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.
  31. YuriK
    Jun 25, 2004
    8
    Good Music, Deep Lyrics. However it can't be compared to the 'Mer de Noms' quality. Almoust a Masterpiece!
  32. StevieJ
    Jun 12, 2004
    10
    Beautiful i love Pet I love APC
  33. sarahw
    Jun 2, 2004
    10
    a different stroke for good ole' Maynard, but definatly one thats gonna make people spooge... if not, than youve got some impatency problems.
  34. breed.
    May 19, 2004
    9
    its not mer de noms-but its still amazing and just as gorgerous, even if it is about drug-abuse!!
  35. talsin
    May 6, 2004
    10
    I took awhile to grasp the meaning... but once I found it. I couldn't stop.
  36. BrianJ
    Mar 27, 2004
    10
    The best album of the year!
  37. BrianJ
    Mar 27, 2004
    10
    The best album of the year!
  38. RyanM
    Mar 24, 2004
    10
    awesome
  39. theo
    Jan 26, 2004
    10
    cd is sick. A Perfect Circle is an ill band.
  40. AshLeeS
    Dec 15, 2003
    10
    I think this is by far the most political album Maynard has put out. He always has a lot of soul in his songs but the Thirteenth step just hits right to my heart with all the problems and fears we are all facing today. He is a voice for our generation.
  41. MahaliaR
    Dec 8, 2003
    9
    My boyfriend and my sister are always all, "Ah, you've got to listen to Maynard, he's sooo good..." blah blah blah. For the last couple years I just resisted because it all seemed to mainstream to be any sort of alternative I'd like, and I'm more of a ska person. But... yes but... when I did finally start giving it a chance, first liking Mer de Noms, then a bit of My boyfriend and my sister are always all, "Ah, you've got to listen to Maynard, he's sooo good..." blah blah blah. For the last couple years I just resisted because it all seemed to mainstream to be any sort of alternative I'd like, and I'm more of a ska person. But... yes but... when I did finally start giving it a chance, first liking Mer de Noms, then a bit of Tool, Thirteenth Step hit me pretty hard. Maynards soft voice combined with disturbing lyrics just sticks in your brain and kind of twists you into a pretzel from the inside out, in a pleasant way if you can imagine such a thing. (?) Anyway, I think this album was a breakthrough in music itself, and I think it was a lovely expression far beyond what Maynard becomes for Tool. The only reason it's not a 10 is there's no brass LOL j/k… Expand
  42. mmmhmmm
    Dec 6, 2003
    10
    yummi
  43. JasonO
    Dec 5, 2003
    9
    This is certainly a CD that requires multiple listens. if you're expecting another Mer De Noms, be ready for disappointment. a great concept album, with a pretty harrowing description of what drug use, and eventual rehab and recovery, is like. ratings for CD's like these are really subjective anyway. there's no arguement that the production value is amazing, or that these This is certainly a CD that requires multiple listens. if you're expecting another Mer De Noms, be ready for disappointment. a great concept album, with a pretty harrowing description of what drug use, and eventual rehab and recovery, is like. ratings for CD's like these are really subjective anyway. there's no arguement that the production value is amazing, or that these guys are all incredibly talented. it becomes a matter of some people getting it, and some not. So listen to it for yourself, and make your own judgement. … Expand
  44. TrickyGotMeIn
    Dec 5, 2003
    9
    Just Ignore The Smoke And Smile
  45. missdistress
    Dec 3, 2003
    10
    more than most expected
  46. Dave
    Nov 29, 2003
    10
    Perfection...both this CD and Mer De Noms never cease to satisfy...the only problem is trying to figure out which one is better.
  47. RyanB
    Nov 26, 2003
    10
    This CD definitely diserves a 10. Maynard is so in depth with his songs. He manages to put out great albums every time. All i can say is keep it up I will always be a fan.
