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. 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. The Boston Phoenix
    Jun 8, 2012
    100
    Less polished than its predecessor, 2009's Fantasies, Synthetica brings all the varied influences and styles together in perfect synchronization.
  3. Magnet
    Jun 14, 2012
    80
    A spotlessly produced, classic alt-rock album that recalls Garbage's golden age. [No.88 p.58]
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  5. 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.
  6. AllMusic
    Jun 11, 2012
    80
    That Metric were able to follow up their best record with another just as good is quite an achievement, hopefully something they will do again and again.
  7. NOW Magazine
    Jun 8, 2012
    80
    Their combination of new wave coldness and glam rock glitter is a formula that works well, and Haines has a genuine talent for walking the line between tough-girl swagger and fragility.
  8. 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.
  9. Los Angeles Times
    Jun 12, 2012
    75
    Metric's lyrical concerns are increasingly philosophical, and the band grapples with big questions with earnestness.
  10. Blurt Magazine
    Jul 3, 2012
    70
    With nearly each track including a mesmerizing hook or chorus that slowly permeates your subconscious - "Clone" and "Breathing Underwater" leap out from the pack in this regard - Synthetica is a solid album.
  11. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 25, 2012
    70
    On their fifth album there's a newfound clarity in the production that provides an added dimension to their tunes.
  12. BBC Music
    Jun 18, 2012
    70
    It seems that the band still have plenty to say, and the means to say it well.
  13. Consequence
    Jun 14, 2012
    70
    Synthetica is also the latest in a series of Metric albums whose greatness comes in moments, rather than being fully actualized.
  14. Boston Globe
    Jun 13, 2012
    70
    Synthetica affirms what fans have loved about Metric: If the formula isn't broken, don't fix it.
  15. Under The Radar
    Jun 13, 2012
    70
    They are just as edgy as they always have been. And grounded in the truth, their songs are only getting better.
  16. Pitchfork
    Jun 12, 2012
    70
    Synthetica is something of a polemic, but Haines' moments of ambivalence are what make the record compelling.
  17. Rolling Stone
    Jun 12, 2012
    70
    The effect is of a lucid dream world.
  18. Alternative Press
    Jun 8, 2012
    70
    It's certainly a progression for Metric, but it's an evolution whose emotional honesty--and sonic depth--are rewarding and affecting. [Jul 2012, p.94]
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  19. 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.
  20. Prefix Magazine
    Jun 18, 2012
    65
    Even with the highlights, there remains a feeling of paralysis on Synthetica that's reflected in the uneven tracklist.
  21. Filter
    Jun 15, 2012
    62
    This unbalanced album is both the most and least fun you'll have all year.

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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