Transatlanticism
by Death Cab for Cutie
  • Record Label: Barsuk
  • Release Date: Oct 7, 2003
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 190 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 172 out of 190
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 190
  3. Negative: 16 out of 190

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  1. LetzTalkMoveez
    Oct 8, 2011
    10
    Probably one of the greatest albums of all time, "Transatlanticism" covers so much ground it hurts. Tracks like "A Lack of Color" and "Tiny Vessels" explore the subtleties of the human connection, while others like "The New Year" and "Transatlanticism" (featuring the greatest lyrics the band has ever written) attempt to summarize entire personalities. It's an album that makes the wordProbably one of the greatest albums of all time, "Transatlanticism" covers so much ground it hurts. Tracks like "A Lack of Color" and "Tiny Vessels" explore the subtleties of the human connection, while others like "The New Year" and "Transatlanticism" (featuring the greatest lyrics the band has ever written) attempt to summarize entire personalities. It's an album that makes the word 'terrific' insufficient in describing its brilliance.… Expand
  2. StJimofSuburbia
    Feb 22, 2011
    10
    Death Cab For Cutie delivers one of the most beautiful albums ever recorded. Each and every song on this album is great. The title track is long, but it is so beautiful you don't notice the length. Ben Gibbard's voice is so beautiful that on the vicious "Tiny Vessels" you barely realize he is breaking up with a girl he utterly despises. The album starts of strong with "The New Year" andDeath Cab For Cutie delivers one of the most beautiful albums ever recorded. Each and every song on this album is great. The title track is long, but it is so beautiful you don't notice the length. Ben Gibbard's voice is so beautiful that on the vicious "Tiny Vessels" you barely realize he is breaking up with a girl he utterly despises. The album starts of strong with "The New Year" and and ends with the tender acoustic ballad "A Lack of Color". Other highlights include "Title and Registration" and "Passenger Seat". This album perfectly show the spectrum that DCFC is able to cover with even the "rock" songs on the album sounding soft because of the bands excellent playing and Gibbard's heavenly voice.… Expand
  3. jimmck9
    Oct 20, 2010
    10
    Brilliant album. It really is flawless, each song flows to the next so nicely. This album got me into death cab and they are now one of my favorites. I love driving at night to this album it takes you to another place
  4. BunifaJ.
    Oct 26, 2003
    0
    Oh what! This aint no rap album. all I could hear wuz some bitches singing some shit about some fotoboofff. Damn dat is nasty ass shit right there.
  5. LachlanW
    Apr 5, 2006
    10
    Although Transatlanticism isn't the best album of all time, it is definitely my favourite. The title track is easily the most heartbreaking song that I have ever heard. Death Cab For Cutie is without a doubt one of the best bands that the world has ever seen (or heard, as the case may be).
  6. andiev
    Jul 2, 2007
    10
    This album is the definition of alternative. its beautifully sad and well thought out, they are the best band apart from coldplay.
  7. MarioG
    Oct 16, 2003
    10
    It's brilliant.
  8. chris
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    Damn near flawless...my pick for album of the year.
  9. sillymofo
    Oct 4, 2003
    10
    Very good. the fades in between tracks, especially from the last to first track, are a nice added touch. i wonder how the SACD version will sound.
  10. AnthonyF.
    Feb 2, 2005
    10
    This is the most amazing album ever! It has wonderful lyrics, melodies, it is perfection! Mellow music, all the songs are awesome!
  11. philn
    Sep 23, 2006
    9
    Transaltlanticism totally kicks the crap out of plans.
  12. SamW.
    Oct 3, 2008
    10
    By far one of the most compelling albums ever to be released
  13. WhitneyH
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    I adore this CD, I listen to it at least once a day. All the lyrics are captivating, and you feel as if you're there with the band. When I listen to this CD, I am spun into this world where no one can touch me, it's the best CD in the world. If you have never listened to this CD, you haven't lived.
  14. yoface
    May 11, 2008
    10
    If you like indie rock, you will love this album. It'll be all you can listen to for at least a week. I will admit that DCFC may be a bit of an acquired taste--but once you have it, or if you already do, you will swallow song after song after song. The music and Gibbard's voice are so perfectly juxtaposed in each song so that each song brings about a certain mood. The ideas in If you like indie rock, you will love this album. It'll be all you can listen to for at least a week. I will admit that DCFC may be a bit of an acquired taste--but once you have it, or if you already do, you will swallow song after song after song. The music and Gibbard's voice are so perfectly juxtaposed in each song so that each song brings about a certain mood. The ideas in each song are so beautifully said, making the lyrics something out of this world. I can't stop listening to this album; the beauty of these songs have yet to dry up for me.… Expand
  15. milesm
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    Just one of those albums where every track is unique.
  16. MichielM
    Aug 30, 2009
    9
    long time since an album cost me more than 10 times to discover and appreciate. That says enough for me. Drums are so creative and full of suspense. And oh, someone mentioned COLDPLAY as a reference, but i truly hate them, WORST and MOST BORING music ever, blegh.
  17. MaxM
    Nov 11, 2003
    9
    Although every track is stunning in its own way, the title track is worth the cost alone. Gibbard has given music fans a great year between this and The Postal Service. Give thanks!
