They Want My Soul
by Spoon
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
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  1. Mojo
    Aug 20, 2014
    60
    Produced with Dave Fridmann and Joe Chiccarelli, the album benefits from the former's spacey soundscapes and the latter's commercial sensibility. [Sep 2014, p.96]
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  2. Record Collector
    Aug 12, 2014
    60
    For the most part, though, it’s a hugely enjoyable and very welcome return.
  3. Alternative Press
    Aug 8, 2014
    60
    Call it growing pains for a storied discography, but the result leaves the album feeling unbalanced around the gems and less rewarding over multiple listens. [Sep 2014, p.110]
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  5. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 4, 2014
    60
    It promises much but never quite delivers.
  6. DIY Magazine
    Jul 30, 2014
    60
    The songs are strong--varying from ‘I Just Don’t Understand’’s jazz bar mood-changer to closer ‘New York Kiss’’ emotional farewell--but Spoon can be better than that.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Album of 2014
55
#55 Most Discussed Album of 2014
69
#69 Most Shared Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 145 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 134 out of 145
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 145
  3. Negative: 6 out of 145
  1. buzzlight
    Aug 5, 2014
    10
    They Want My Soul is a modern classic. When the quality of your music is constantly compared to Lennon, Rolling Stones, Bowie and CostelloThey Want My Soul is a modern classic. When the quality of your music is constantly compared to Lennon, Rolling Stones, Bowie and Costello you are doing something right. Tight guitar hooks, sharp lyrics, masterful sound production. Alex Fischell on keyboards adds a new and original dynamic to Spoon on songs like Inside Out and Outlier (like nothing else in the Spoon archive). Songs Rainy Taxi and Knock Knock Knock are like Gimme Fiction on drugs. Rent I Pay and They Want My Soul show they haven't lost their rock roots. Play it loud!… Full Review »
  2. molecular
    Sep 14, 2014
    10
    How do these guys do it album after album? Is there another band this confident and daring? I feel sorry for (or maybe envious, because of theHow do these guys do it album after album? Is there another band this confident and daring? I feel sorry for (or maybe envious, because of the epiphany-like discovery they would have) anyone who likes rock music and hasn't heard Spoon.Easily the best so far this year,… Full Review »
  3. AaronP2187
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    The only word I can think of to describe this album is FLAWLESS. The first time I listened to it I was just waiting for a track that I didn'tThe only word I can think of to describe this album is FLAWLESS. The first time I listened to it I was just waiting for a track that I didn't care for very much, but it never happened. Every single song is so incredibly catchy and unique that it doesn't surprise me that it's been on repeat for the last four days. At a time where there are so many bands that are experimenting and trying to evolve their sound and falling short (I unfortunately have to site The Strokes as one of those bands, despite the fact that they are one of my favorites), Spoon is consistent and very rewarding.

    I'm sure that the next time I sit down and try to compile a list of my favorite ten albums, "They Want My Soul" will have worked it's way into it.    … Full Review »
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