Trouble Maker
by Rancid
  • Record Label: Epitaph
  • Release Date: Jun 9, 2017
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Alternative Press
    Jun 16, 2017
    100
    They care not a whit about market share, EDM remixers or having annoying YouTube stars and/or rappers guest on their sessions, choosing instead to light up psychic votive candles for Joe Strummer, Desmond Dekker and Lemmy in order to capture the very same spirit those artists conjured all those decades ago.
  2. Record Collector
    Aug 17, 2017
    80
    Trouble Maker is up there with their best.
  3. Consequence
    Jun 16, 2017
    75
    There’s no formal breakthroughs on Trouble Maker beyond the astounding economy, unless you think the harmonica on “Buddy” or Clash-goes-“Ring of Fire” chords on “Telegraph Avenue” makes this the band’s folk-punk album.
  5. Pitchfork
    Jun 16, 2017
    73
    While Trouble Maker doesn’t usurp the band’s primordial peak, it’s far and wide their strongest effort since 2000’s excellent self-titled.
  6. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jul 17, 2017
    70
    From the ‘na-na-na’s of Telegraph Avenue to the fist-in-the-air anthem Make It Out Alive and the arena-sized chorus of Farewell Lola Blue, this album is a solid reminder of what Rancid are capable of.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    Jun 20, 2017
    70
    Trouble Maker is a return to force for Rancid< and is the musical equivalent of a football team winning a major trophy after years in the wilderness and the absolute elation that comes with that. However there is a downside. ... Rancid could have released Trouble Maker at any point since they began.
  8. Magnet
    Jul 18, 2017
    60
    This is an honest and harmless record that isn't trying to be anything but the summer 2017 soundtrack for middle-aged males operating, patronizing or loitering within tattoo/piercing emporiums everywhere. [No. 144, p.59]
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  9. Kerrang!
    Jul 5, 2017
    60
    Rancid don't do anything new here, but they sound more fired-up than ever. [1 Jul 2017, p.51]
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  10. PopMatters
    Jun 22, 2017
    50
    Trouble Maker is more of the same; retreads of staid ideas, sounds and themes better suited to teenage ennui.
  11. AllMusic
    Jun 16, 2017
    50
    Like their disappointing 2014 album ...Honor Is All We Know, Trouble Maker is the sound of a band going through the motions, telling the same stories over and over, bashing out the same riffs, and ultimately not connecting any punches.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 2 out of 7
  1. Ripper36
    Jun 10, 2023
    8
    I have to say that i was up in the air about Troublemaker at first but after a few listens i really enjoy what Rancid has put up this time.I have to say that i was up in the air about Troublemaker at first but after a few listens i really enjoy what Rancid has put up this time. Honor is all we know was good but this dials it up a bit. There are a couple of filler tracks i will have to say and i would liked to hear more from Lars but Tim puts up some strong stuff. Thx Rancid for keeping it strong over the years, Great album!… Full Review »
  2. Livy
    Jul 12, 2017
    2
    Same old stuff. If one song was exceptional, even if it was the 'same old stuff', I would have given it a higher rating. Sadly... no. VerySame old stuff. If one song was exceptional, even if it was the 'same old stuff', I would have given it a higher rating. Sadly... no. Very disappointing. Sad to see one of my favorite bands going through the motions. Punks now posers.… Full Review »
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