The Will To Death
by John Frusciante
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    80
    This is undoubtedly a stronger effort than Shadows Collide, and maybe that's due to [Frusciante's] ability to just let the music fly instead of attempting to overwork things.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    It's all very simple, organic and, best of all, easy on the ears. [Oct 2004, p.140]
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  3. Pitchfork
    74
    As another impressive portion of his potent '04 output, Will to Death's immediacy and quality should quiet the critics-- particularly those who pegged his early solo records as the work of a narcotics pain-train washout.
  5. Mojo
    70
    Stirring but sombre stuff. [Aug 2004, p.86]
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  6. AllMusic
    70
    There's almost nothing in the way of guitar heroics and it's far from groundbreaking, but fans of darkly personal skewed pop should enjoy Will to Death.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    Zooming sheets of spacious wind-tunnel prog and raw, solo-spattered soul. Commercially, it's suicide. [26 Jun 2004, p.55]
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  8. Q Magazine
    60
    Contains some potentially highly commercial music, were it not for the underwhelming production. [Sep 2004, p.118]
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  9. PopMatters
    60
    The Will to Death is an existential song cycle that finds Frusciante more dedicated to the "song" than ever before -- and even though the record isn't exactly perfect, his unwavering desire to create and explore, to cut an album and move on to the next pending project, is admirable and easy to appreciate.
  10. Stylus Magazine
    50
    His intention here was to create something unpolished and free of studio edits, acting as contrast to Shadows. His result, unfortunately, reeks of squandered potential.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. pinkenigma
    Sep 14, 2017
    10
    The way Frusciante uses music to express feelings and perspectives is unique, and on that album art is manifested in its pure form. One of theThe way Frusciante uses music to express feelings and perspectives is unique, and on that album art is manifested in its pure form. One of the records that definitely changed my life.… Full Review »
  2. Efren
    Sep 25, 2011
    10
    It makes me cry, every single note is full of passion, this man is not joking. His life is music. John Frusciante is my favorite composer ofIt makes me cry, every single note is full of passion, this man is not joking. His life is music. John Frusciante is my favorite composer of all time. These songs are perfect for a rainy day, perfect for the heart that is in love, perfect for the ear that wanna hear some of the beauty that can be created with a guitar and a voice that goes deep in your feelings. Just listen to it and let you go!… Full Review »
  3. JonathanB.
    Jan 28, 2009
    10
    Perfect.
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