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. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. MarioG
    Oct 16, 2003
    10
    It's brilliant.
  4. chris
    Oct 21, 2003
    10
    Damn near flawless...my pick for album of the year.
  5. 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.
  6. 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!
  7. SamW.
    Oct 3, 2008
    10
    By far one of the most compelling albums ever to be released
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. milesm
    Jun 20, 2008
    10
    Just one of those albums where every track is unique.
  11. MikeM
    Oct 11, 2003
    10
    Simply their most beautiful album to date.
  12. JohnJ
    Oct 13, 2003
    10
    Amazing.
  13. wilsonk
    Oct 13, 2003
    10
    Best cd ever.
  14. AnthonyP
    Oct 17, 2003
    10
    Lyrics 10.... Music 10.... Production 10... Breathtaking.
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. TonyF
    Feb 2, 2005
    10
    Amazing CD! Highly recommended! You wont be disappointed at all you will love it!
  20. NeilP
    Jul 24, 2005
    10
    An excellent album, the best work death cab for cutie has done, and the best work of 2003.
  21. 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.
  22. CarlosC
    Dec 29, 2006
    10
    Great Album, great lyris, great sound.
  23. LiviaH
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    Translucent and shimmering.
  24. IanB
    Jan 12, 2007
    10
    Death Cab's most complete album - can't believe someone said there's some filler on it - there absolutely isn't and there are about 9 contenders for best track.
  25. KayD
    Feb 12, 2008
    10
    If my heart could write songs, They'd sound like these.
  26. PaulM
    Jun 26, 2008
    10
    Definitely the bands masterpiece. So many standout tracks.
  27. GuillaumeF
    Mar 25, 2009
    10
    Best album ever, that's all I can say about Transatlanticism.
  28. JoyBethM
    Oct 24, 2003
    10
    These guys just can't miss. They are incredible!
  29. nichs.
    Oct 28, 2003
    10
    The secret to falling in love with this album is to find something or someone to attach it to. Once you do that, the beauty inherent in all the lyrics and melodies begins to make sense, in that daydreamy way. A truly gorgeous album.
  30. dcfcfan
    Dec 23, 2005
    10
    I thought I should say that this album is the best album I have ever heard. It has changed so much for me. All the songs are great, they're delicate, mature, catchy, and I fell in love with death cab because of this album. you have to listen.
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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 »