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The Altar
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The Altar Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 199 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release for the Los Angeles-based artist features contributions from Tim Anderson, Al Shux, Sohn,
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Top Track

Mind Games
I foresee it's true, that you would love me better If I couldn't screw All your moves that make me wanna run away But I got stuck with faulty legs I... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Sep 30, 2016
    98
    Overall, this is unmistakably a Banks album, so if you've liked anything she's done so far, this is definitely worth checking out. Despite some of the shifts described above, her darkness is still there, and it is still equal parts inviting and off-putting.
  2. AllMusic
    Sep 29, 2016
    80
    Banks packs enough energy and zeal at the starting line to duly lay waste to whoever was foolish enough to break her heart.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 30, 2016
    80
    Banks is perfectly comfortable in her own skin and artistic abilities, and it shows immensely on The Altar.
  4. No Ripcord
    Sep 30, 2016
    70
    From Gemini Feed’s bold awareness, to 27 Hours’ electrifying finish, The Altar is an accomplishment. There’s much more happening, but its tighter and fuller, filling in the most glaring gaps left by Goddess.
  5. PopMatters
    Oct 5, 2016
    60
    The high points of The Altar are nearly perfect, but these are outnumbered by a massive middle section comprised of unremarkable, uninspired filler.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 3, 2016
    60
    Strip away the tics and production fidgets and these songs aren’t hugely distinctive--they lack the arresting weirdness of artier peers such as FKA twigs.
  7. Pitchfork
    Oct 12, 2016
    51
    The Altar has a lot in common with Goddess, including its fatal flaw: its attempts to position Banks as edgy or dangerous, despite all musical evidence to the contrary.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. primadonnr
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    felizmente um dos melhores albuns do ano não esperava menos da dona do alternativo um album com instrumentais maravilhosos e vocais fortes. asfelizmente um dos melhores albuns do ano não esperava menos da dona do alternativo um album com instrumentais maravilhosos e vocais fortes. as favs sao mother earth, gemini feed e trainwreck. merece + de 80… Expand
  2. gagaeb12
    Oct 29, 2016
    10
    Охуенный альбом мне очень нравится обожаю смотреть как это няшка забивает гвозди на жопаннОхуенный альбом мне очень нравится обожаю смотреть как это няшка забивает гвозди на жопанн
  4. gabrielfobia
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    The album sounds much more expansive than its predecessor, in addition BANKS explores in tracks like "Trainwreck" and "Poltergeist". ThisThe album sounds much more expansive than its predecessor, in addition BANKS explores in tracks like "Trainwreck" and "Poltergeist". This album is vibrant, is dark and is an incredible work by a fiery woman.… Expand
  5. diamandiss
    Feb 26, 2018
    10
    Não acredito que nunca ouvi esse álbum antes, é simplesmente maravilhoso. Minha favorita é F*** With Myself mas todas as músicas são ótimas, aNão acredito que nunca ouvi esse álbum antes, é simplesmente maravilhoso. Minha favorita é F*** With Myself mas todas as músicas são ótimas, a Banks merece mais reconhecimento.… Expand
  6. Oscales
    Nov 3, 2022
    10
    6 years later and this album still holds up super well! It’s a staple album for BANKS for sure, songs on here was even ripped off by Zedd6 years later and this album still holds up super well! It’s a staple album for BANKS for sure, songs on here was even ripped off by Zedd (without the credit). If you’re going to listen to a BANKS album, it’s going to be this one… Expand
  7. Paranormal
    Jul 25, 2017
    9
    Агрессивный, тёмный, дикий, но в то же время сексуальный, чувственный и томный. Именно такие слова приходят в голову после прослушивания. ЕёАгрессивный, тёмный, дикий, но в то же время сексуальный, чувственный и томный. Именно такие слова приходят в голову после прослушивания. Её личный дневник, который уже она читает слушателю. Открыта ко всему. Чувствуется, как она меняется с каждой новой песней. Никакой стеснительности, никакого молчания. Люблю ***… Expand
  8. markosaric
    Nov 2, 2019
    6
    BANKS does what she does best with a new album of haunting ballads, but most of the songs on the last leg sound like things we've alreadyBANKS does what she does best with a new album of haunting ballads, but most of the songs on the last leg sound like things we've already heard before.… Expand

See all 24 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed Album of 2016
99
#99 Most Shared Album of 2016

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