Trans-Continental Hustle
by Gogol Bordello
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Apr 27, 2010
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    79
    Plain and simple, Trans-Continental Hustle is a decent album that seems to rest on the band's multi-national roots and Hutz's Balkan growling to accomplish its goal. And while it's certainly an engaging and inspired exercise, the disc grows awfully weary after about a half-dozen songs.
  2. AllMusic
    70
    There's plenty good here, that's undeniable, but the album lacks the spark to push it forward and place it at the top.
  3. Austin Chronicle
    67
    "Last One Goes the Hope" buoys the middle third atop the bar, placeholder for acousti-punk tango "In the Meantime in Pernambuco," new greatest gauntlet. Penultimate "Break the Spell" doesn't.
  5. Billboard.com
    75
    With the help of heavyweight producer Rick Rubin, Gogol Bordello's major-label debut, "Trans-Continental Hustle," maintains the band's ethno-clash dance party reputation, but with less punk attitude and a more mainstream songwriting approach.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    70
    Over 13 tracks Transcontinental Hustle casts its spells, a record that fairly howls at the moon.
  7. Filter
    78
    Though Hutz might be out of whack, this album is surely no loser.
  8. Los Angeles Times
    88
    Hutz has said that Rubin encouraged him to focus on his songwriting as opposed to the band's frantic live show, and "Hustle" bears out that claim with catchier melodies and more slogan-ready lyrics.
  9. musicOMH.com
    80
    Rick Rubin has shaped their songs, smoothing down some of their rougher edges, but the end result is as rich and diverse as ever, helping them fulfill their musical mission with more focus, yet without compromising their eccentricity or their trusted formula.
  10. Pitchfork
    64
    Results are mixed--"Sun Is on My Side" offers lovely accordion and a weary, haunting refrain, but the midtempo "Uma Menina Uma Cigana" feels flat and perfunctory, while the lugubriousness of "When Universes Collide" actually undermines Hutz's harrowing, poverty-tinged lyrics.
  11. PopMatters
    80
    For all the lyrical skepticism in these songs, the music is too damned exuberant to worry too much. If anything, the relentless tempos and sheer energy of the band might wear you out before you get to the end of the hour-long record.
  12. Prefix Magazine
    85
    Like all Gogol Bordello albums, Trans-Continental Hustle is instantly enjoyable, but even more lyrical and musical layers emerge on repeat listens that show you just how smart and (simple) Gogol Bordello can be.
  13. Q Magazine
    80
    There's a human message: No matter where you are, the party's what you make of it. [Jul 2010, p.124]
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  14. Rolling Stone
    70
    Everyone is on point: Accordion and fiddle rock as hard as guitars and drums; rhythms from Brazil (frontman Eugene Hutz's new home) blend with breakneck Eastern European dances and D.C.-style hardcore.
  15. Spin
    70
    It's no Super Taranta!, but Hutz's minor-key odes to erotic revolution and cosmic evolution still pack a heady, sweaty punch.
  16. The A.V. Club
    83
    While Hustle isn't a breakthrough on par with If I Should Fall From Grace With God, it's certainly one step closer.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Tutulux
    Aug 10, 2013
    8
    In my opinion, the least inspired album of Gogol Bordello, but yet fantastic. They're style is unique and explosive and they're melodies areIn my opinion, the least inspired album of Gogol Bordello, but yet fantastic. They're style is unique and explosive and they're melodies are so motivating and energetic that you just can't judge their creations! Why? Because their songs may be a little bit repetitive? Because is too noisy? Because their style is a little bit "sloppy"? C'mon, it's just their way of being, they express themselves as they really are! That's a fact that not many musicians can tell!… Full Review »
  2. BradleyBondage
    Dec 23, 2011
    10
    Great album, great band! Every time I listen to one of their songs I fall in love with this music all over again! When they tour again I hopeGreat album, great band! Every time I listen to one of their songs I fall in love with this music all over again! When they tour again I hope to go see them live from what I've heard they're even better!… Full Review »
  3. MCEJB
    Jan 1, 2011
    10
    This album stretched a little far from the punk part of Gypsy Punk, and we are curious about what we are about to see. But Immediately weThis album stretched a little far from the punk part of Gypsy Punk, and we are curious about what we are about to see. But Immediately we realize that we love this album just as much as the past albums. As the first song on the album, "Pala Tute," is a love song to a girl, I think the album is Eugene Hutz's love ode to the place and experiences he has seen and had in his new home.… Full Review »
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