The Empyrean
by John Frusciante
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 62
  3. Negative: 5 out of 62

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  1. Damascusrose
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    This is my favourite album of all time, every single moment of it is just beautiful and filled with meaning and emotion for me. It's absolutely incredible on so many levels, from musicality and catchiness to lyrics and theme. This is just a perfect album, deserving of an 11 if I could rate it that. I've never experienced more of a complete work of art, and I doubt I'll love any album in myThis is my favourite album of all time, every single moment of it is just beautiful and filled with meaning and emotion for me. It's absolutely incredible on so many levels, from musicality and catchiness to lyrics and theme. This is just a perfect album, deserving of an 11 if I could rate it that. I've never experienced more of a complete work of art, and I doubt I'll love any album in my lifetime as much as I love this one. I even like it more than Funeral by Arcade Fire, and that album is genius.… Expand
  2. lazyarmy
    Nov 16, 2012
    9
    A fantastic album, you can feel the emotion in every lyrics and every pluck of his guitar. Great artist, and I look forward to him putting out albums similar to this one.
  3. [Anonymous]
    Aug 25, 2009
    2
    It's always sad when one of our heroes fails. Maybe one good song on the whole thing. Never thought JF would be capable of this. I think he's just getting too comfortable in his life.
  4. AndrewA
    Feb 21, 2009
    5
    I love John Frusciante, but I think this record is the weakest link in his discography.
  5. ELIName
    Feb 14, 2009
    8
    In This Album , John Frusciante show that he can write more than pop-rock songs (like RHCP) , Even if sometimes , there are some weaks moments , it's a good album.
  6. Brian
    Feb 16, 2009
    9
    The one thing you can always say about a Frusciante album is that he is true to himself. That is ever so evident on this album. You could also say that his perspective on music and what makes it great changes from album to album. His perspective in this case is that music itself is a medium through which one can ascend to the highest point in heaven, a place in which sounds collide to The one thing you can always say about a Frusciante album is that he is true to himself. That is ever so evident on this album. You could also say that his perspective on music and what makes it great changes from album to album. His perspective in this case is that music itself is a medium through which one can ascend to the highest point in heaven, a place in which sounds collide to achieve something that is almost divine.… Expand
  7. KarineL
    Feb 19, 2009
    9
    This is really one of my favorite album so far. The major thing, his voice improves a lot... It's amazing ! This is the album with the more quality that he ever done. I'm down on my knees.
  8. NateB
    Apr 4, 2009
    10
    I waited months for this to come out, and I wasn't one percent disappointed with the outcome that this album presents to the listener. If I could have, I would've given this album an 11.
  9. LEmmy
    May 22, 2009
    9
    "...sounds like a collection of Chili Peppers demos." After 26 years and 9 albums you would think John Lewis (uncut) would know what the peppers sound was.
  10. PetorG
    Feb 15, 2009
    7
    Enjoyable but significantly less ambitious than Shadows Collide With People, which is what made that album so completely enjoyable.
  11. LG3
    Feb 17, 2009
    9
    This is yet another beautiful, complex, inspiring effort from John Frusciante. Just about his entire solo catalog is fantastic, this has a less "rock out" moments and more mellow, mixing elements. John says "its an album for listening at night with the lights down". I think that's about right.
  12. jamieh.
    Jun 28, 2009
    9
    Fantastic! So many layers to his music....brilliant!
  13. christplatt
    Dec 29, 2010
    9
    By far his most accomplished work, his cover of Buckleys song for the siren is beautiful. First track is more than a bit drawn out but is still a good showcase for his brilliant guitar work. For me its all about unreachable, one of the best tracks ive heard in years, from any artist.
  14. winterhombre
    Jan 29, 2014
    10
    Sublime. Critics should learn how to do their jobs "This album sounds like Chili Peppers demos" Stupid and inaccurate argument.
    PD: I wrote a longer and more detailed review but metacritic's error advised popped...
  15. juliawein
    Jun 16, 2016
    10
    It's really rare thing, when a full album is worth to listen to. Even Floyds couldn't got it))
    but the Empyrean is really great! Frusciante sounds more like himself, not like "funky" peppers and it's great.
    I've discovered not long ago John's music, started from this album, and consider it to be one of the most perfect albums at all.
  16. pinkenigma
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    A contemporary masterpiece full of experimentalism, psychedelia and reflections on elements of our existence. The concept and the energy are transcendental.
  17. jonathanrivera
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    One of my favourite albums. Frusciante best solo work. From the amazing intro, a Great cover to songs full of passion and heart.
  18. TomekDarda
    Mar 17, 2018
    9
    In my mind it's a great artist's take on the construction of the universe since it's conception till the end. Glorious.

    Favourites: Before the Beginning, Song to the Siren, Central
  19. Squark66
    Mar 9, 2019
    10
    When this came out I had waited years for it, having gone from a rhcp fam to just a John fan, this is the perfect album. The greatest work of art in history.
  20. matheusvenanc
    Jan 9, 2021
    10
    My top album of all time. Such a beautiful concept so well delivered, and bold choices of sounds. These reviews of PopMatters and Uncut are a real shame, how can someone say this looks like RHCP's demos? Not judging music tastes, but it has so much NOTHING to do with that.
  21. SolaireMengao
    Mar 17, 2022
    10
    Best John Frusciante album. He's reached his peak of songwriting, showing everything he feels and believes with powerful words and beautiful harmonies and melodies.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Most Discussed Album of 2009
47
#47 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. AllMusic
    70
    Frusciante has done a nice job of carving an identity completely separate from his main gig, and Empyrean fits nicely with his other solo albums.
    Read full review
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    John Frusciante has carved out a parallel world as a solo artist over a series of intensely personal and brilliantly realised albums. His 10th, The Empyrean, is his most ambitious to date.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    40
    While this album may mirror some type of personal imaginative journey for the listener, the truth is it is just too dreary and self-indulgent to endure in its entirety.
    Read full review
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