The Terror
by The Flaming Lips
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
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  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 21, 2013
    60
    It's still awesome, of course, just don't expect to enjoy it. [May 2013, p.85]
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  2. Record Collector
    Jun 4, 2013
    60
    There’s nothing to dislike about their creeping dread, but it’s hard to engage with it.
  3. PopMatters
    Apr 15, 2013
    60
    It turns out the emotions here are real, but conveyed through a deeply (and cleverly) contrived performance.
  5. American Songwriter
    Apr 9, 2013
    60
    The Flaming Lips return with one of their most challenging, yet cohesive records to date.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 1, 2013
    60
    The Terror is by no means a bad record. It's just the low that comes with the highs.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    Apr 23, 2013
    50
    Artists from Radiohead to Liars have explored this territory already, and better. [19/26 Apr 2013, p.112]
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  8. Boston Globe
    Apr 16, 2013
    50
    It flat-out confounds.
  9. Chicago Tribune
    Apr 15, 2013
    50
    It sounds like it was made by the last survivor on a dying planet, a final transmission from an underground bunker.
  10. Under The Radar
    Mar 26, 2013
    50
    The Terror is a record that feels high on concept, but short on songs. [Mar-Apr 2013, p.92]
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Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Most Discussed Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 66 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 66
  3. Negative: 2 out of 66
  1. MooziikMaster
    Apr 16, 2013
    9
    The first time I heard this album, I thought to myself, "Yup, that's weird". After the second and third listen, I understand why the album isThe first time I heard this album, I thought to myself, "Yup, that's weird". After the second and third listen, I understand why the album is called "The Terror". It's a scary album. It's just so dark and depressing that you just love it that much more. There is no light at the end of the tunnel... only more darkness. My dad told me that one of the songs made him feel like the world was about to end. So, if you're into the happier, lighter side of The Flaming Lips (like in Yoshimi or even The Soft Bulletin), you may go into shock listening to this album. The highlights are: "The Terror", "You Are Alone", and "Turning Violent".… Full Review »
  2. Vampire25
    Aug 21, 2013
    4
    What. A disappointment. The Flaming Lips, prior to this record, made three back to back albums that I fell in love with and still listen toWhat. A disappointment. The Flaming Lips, prior to this record, made three back to back albums that I fell in love with and still listen to today. I understand the band and primarily Wayne Coyne are growing older, but I don't understand the complete shift in their sound, especially one this depressing and glum. How sad and terrified could Wayne Coyne be? This record is an awful acid trip and I guess me being in the minority did not find many values to enjoy in this album. Wayne sounds hlf dead and the band hardly put any effort in it. While their previous records sounded bombastic and very theatrical, The Terror sounds too restrained, something that seems great on paper but executed very sloppily.

    All In All, The Terror is The Flaming Lips' weakest release I've heard, but in a slight way shows their maturity clearly coming through. I just hope it's done well next time. C-    … Full Review »
  3. alfalfalaffa
    Jun 23, 2015
    9
    After an intense listening session, my lips feel rather flaming and raw, but it was totally worth it. Not everyone will be crazy enough toAfter an intense listening session, my lips feel rather flaming and raw, but it was totally worth it. Not everyone will be crazy enough to enjoy it, but I found it wasn't so terror-ble.… Full Review »
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