  48. RafaelA
    Nov 14, 2003
    10
    this album is by far one of james best work and even though i still prefer tool a perfect circle take #2 on my list of favorites
  49. ChrisG
    Nov 12, 2003
    9
    This album is just stunning! MJK has once again out done himself. If it weren't for the tracks Vanishing, Crimes, and Lullaby, I would have given it a 10. This is definately one of my all time favorite albums. Every time I listen to it I am in awe at the fact that Maynard can fill songs such as The Noose and The Outsider with such emotion without having to scream. Thankyou Maynard, I This album is just stunning! MJK has once again out done himself. If it weren't for the tracks Vanishing, Crimes, and Lullaby, I would have given it a 10. This is definately one of my all time favorite albums. Every time I listen to it I am in awe at the fact that Maynard can fill songs such as The Noose and The Outsider with such emotion without having to scream. Thankyou Maynard, I am forever in your debt.… Expand
  50. mariop
    Nov 8, 2003
    10
    it is the best album sence mer de noms
  51. matth
    Nov 4, 2003
    9
    i think this album is definatley a step in the right direction. people may have trouble listening to it because the rhythms at the beginning of each song aren't superior pleasant. however they setup the pre-climactical journey of each song individually. in a since i think the whole album is some what of a tease, especially to those fans who enjoy apc's heavier songs. i look at i think this album is definatley a step in the right direction. people may have trouble listening to it because the rhythms at the beginning of each song aren't superior pleasant. however they setup the pre-climactical journey of each song individually. in a since i think the whole album is some what of a tease, especially to those fans who enjoy apc's heavier songs. i look at this cd as foreplay and not a tease. it's got everything i need.… Expand
  52. JayW
    Nov 3, 2003
    10
    Another cd to add to the rare collection that the skip track button is uneeded.
  53. Ricardo
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    This is a masterpiece as good as Mer de Noms, Aenima and Lateralus....
  54. WickedRapunzel
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    WOW!!! Maynard does it again... His lyrics and soul shine through yet again... His talent and musical genious is so obvious in eveything from APC and TOOL..
  55. wackyman
    Oct 17, 2003
    8
    A perfect cirlce's second attempt sounds more like the cure's disintegration, than it does to Tool. still, great album
  56. MichaelC
    Oct 16, 2003
    7
    I've never been a huge Tool or A Perfect Circle fan. Aenima was the only Tool album that ever stuck out to me, and I avoided APC altogether, as I was very unimpressed with their live show (opening for NIN in 2000). Ultimately, I did end up listening through the first one and finding it slightly more entertaining than the live performance. So, is this album an improvement over the I've never been a huge Tool or A Perfect Circle fan. Aenima was the only Tool album that ever stuck out to me, and I avoided APC altogether, as I was very unimpressed with their live show (opening for NIN in 2000). Ultimately, I did end up listening through the first one and finding it slightly more entertaining than the live performance. So, is this album an improvement over the first? Yes and no. In my opinion it is much more enjoyable as a whole, but it lacks the kind of powerful songs that pushed the first album ("3 Libras", "Judith", etc.). I recommend it to Tool/APC fans (and there are a ton of you guys) as well as rock listeners looking for a little variety. Personally, I passed.… Expand
  57. RickS
    Oct 16, 2003
    3
    Well what can i say about Thirteenth Step, well for one, its generally dull, very boring and not at all what i expected.. Although i liked the first album(which wasn't that great but still good) I found that a perfect circle is somewhat trying too hard...Alot of the songs on thirteenth step are very weak, some songs come off as if they were trying to make the band a Mainstream TOOL, Well what can i say about Thirteenth Step, well for one, its generally dull, very boring and not at all what i expected.. Although i liked the first album(which wasn't that great but still good) I found that a perfect circle is somewhat trying too hard...Alot of the songs on thirteenth step are very weak, some songs come off as if they were trying to make the band a Mainstream TOOL, which for me(yes me) is repetitive and doesn't work.. The band itself is not really finding there style, songs like the outsider, weak and powerless, and gravity seem to have its own sound, but the rest of the album does not have a sense of uniqueness.... I really wanted to like this album(borrowing it from my friend countless times) but in the end i could only listen to prob 2 or 3 songs which i got tired of pretty off quickly, some songs were just too boring and somewhat annoying to listen through...The music doesn?t build like so many tool songs(yes i know there two different bands) and No i'm not tool freak.. While Maynard is very good on the vocal standpoint, the guitar riffs and bass was shallow, i did enjoy the work of the drums though.. Overall its like what Michael said " Between this album and Mer De Noms, you have one great album.. But I think its listen -able AT BEST… Expand
  58. KartikP
    Oct 14, 2003
    10
    Flawless.....they have created another master piece.
