The Great Destroyer
by Low
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jan 25, 2005
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Alternative Press
    60
    A whole that's less than the sum of its parts, a bittersweet pill that's best taken in small doses. [Feb 2005, p.88]
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  2. Playlouder
    60
    Whether this is an album that actually suits them is another matter, but it actually makes them feel entirely relevant and, for as prolific a decade-old band, that’s high praise indeed.
  3. Pitchfork
    55
    If this album is indeed the beginning of a long, arduous journey of rediscovery and rebirth and other fun ponderous stuff, here's hoping the rest of the trip is more enjoyable than this initial misstep.
  5. Tiny Mix Tapes
    50
    Half a good album, half disastrously wrong.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best Album of 2005
80
#80 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 38
  3. Negative: 3 out of 38
  1. Ricko
    Jul 23, 2012
    8
    Here Low make more noise than usual, delivering a gloomy but classy rock record. Opener "Monkey" has a bass line that reminds me of SmashingHere Low make more noise than usual, delivering a gloomy but classy rock record. Opener "Monkey" has a bass line that reminds me of Smashing Pumpkins "Bullet With Butterfly Wings". The upbeat "California" follows and we're wondering is this really a Low record. The rock continues as the album progresses but we do get some more of the traditional Low sound. The final 3 tracks do a great job in closing off the album - "Pissing" being one of the records highlight. At times the tempo dies a bit and it could have been trimmed by 2 songs, but overall it's really good stuff here.… Full Review »
  2. Electric_Face
    Sep 14, 2010
    10
    Recently got my hands on this album and can safely say it is one of the best things I've heard in years, it's saddening but uplifting in a wayRecently got my hands on this album and can safely say it is one of the best things I've heard in years, it's saddening but uplifting in a way The Arcade Fire could only do, but with two guitars and an upright drum kit. I know I'm five years too late to try look hip by enjoying Low, but hell, when it's this good punctuality doesn't matter.… Full Review »
  3. MoL
    Feb 22, 2006
    10
    One of my favorite albums, and by far the best album of the year.
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