
    60
    Synthetica's relentless efficiency feels a tad mechanical. [Jul 2012, p.107]
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  2. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 29, 2012
    60
    Throughout Synthetica, an undertow of dystopian unease drags the music away from standard pop territory into darker areas.
  3. The Fly (UK)
    Jun 22, 2012
    60
    The dreamy 'Clone' has a touch of the Cocteau Twins about it, while the title track's polished riffs are pure powerpop. Only occasional moments – the lame guitar lick on 'Breathing Under Water' being one – sound outdated, proving that when it's done well, a little nostalgia doesn't hurt.
  5. The Guardian
    Jun 21, 2012
    60
    Synthetica has the flawless sheen of stainless steel and feels just as workaday, with even the industrial buzz of Artificial Nocturne and Youth Without Youth polished to a characterless gleam.
  6. CMJ
    Jun 14, 2012
    60
    On the whole, there is a lack of connection that makes it hard to qualify Synthetica as an entirely memorable album.
  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jun 15, 2012
    50
    Easy to dismiss, but possible to take seriously if so inclined.
  8. PopMatters
    Jun 12, 2012
    50
    A full-length listen to Synthetica in all its endlessly-restating glory will only do more to hammer home how few tricks the band has up its collective sleeve.
  9. Beats Per Minute
    Jun 14, 2012
    44
    There's a lot of kinda clichéd and heavy-handed stuff.
  10. 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.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 67 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 56 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 67
  3. Negative: 3 out of 67
  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.)… Full Review »
  2. marcmyworks
    Jun 9, 2016
    6
    Metric's 'electronic' album doesn't push the boundaries enough to be anything more than pop music. I was truly disappointed in this release asMetric's 'electronic' album doesn't push the boundaries enough to be anything more than pop music. I was truly disappointed in this release as only half the tracks are compelling. Download: Clone, Youth Without Youth, Dreams so Real… Full Review »
  3. 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.… Full Review »
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