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The Understanding Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

  • Summary: The duo's second album is far more vocal-oriented, and darker, than their debut.

Top Track

What Else Is There?
It was me on that road But you couldn't see me Too many lights out, but nowhere near here It was me on that road Still you couldn't see me And then... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 31
  2. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Sophomore set of the century, near enough.
  2. Under The Radar
    90
    An immersive experience that has unexpected turns and deep emotions at the core of every song. [#10, p.114]
  3. Even more melodious, lush and seductive than... Melody AM.
  4. Paste Magazine
    70
    Perfect for a top-down ride to the beach. [Aug/Sep 2005, p.115]
  5. By turns frantic and tired, jittery and soothing.
  6. Uncut
    60
    More conservative than 2001's Melody AM, with little of the twinkling, yodelling mania that distinguished them from their late-night-friendly peers. [Aug 2005, p.103]
  7. Mojo
    40
    Too much of it passes by easily, leaving little lasting impression. [Aug 2005, p.101]

See all 31 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. NikolaiNikolai
    Feb 26, 2006
    10
    A change from Melody A.M and a step forward to "the electro cult icon" that Ryoskopp becames with "The Understanding!!!"
  2. VladA
    Jul 28, 2005
    9
    Losin faith in metascores because of this record. Obviously some reviewers didn't give this one enough listens because it is impeccable. Losin faith in metascores because of this record. Obviously some reviewers didn't give this one enough listens because it is impeccable. Dense instrumentation with magnetic hooks. Real good stuff. Better than Melody AM. Expand
  3. Manjero
    Apr 8, 2008
    9
    This under appreciated gemstone of an album by Royksopp is another great addition to your electronic collection. Unlike Melody A.M., The This under appreciated gemstone of an album by Royksopp is another great addition to your electronic collection. Unlike Melody A.M., The Understanding takes on a more dreamy, majestic aura, which can easily rival to A.M.'s greatness. This new, welcoming light doused onto The Understanding magnifies the mystical nature that is Royksopp. Expand
  4. salomey
    Sep 2, 2005
    8
    it's an interesting affair this one like most albums i think it's a bit too long and it doesn't grab my interest the entire it's an interesting affair this one like most albums i think it's a bit too long and it doesn't grab my interest the entire duration of the disk then again i couldn't really mention a weak spot i will refrain comments on whether it's innovative or not if only because i don't care about innovation i won't be able to hear the aspects of innovation of this album in 2009 anymore anyway and i will still play this album then because of the strong melodies and far above standard production Expand
  5. Jun 18, 2012
    8
    Honorable Mention for obscure sounds such as Sombre Detune and What Else Is There? (which has beautiful vocals of Karin Dreijer Andersson),Honorable Mention for obscure sounds such as Sombre Detune and What Else Is There? (which has beautiful vocals of Karin Dreijer Andersson), and for the most chill-out-oriented songs, such as 49 Percent and Beautiful Day Without You. A really interesting work. Expand
  6. AngieM
    Aug 3, 2005
    6
    I have heard better... You get this GarageBand finish idea on a few songs, it seems as though they did not go too deep into things. They I have heard better... You get this GarageBand finish idea on a few songs, it seems as though they did not go too deep into things. They shouldn't be that scared to go further. Otherwise one or two good things. I miss the freshness of Melody A.M. Expand
  7. Mobius
    Jul 29, 2005
    3
    This album just sounds like some real poor euro trash. this reson for this comment is that after listening to Melody A.M. which is a This album just sounds like some real poor euro trash. this reson for this comment is that after listening to Melody A.M. which is a fantastic album full of unique tunes and every single track on it is just awsome, you would expect more of the same on there next album, Well NO this album is full of euro lyrics every track is one long bore. gone are those chill out tunes and gone are those happy rifts no more poor leno this album was a complete waist of money. I mean when you like a group u like them because of the style of music they do and after there melody a.m. album i thought this would be almost as good how wrong i was. on the plus side the CD does make a great coffie coaster Expand

See all 19 User Reviews