The Hypnogogue
by The Church
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. AllMusic
    Mar 3, 2023
    90
    Few bands of their day, and especially those of the post-punk '80s, are as consistent as the Church at writing songs that sound like more sophisticated and mature versions of their classic material.
  2. PopMatters
    Mar 1, 2023
    90
    Whether calming you with lush numbers like “Aerodrome” and “The Coming Days” or tickling the edges of your mind with “Thorn”, the result is another stunning record, no matter who’s pulling or plucking the strings.
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    May 2, 2023
    80
    That The Church remain so vigorous and vibrant is a delightful surprise indeed. [Jun 2023, p.75]
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  5. Dusted Magazine
    Mar 1, 2023
    80
    The Hypnogogue is anything but minimalist. It starts with a big concept, adds dramatic, room-filling rock arrangements and extends for over an hour. And yet, there are very few intervals where you wonder if things might have been better if they were shorter or more pared back. The Church is going out with a bang, not a whimper, and we’re lucky to be here to hear it.
  6. Uncut
    Mar 1, 2023
    80
    The Hypnogogue is like every other Church album, and nothing quite like any of them; both statements are intended as compliments. [Apr 2023, p.26]
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  7. Glide Magazine
    Mar 1, 2023
    80
    Needless to say, long-term fans of this band should find The Hypnogogue a boon to their devotion. But it’s also true this latest work would function effectively as an introduction to this rock and roll institution from Down Under.
  8. Under The Radar
    Mar 23, 2023
    75
    The Hypnagogue reaffirms why this band have been held in high esteem for so long, as the swashbuckling former single “C’est La Vie” and pensive “Thorn” in particular beam with a radiant glow that emits throughout the entire album.
  9. American Songwriter
    Apr 25, 2023
    70
    On The Hypnogogue, the quintet creates fluid moods, moving in idiosyncratic directions while maintaining the shadowy gaze that has defined The Church’s style. Still, a few more songs like the relatively pop-oriented “C’est La Vie” would help elevate and energize the album by varying its consistency.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Album of 2023

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Neshelie
    Aug 21, 2023
    7
    The album started very well, wobbled a bit in the middle and got a bit boring towards the end. Still, it's a good album.
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