• Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: May 15, 2020
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. May 28, 2020
    80
    Nguyen has always had a handle on taking atypical musical paths and somehow turning them into mellifluous passages. The combination you may not have seen coming though is the confessional mixed with a prevailing sense of calm, that somehow sounds best when Temple is cranked to the rafters.
  2. May 19, 2020
    80
    Temple captures the band’s unique melding of styles: Asian with American, hip hop with rock, analog with digital, off-kilter with hummable. The band’s influences are combined not as a precise recipe, but as an experimental alchemy that rewards in unexpected ways.
  3. May 19, 2020
    72
    More than any time prior, it feels we’re getting the true human being that is Thao on Temple, offering her every thought, rather than letting another take her words from her. However, for the more casual listener, the musical barbs and purposeful roughly-hewn nature of the music might prove to be a bit of a barrier. With the inherent vulnerability of the words here, however, perhaps that’s just the blanket the band needed.
  4. Uncut
    May 22, 2020
    70
    The result is park reckoning and part explosive joy, as the band lean further into the hip-hop side of their influences. [Jul 2020, p.36]
  5. May 19, 2020
    70
    While the bulk of the album may be less infectious than that tune ["How Could I"] or the record's defiant predecessor, Temple's wonky mix of pop, rock, and hip-hop hooks remains engaging and recognizably theirs.
  6. May 19, 2020
    60
    For each song where the more minimal sonic approach comes up short, there are places on Temple where it succeeds.
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Aug 21, 2020
    10
    9.5/10
    Thao is tragically underrated, especially having a long career behind her. This album is tremendous. It explores pop, electronic,
    9.5/10
    Thao is tragically underrated, especially having a long career behind her. This album is tremendous. It explores pop, electronic, funk, rock, and a whole lot of psychedelia. This is the definition of musical art, having such a unique presence and experimental songs. Yet, the songs are very pleasant and catchy and it surprises me that they're not viral. The only reason the album loses half a point is because the first half is perfect, but the second half of the album is slightly more lackluster. Obviously, it's not much since the rating is so high as it is, but I feel like the tracks could have been rearranged a bit.

    ALBUM ARTWORK: The cover features Thao Nguyen in a powerful, yet curious pose, looking up into the sky. She's being circled by the neon album title, reflecting beautiful blue and purple neon light onto her face. The background is dark and cloudy, giving an ominous presence. Overall, the artwork greatly represents the curiosity and experimentation of the album, pioneered by the musical auteur, Thao Nguyen.
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