Think Tank
by Blur
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: May 6, 2003
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. CultureDose.net
    60
    Think Tank is an uneven album that only those with a very open mind and a big love for the band will be able to stomach.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    For an album called Think Tank, this muddled retread seems awfully short on ideas. [9 May 2003, p.75]
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  3. AllMusic
    40
    Sure, it might be easier to accept if it was called a Damon Albarn solo album, but that's splitting hairs. A lousy album is a lousy album, no matter who gets credit.
  5. Blender
    40
    The Coxon-less Blur seem half a band, adrift in a loopy, moody head cold. [May 2003, p.115]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best Album of 2003
40
#40 Most Discussed Album of 2003
28
#28 Most Shared Album of 2003

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 118 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 118
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 118
  3. Negative: 4 out of 118
  1. OhRly
    Aug 13, 2012
    10
    Don't let Metacritic fool you, this is nowhere near Britpop. Anyway, it's amazing for Blur's last album (for now that is, we'll see in theDon't let Metacritic fool you, this is nowhere near Britpop. Anyway, it's amazing for Blur's last album (for now that is, we'll see in the future). Interesting, odd, tender, touching, are some of the few words that can describe this magnificent album.… Full Review »
  2. DaveS
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    Think Tank, while a little weird in that every track is completely different from the last, doesent have a bad song on it. I'll Think Tank, while a little weird in that every track is completely different from the last, doesent have a bad song on it. I'll definetly be hoping for Graham to come back though.… Full Review »
  3. DementedBySpace
    Feb 15, 2013
    10
    With Coxon departing the band to pursue his own solo career, blur were left to focus on Albarns weird influences, but what end product canWith Coxon departing the band to pursue his own solo career, blur were left to focus on Albarns weird influences, but what end product can those influences deliver. Think tank sounds quite nothing like blurs early material with African, hip hop, electronic, experimental melodies enriching their music as a whole, while the britpop is abandoned completely. The sounds can even picture those early to mid 20th century films who take place deep down the ocean with people wearing those underwater helmets presented well by Banksy on the albums artwork. Even though the music is filled with melancholy, it can still put a smile on your face especially while lying in the sun and discovering all the beauties of the world and your own mind through it or being in nature emptying the previously mentioned mind from useless thoughts. The adventure begins with ambulance and ends with a battery in your leg, which is the only track with Coxon contributing. Without any further ado, we should agree that putting Albarn in full control was the best thing that could have happened to blur as it has taken them to the musically higher level. With songs like brothers and sisters, on the way to the club, caravan and more, blur have shown and highlighted the direction in which Albarn has departed while keeping the bands sound recognisable. That sound filled with water associations can make your tears come down, drowning anything you've heard so far and making it one of the best albums of the last decade.… Full Review »
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