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The Battle at Garden's Gate
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The Battle at Garden's Gate Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 89 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release for the Michigan rock band was recorded with producer Greg Kurstin.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Variety
    Apr 16, 2021
    85
    “The Battle at Garden’s Gate” achieves the rare feat of being absolutely hilarious and also one of the best straight-up rock albums to come down the pike in many moons — and anyone who thinks it can’t be both just isn’t in on the joke.
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Apr 14, 2021
    80
    Showcases an undeniably more varied sonic palette, even if that just means there are more classic bands that its 12 songs remind you of. [May 2021, p.84]
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Apr 19, 2021
    80
    Greta Van Fleet has taken full advantage of their moment. They've cleaned up the mistakes of their first album, fleshed out their atmospheres into some truly lush and breathtaking territories, doubled down on their heavy rock edge, and crafted something that is far better than it has any right to be. Bask in it without feeling any shame.
  4. Rolling Stone
    Apr 14, 2021
    60
    While Greta Van Fleet excel at erecting houses of the retro-rock holy, they struggle a bit at the basics - like memorable songwriting, and especially lyrics. [Apr 2021, p.72]
  5. AllMusic
    Apr 15, 2021
    60
    More Geddy Lee than Robert Plant, Josh Kiszka commands attention then alienates; his wail is the weak link in a group who is getting better at their period-accurate cosplay.
  6. Clash Music
    Apr 15, 2021
    50
    Hemmed in by their own ambitions, ‘The Battle At Heaven’s Gate’ is an oddly contradictory experience, one that finds Greta Van Fleet truckin’ on up a one way street.
  7. PopMatters
    Apr 14, 2021
    30
    Most artists, though, recognize the necessity to steal creatively, combining unlikely influences to make something close to novel. Greta Van Fleet, though, seem to lack even a passing familiarity with the last four decades of recorded music. Despite all the talk of artistic growth, the band have really only moved on from I to IV.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. Kydos93
    Apr 16, 2021
    10
    Taking it up a notch and kicking ass. Technical excellence, brilliance and keeping me coming back for more
  2. STBFatman
    Jun 2, 2021
    10
    Brilliant album. I haven't had a song land in my top three for over a decade - Built by Nations landed at number two the second I heard it.Brilliant album. I haven't had a song land in my top three for over a decade - Built by Nations landed at number two the second I heard it. Critics seem to complain this band is not original, yet fawn over derivative and tedious bands in other genres. This is real classic rock, and is technically magnificent. Why can't it just be brilliant at what it is? Can't stop listening to this album.… Expand
  4. S0LiD
    Apr 16, 2021
    10
    Album of the year? I say YES, and best Greta Van Fleet album so far. I enjoyed it so much!
  5. Simmy04
    Apr 29, 2021
    9
    Haters gonna hate. I don’t care about the Led Zep comparisons what I care about is one of the most powerful voices for decades & fantasticHaters gonna hate. I don’t care about the Led Zep comparisons what I care about is one of the most powerful voices for decades & fantastic musicianship- we should embrace talent like this. Some great epic & rousing choruses make for my favourite album of 2021 so far.… Expand
  6. nanuco29
    Apr 23, 2021
    9
    To me this is the first real Greta Van Fleet album. They’re finally beginning to craft a sound of their own. Not that their early stuff wasTo me this is the first real Greta Van Fleet album. They’re finally beginning to craft a sound of their own. Not that their early stuff was bad, it was just very similar sounding to Led Zep. I think if Battle At The Garden’s Gate had been their first one, there may have been some talk of the singer sounding like Robert Plant but musically I hear Rush and even Pink Floyd, along with garage rock. It definitely would not be the hatefest we see now from so many. I’m looking forward to hearing future music as they continue to mature and evolve. Overall it’s a great album.… Expand
  7. Ouwesok
    Oct 11, 2021
    9
    Its a masterpiece. Cant wait to see these guys live. My prediction is there gonna be BIG!!
  8. DrBlahBlah
    May 16, 2021
    0
    unbearable pastiche of far greater bands which should really sue them for copyright infringement - and for assaulting their ear drums...

See all 31 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Most Discussed Album of 2021

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