  59. jeffr
    Oct 3, 2003
    7
    not as lyrically complex as maynard's other albums, with much more repetition of verse, and honestly this is rather disappointing. still a very enjoyable album, and the high points are incredibly high ("Pet" is probably the most likely to stand out in one's mind, along with the single "weak and powerless" and the very tongue in cheek "the nurse who loved me") but not the same not as lyrically complex as maynard's other albums, with much more repetition of verse, and honestly this is rather disappointing. still a very enjoyable album, and the high points are incredibly high ("Pet" is probably the most likely to stand out in one's mind, along with the single "weak and powerless" and the very tongue in cheek "the nurse who loved me") but not the same calibur as the previous CD, nor the more recent TOOL albums. i hate to say it, but there are three tracks that i just skip over every time i play the CD. vanishing, crimes, and lullaby are largely without lyrics, and are not in my opinion instrumentally impressive. on the first listen they're cool, but afterwards they just break the flow and turn an already short 12-song CD into a 9 song one, feeling mostly like filler. its a good cd, but its not great, and that is unfortunately very disappointing.… Expand
  60. JackieP
    Oct 3, 2003
    10
    neverless
  61. forkyou
    Oct 3, 2003
    6
    meh
  62. PaulM
    Oct 2, 2003
    8
    not as immediate as mer de noms, then again, i'd be dissapointed if it was. A very textual and moody album that really needs a few listens to let it grow...
  63. Raventhird
    Oct 2, 2003
    10
    This is the most amazing CD i heard in 2003, although i'm listening to at least 5 to 10 new records in a week for my job. A dark and powerful Prog-Rock classic.
  64. Raventhird
    Oct 2, 2003
    10
    This is the most amazing CD i heard in 2003, although i'm listening to at least 5 to 10 new records in a week for my job. A dark and powerful Prog-Rock classic.
  65. nealm
    Oct 1, 2003
    10
    gorgeous
  66. (::)
    Sep 28, 2003
    10
    I admit that the music of tool and a perfect circle is an aquired sound but for those who like it, this CD is awesome and a must buy.
  67. christoiphern
    Sep 27, 2003
    4
    Turn on any clearchannel radio station, and this could be on.
  68. kimv
    Sep 27, 2003
    10
    they've done it again.....touched my soul with beautiful, meaningful melodic, painful emotion. i can't get enough of this disc.
  69. MichaelR
    Sep 25, 2003
    6
    Half of the album is good, the other half forgettable, much like Mer De Noms, but without any songs as good as De Nom's Orestes, 3 Libras, Rose, and Bena. It's funny, between this album and Mer De Noms, you have one great album.
  70. heatherm
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    i dont care what any of you critics say, this CD is the bomb, it's so beautiful and really good wake up/go to sleep music. maynard has yet to steer me wrong
  71. scofft
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    one of the greatest things i have ever heard. a must buy for any music fan.
  72. aggelosg
    Sep 24, 2003
    10
    beautifully haunting and atmospheric. more radiohead than tool.keenan is the man.
  73. EricY
    Sep 23, 2003
    9
    Another fantastic album. The more I listen to it, the more I love it. How can you not? Maynard rules and so does this album.

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 »