Thirteenth Step
by A Perfect Circle
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Sep 16, 2003
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 143 out of 158
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 158
  3. Negative: 8 out of 158

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  1. Thai_sen
    Jan 18, 2022
    10
    A Perfect record!
    MJK on his peak, beautiful riffs and an amazing basssound!
    This Album creates a beautiful but also melancholical vibe.
  2. je117
    Jan 13, 2022
    9
    Some of the music on this album is really outstanding. As in some of the best heavy rock music ever produced (Vanishing, Gravity). Other tracks are very, very good (The Package, Weak and Powerless, The Noose, Pet). The problem is the rest are either filler (Blue, Crimes), kind of irritating to listen to because they don't fit with the style of the other tracks (The Nurse Who Loved Me,Some of the music on this album is really outstanding. As in some of the best heavy rock music ever produced (Vanishing, Gravity). Other tracks are very, very good (The Package, Weak and Powerless, The Noose, Pet). The problem is the rest are either filler (Blue, Crimes), kind of irritating to listen to because they don't fit with the style of the other tracks (The Nurse Who Loved Me, Lullaby), or reminiscent of other tracks (A Stranger is very nice but the melody is very similar to The Package). The Outsider and A Stranger are tracks I would say are good but not great.

    Putting aside the individual tracks for a moment to look at how the album works as a whole, I would say well but not perfectly. The songs are tied together by the theme of addiction and many of them explore this theme very poignantly. The mood of the music fits the meaning of Maynard's words eerily well. Musically, though, not all of the tracks fit with the overall mood of the album. The greatest offender here is The Nurse, but also Lullaby which seems to be a rather naive attempt at Trip Hop.

    Objectively, Thirteenth Step probably deserves an 8 but because some of the songs on here are just so damn amazing, I give it 9.    … Expand
  3. Mellowry
    Aug 18, 2021
    9
    Really amazing, probably their best album to date. A song like 'Weak and Powerless' has a great atmosphere, awesome vocals, various catchy sounds... So to speak for the rest of the album, which has good variety, being a little monotone here and there rarely. Really good!
  4. Newfoundland
    Oct 5, 2014
    10
    This album is amazing. Every song has so much meaning and depth to it and they all sound and feel amazing. A Perfect Circle's best album completely...
  5. ThePotnoodleBoy
    Jun 21, 2014
    7
    A semi solid prog metal album but nothing in comparison with the likes of Tool. Nevertheless, Pet is a fantastic song and shows the skill that this band has.
  6. killingxspree
    Feb 27, 2014
    10
    If any album ever should get the attention of anyone who has ever had a problem, this is the one. The whole album is about the overcoming of struggle of drug abuse. Drug abuse can be interpreted into many different things in life. This album has helped me so much though out the years, and still does. I feel this is APC's best work. I am very grateful for this album. I made an account justIf any album ever should get the attention of anyone who has ever had a problem, this is the one. The whole album is about the overcoming of struggle of drug abuse. Drug abuse can be interpreted into many different things in life. This album has helped me so much though out the years, and still does. I feel this is APC's best work. I am very grateful for this album. I made an account just to express this. Thank you! Take a listen, close your eyes, and fix yourself :)… Expand
  7. MarcusMarcus
    Apr 10, 2013
    3
    Musical its boring, unimaginative radio rock. Much less inspired than Keenan's work with Tool. The lyrics can be pretty ridiculous at times too. You might as swell just listen to their debut.
  8. Midge115
    Apr 14, 2012
    8
    One of the best albums I've ever listened to. A Perfect Circle is my favorite band, and this is arguably their best album. Only Mer de Noms could be considered better. It's a great mix of soft rock (The Noose) and all out metal (Pet). The album also has underlying tones that can be perceived in different ways. The songs almost tell a story when listened to in order, one after the other. MyOne of the best albums I've ever listened to. A Perfect Circle is my favorite band, and this is arguably their best album. Only Mer de Noms could be considered better. It's a great mix of soft rock (The Noose) and all out metal (Pet). The album also has underlying tones that can be perceived in different ways. The songs almost tell a story when listened to in order, one after the other. My only problems with it are that The Package drags on too long and The Nurse Who Loved Me is just terrible and it doesn't fit with the rest of the album (besides story wise). I don't think Maynard was ready to make a love song yet.… Expand
  9. NC_Hantrell
    Dec 2, 2011
    7
    Such an amazing album, with tracks such as Blue, The Noose and Pet the ones which really stood out for me in this album, It's certainly an alternative to Tool, but you'd never know they were related to each other if you heard any of them for the first time.
  10. j30
    Sep 22, 2011
    8
    A very good album with a dark atmosphere and rock tunes that'll kick your teeth in. They definitely built off their awesome debut Mer de Noms with great tracks like 'Weak and Powerless', 'The Outsider', and 'The Nurse Who Loved Me'.
  11. 25lateralus
    Sep 25, 2010
    10
    usually when i first listen to keenans work, it takes a few listens before it leaves a lasting impression. not w/ 13th step, it immediately reeled me in. this album trudges through thick and thin addiction, suicide, and everything around and in between. but it also leaves you with a positive message of hope and satisfication, w/ the last song on the record titled, "gravity" a song aboutusually when i first listen to keenans work, it takes a few listens before it leaves a lasting impression. not w/ 13th step, it immediately reeled me in. this album trudges through thick and thin addiction, suicide, and everything around and in between. but it also leaves you with a positive message of hope and satisfication, w/ the last song on the record titled, "gravity" a song about humbleness and healing from your mistakes & diseases. "i choose to live" - mjk.… Expand
  12. Treima
    Sep 23, 2010
    10
    It's hard to objectively review an album that launched several of my favorite songs of all time and pretty much defined my years as a young adolescent, but it's still just as good as it was seven years ago. Haunting lyrics combined with bittersweet melodies results in a sound that isn't just "Tool Lite" but carves its own trail.
  13. BrandyH.
    Jan 9, 2009
    10
    I love this album because that song the noose reminds me of one of my good friends that had to move away ,he had me to listen to this song man do I miss him! I want that song on my myspace profile but I can't figure i out.
  14. SpacemanS.
    Dec 8, 2008
    8
    Excellent album, ambiant and at the same time, full of power and energy.
  15. JesJ
    Oct 16, 2008
    10
    Awesome record!
  16. JM.
    Sep 2, 2008
    10
    No album has a line-up of "perfect" songs, and this album does not achieve that. However, between brilliant vocals, lyrics, musicianship, mood-setting, and poignancy, this is most definitively my vote for the best album in the last twenty years, bar none.
  17. lk
    Dec 27, 2007
    9
    Great Album! Love it.
  18. johns
    Jan 16, 2007
    10
    one of my top 10 albums of all time. giving stiff competition 2 my other beloved albums from the likes of tori,jeff buckley and depeche m. what a voice! what a bunch of extraordinary good and honest songs! what a gem! a must.
  19. brankl
    Dec 26, 2006
    10
    Very good album. Almost ties Mer De Noms but still not as good.
  20. killsexy
    Jul 7, 2006
    10
    the girl in Weak and Powerless video is so sexy. What is her name???
  21. zachc
    May 18, 2006
    10
    When I hear people talk about how similar Tool and A Perfect Circle are, it angers me. though they are cut from similar threads, A Perfect Circle has gone far and away from what Tool has become. Thirteenth step flows, like poetry or romantic language, it's melodies are etheral and serenly dark. Tool is mathematical, they are calculated and deliver either upon a hammer's stroke When I hear people talk about how similar Tool and A Perfect Circle are, it angers me. though they are cut from similar threads, A Perfect Circle has gone far and away from what Tool has become. Thirteenth step flows, like poetry or romantic language, it's melodies are etheral and serenly dark. Tool is mathematical, they are calculated and deliver either upon a hammer's stroke or a delicate segue. Thirteenth Step is one of the most amazing albums I've ever heard, lyrically brilliant, musically mastered and deep in spiritual reflection. Maynard proves that this is not a side project, nor just an offshoot of Tool, APC on this album defines themselves as something else entirely. Where Mer De Noms was a beautiful precursor to something upcoming, This album proved to be a progressive and emotional masterpiece. Just as Tool may have reached their musical zenith with Lateralus, I doubt whether A Perfect Circle can eclipse what they produced with Thirteenth Step. All in all, it's a damn brilliant effort by one of the best rock bands today.… Expand
  22. nicr
    Jan 26, 2006
    10
    OMG!!! Maynard captures soft but painfully melodic sounds in songs like weak and powerless. His voice has the amazing ability to go from soft to heavy in a hearbeat which is what really makes this album the best yet. Songs like vanishing, crimes and lullaby which were lacking lyrics gave off the emotinal side of the song. Much better than Mer De Noms which was also awesome... It took me a OMG!!! Maynard captures soft but painfully melodic sounds in songs like weak and powerless. His voice has the amazing ability to go from soft to heavy in a hearbeat which is what really makes this album the best yet. Songs like vanishing, crimes and lullaby which were lacking lyrics gave off the emotinal side of the song. Much better than Mer De Noms which was also awesome... It took me a few listens to really get into it but i cannot stop listening now.... APC's dvd AMOTION has maynard explaining wat sum1 of the songs meanings are.. once i heard this i listened to the songs in a whole new way.. it just blew my mind.... I know this is a long review but i cannot express enough how perfect this album is.. 5 star… Expand
  23. GaborA
    Jun 20, 2005
    8
    Struggles to be 50 minutes long. What is actually here though is very solid. Infinitly better than mer de noms.
  24. jao
    Apr 12, 2005
    7
    pretty solid. i'd rather listen to mer de noms.
  25. brandonh
    Dec 23, 2004
    10
    this album is incredably amazing. Maynard is a genius, his lyrics are amazing. Mer de noms was amzing and so is this one!!!
  26. Lissa
    Nov 9, 2004
    10
    I repeat... absolutley mindblowingly awesome!
  27. Grey
    Nov 6, 2004
    10
    Great Album. Had More of a Tool sound than the first.
  28. InakiSA
    Oct 27, 2004
    10
    BEST ALBUM I've heard for years
  29. Hannah
    Oct 16, 2004
    8
    APC's sound has progressed on from 'Mer de Noms'. On Thirteenth Step they have raised the notch on the intensity and somewhat 'atmospheric' vibe. Although there is something almost 'magical' about the first album I think this album showcases the bands music and song writing abilities better. Key tracks; Blue and The Noose
  30. AndruC
    Jul 7, 2004
    10
    each of these talented musicians have brought a new perspective to the meaning of emotion for me personally. Such a small price to pay for such a deep atmospheric masterpiece, and for the last time...APC is NOT Maynards SIDE PROJECT, it is a creation which can be credited just as much as prior projects, discluding Tapeworm.
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Awards & Rankings

17
#17 Most Discussed Album of 2003
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Launch.com
    80
    By muting Tool's over-the-top attack, Keenan has more time to devote to deepening the textures throughout.
    Read full review
  2. Rolling Stone
    70
    Sounds more like the dusky thrum of Disintegration-era Cure than it does any of the members' previous bands.
    Read full review
  3. Spin
    50
    It's more cerebral than aggressive.... A derivative effort that makes Keenan sound less talented than he actually is. [Oct 2003, p.105]
See all critic reviews »