  18. MikeM
    Oct 11, 2003
    10
    Simply their most beautiful album to date.
  19. JohnJ
    Oct 13, 2003
    10
    Amazing.
  20. wilsonk
    Oct 13, 2003
    10
    Best cd ever.
  21. AnthonyP
    Oct 17, 2003
    10
    Lyrics 10.... Music 10.... Production 10... Breathtaking.
  22. CWilson
    Oct 24, 2003
    9
    Amazing from the first listen. The textures and hooks off each song come around with great subtlety, wrapping themselves around you until you can't get away. All tracks are exceptional, although "Death of an Interior Decorator" and the closing track don't reach the same caliber as the other songs. Also, some songs tend to go on longer than necessary with different, multi-layered Amazing from the first listen. The textures and hooks off each song come around with great subtlety, wrapping themselves around you until you can't get away. All tracks are exceptional, although "Death of an Interior Decorator" and the closing track don't reach the same caliber as the other songs. Also, some songs tend to go on longer than necessary with different, multi-layered fade-outs, but this techique helps in transitioning between the unique tone of each song. Simply intoxicating.… Expand
  23. TristanH
    Dec 15, 2004
    10
    This album is a highly addictive mix of emotions and lyrics, the music draws you in like nothing else. I can't get enough of it. I'm listening to it now, and I have been for the last two weeks nonstop. I've tried to find things I don't like about each track, but I end up simply finding more things that are unique and beautiful in each. If I say the music in one is This album is a highly addictive mix of emotions and lyrics, the music draws you in like nothing else. I can't get enough of it. I'm listening to it now, and I have been for the last two weeks nonstop. I've tried to find things I don't like about each track, but I end up simply finding more things that are unique and beautiful in each. If I say the music in one is boring, then the lyrics certainly make up for it. And I can't say any of these tracks have bad lyrics; each one is truly poetry, at times pure genius. The melodies get stuck in your head, and Ben Gibbard's voice is so pure and smooth. If you like The Postal Service then this is a no-brainer. Actually, it's a no-brainer anyway; it's just great music. As one last comment, I'll say I've never heard music match so appropriately to lyrics and emotions and ideas expressed in one song as well as every single track in Transatlanticism does. And on a final final note, I've heard it called a "sleeping pill" but I don't know how you could possibly fall asleep while listening to this... it just provokes too much thought and emotion, even if it is slower and softer than most of the thoughtless noisy rock so prevalent today. … Expand
  24. Trigger
    Aug 12, 2004
    10
    I really can't stop listening to this record. Don't agree that it tails off - I think the final track is one of the best on the record - or that they have "sold out". Some people don't want their favourite band to change or go hi-fi, but DCFC have hit jst about the right note. Production is utterly brilliant too, turns it from a very good record into a stunningly good one.
  25. GrayN
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    This being the best of the Death Cab cd's, I have to give it a 10. From start to finish, Transatlanticism is a masterpiece. Standout tracks include: Tiny Vessels, Title and Registration, New Year, and Lack of Color. By far the best album of 2003.
  26. Awhina
    Dec 29, 2005
    10
    One damn consistently brilliant album from start to finish. Thoughtful lyrics combine with amazing musical compositions to make one hell of a masterpiece. Death Cab for Cutie's finest moment to date... and that's a real accomplishment! Magical moments include Title and Registration, Lightness and Tiny Vessels. Highly recommended.
  27. TonyF
    Feb 2, 2005
    10
    Amazing CD! Highly recommended! You wont be disappointed at all you will love it!
  28. NeilP
    Jul 24, 2005
    10
    An excellent album, the best work death cab for cutie has done, and the best work of 2003.
  29. PeterM
    Aug 19, 2005
    9
    This album is awesome. Ben Gippard's songwriting is the star, and strange as some of the songs are lyricly are, they resonate in a way that is extremely personal. To sum it up- Transatlanticism is a genuine gem. A bittersweet, emotive look at different facets of human nature, pulling no punches, but not content with shoe-gazing. Inspired and inspiring poetic writing. Oh, and the This album is awesome. Ben Gippard's songwriting is the star, and strange as some of the songs are lyricly are, they resonate in a way that is extremely personal. To sum it up- Transatlanticism is a genuine gem. A bittersweet, emotive look at different facets of human nature, pulling no punches, but not content with shoe-gazing. Inspired and inspiring poetic writing. Oh, and the music's not bad either!… Expand
  30. KatlynW
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    I loooooove this album!!! Best album ever! yeah, it might be a little moody, but its beautiful, and so well written.
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Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Album of 2003
22
#22 Most Discussed Album of 2003
22
#22 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Billboard
    90
    Retaining the naked simplicity of 2000's "We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes" while continuing to hone the more lush, hi-fi sound found on 2001's "The Photo Album," the fantastic "Transatlanticism" is full of the lovely melancholy for which Death Cab is known.
    Read full review
  2. E! Online
    100
    Ben Gibbard has a knack for painting scenes of such intimate detail they come off as universal.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    90
    It's their best yet, and that's saying something. [#5, p.100]
See all critic reviews »