The Inevitable End
by Röyksopp
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Q Magazine
    Dec 8, 2014
    80
    It tails off slightly with too much frosted minor chord melancholy and some monochrome male vocalists, but there's nothing to suggest creative exhaustion. [Jan 2015, p.129]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Uncut
    Dec 4, 2014
    80
    The Inevitable End is a bittersweet triumph. [Jan 2015, p.76]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. NOW Magazine
    Dec 1, 2014
    60
    Even though the songs are full of warm analog synths, a strong sense of cold melancholy and anxiety permeates even the most upbeat electro-pop moments.
  5. Mojo
    Nov 19, 2014
    80
    [The Inevitable End] overflows with regret and sorrow. [Dec 2014, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 17, 2014
    50
    It's the sound of a band once introspective but alive, now lost, depressed and completely unavailable.
  7. Pretty Much Amazing
    Nov 14, 2014
    75
    The Inevitable End closes Röyksopp’s career with neither a bang nor a whimper.
  8. Pitchfork
    Nov 14, 2014
    59
    Despite capable guest vocalists, including Robyn herself, it's generally devoted to glossy, bittersweet electronic drifts that are too slow, too long, or too bland to hold interest for 60 minutes, though often unobjectionable in smaller servings.
  9. Consequence
    Nov 13, 2014
    58
    The Inevitable End doesn’t have too much to say that hasn’t already been said either by Röyksopp or their descendants. But when it does hit on something, it screams its lungs dry.
  10. PopMatters
    Nov 13, 2014
    80
    The Inevitable End will never be looked upon as a terribly uplifting experience, but its lyrical content treats heartache, despair, self-hatred, remorse, depression, and the fear of the unknown with utter respect.
  11. Billboard.com
    Nov 11, 2014
    70
    The album builds on the pair's impressive collaborative EP with Robyn, Do It Again, reinforcing that project's themes of legacy, repetition and dedication.
  12. Drowned In Sound
    Nov 10, 2014
    60
    Röyksopp have always married darkness to their beats, but here, across more than an hour, it’s too unremitting to welcome repeat listening.
  13. AllMusic
    Nov 10, 2014
    80
    It's a strong finale in the duo's signature style and whether or not this truly is the end or merely the end of their album era, The Inevitable End sits among the best in Röyksopp's catalog.
  14. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 10, 2014
    60
    The Norwegian duo’s once naive sound has evolved to a smarter, more lyrically resonant electronica, and if it weren’t for a couple of whimsical ballads, this would be a powerful, cohesive goodbye.
  15. DIY Magazine
    Nov 10, 2014
    80
    The Inevitable End accepts its own strengths and faults in one fatal blow, just like any last gasp should.
  16. Slant Magazine
    Nov 10, 2014
    70
    Though the album doesn't skimp on potentially insufferable moments of bottom-lip-biting farewell (the final song is titled "Thank You," after all), the best tracks boast a fiercely renewed energy that suggests Berge and Brundtland still have much more to offer.
  17. Entertainment Weekly
    Nov 7, 2014
    91
    The self-proclaimed final album showcases the best of the duo's trance-y instrumentals, propulsive hooks, and bubbling beats. [14/21 Nov 2014, p.105]
  18. Exclaim
    Nov 7, 2014
    90
    While we wait to see what lays in store for Röyksopp's future, we can be thankful that they've offered us such fully realized package, one that reminds us of the power of the full-length and of what has made them such singular figures in electronic music.
  19. The Guardian
    Nov 6, 2014
    60
    The makers of Poor Leno and Remind Me are recognisably present, but so is the group that creates coffee-table electronica so ennui-laden that one feels the tiredness, boredom and despair descending as one listens.
  20. musicOMH.com
    Nov 6, 2014
    80
    The Inevitable End, whilst more reflective and introspective, is little different. If this is the end of this current stage of the Röyksopp story, it’s a pretty classy way to bow out.
  21. The 405
    Nov 6, 2014
    60
    There are lovely moments on this album, but often they are repeated far too many times and for far too long; it's a fatal mishandling of what could be a lithe and catchy collection of electro-pop.
  22. The Line of Best Fit
    Nov 6, 2014
    90
    This is a stunning record, principally because of its narrative arc and complete cohesion--it's easy to see why they're leaving the traditional format if they've perfected it.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 46
  3. Negative: 2 out of 46
  1. MattCody18
    Jan 25, 2015
    10
    Royksopp have released their best album yet, it's almost fitting that this is their grand finale of the album format. The album itself has atRoyksopp have released their best album yet, it's almost fitting that this is their grand finale of the album format. The album itself has at least 7 instant favorites, with Sordid Affair being my personal spotlight.

    T.I.E is nowhere near perfect, but regardless, in my opinion this album does warrant a 10. At first, I really didn't enjoy the album but after about the 4th replay, I really started to embrace most of the songs for what they really are: a bittersweet lullaby.

    If you've listened to previous Royksopp albums in the past and liked them, I highly recommend listening to The Inevitable End.    … Full Review »
  2. Frikomid
    Nov 12, 2014
    10
    Here they come again. They've put together the best of Junior and the best of Senior in one Double-Album. They even have collaborations withHere they come again. They've put together the best of Junior and the best of Senior in one Double-Album. They even have collaborations with Robyn, Susanne Sundfor and other incredible people who add a great "touch" to their music. I couldn't be more satisfied with T.I.E.… Full Review »
  3. Joffnatic
    Feb 2, 2023
    10
    This album has in the last 6 years never left my rotation. I'll never forget when I first discovered it in late 2016, and it truly changed theThis album has in the last 6 years never left my rotation. I'll never forget when I first discovered it in late 2016, and it truly changed the way I listened to music as a teenager back then.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »