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Uptown Special
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Uptown Special Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 85 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length release for the singer/producer was co-produced with Jeff Bhasker and features guest appearances from such artists as Bruno Mars, Mystikal, Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, Stevie Wonder, and Andrew Wyatt. The lyrics come from an unlikely source: novelist Michael Chabon.
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Top Track

Uptown Funk
Doh Doh doh doh, doh doh doh Doh doh Doh doh doh, doh doh doh Doh doh Doh doh doh, doh doh doh Doh doh Aaaaaow! This shit, that ice cold Michelle... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. The A.V. Club
    Jan 13, 2015
    91
    Without sacrificing authenticity, Ronson has created an accessible, pop-friendly, and undeniably sexy collection of funk and R&B.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Jan 20, 2015
    80
    Rarely entering the realm of pastiche, in all, this makes for a brilliant, ageless album.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Jan 26, 2015
    80
    Throughout the album Ronson plays the role of puppet master to an impressive collection of musical talent.
  4. Slant Magazine
    Jan 14, 2015
    70
    Stax-style guitar figures and bass walks undergird most of the songs, yet Chabon's peculiar imagery and Ronson's use of the occasional drum machine and synthesizer keep Uptown Special from sounding either like an earnestly literary concept album or a kitschy imitation of Ronson's favorite records from the not so distant past.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jan 20, 2015
    70
    Uptown Special is Ronson’s moment of absolution: you can try to hate it, but in the end, as with all the best pop music, resistance is futile.
  6. Pretty Much Amazing
    Jan 23, 2015
    67
    Uptown Special exhibits a long-playing cohesion missing from his prior output. The sense of free-wheeling fun, however, is largely absent with the exception of the record’s funky A-side trifecta.
  7. No Ripcord
    Feb 24, 2015
    40
    Somehow, because Uptown Funk is so, so good, Uptown Special is even more disappointing.

See all 31 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 3 out of 15
  1. CiphirSol
    Jan 13, 2015
    10
    Compelling and funky, the tracks that stand out the most to me are the one's featuring Tame Impala's Kevin Parker. His guest-spots give meCompelling and funky, the tracks that stand out the most to me are the one's featuring Tame Impala's Kevin Parker. His guest-spots give me insight into what an Impala funk album would be about, and let me tell you, it's glorious.… Expand
  2. cipriano
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    Bringing together great singers of many styles, and making versatile album with 80s footprint is risky, but Mark knew how to work this in aBringing together great singers of many styles, and making versatile album with 80s footprint is risky, but Mark knew how to work this in a mature producer form and totally knowing what is done. The album has its dynamic and great sound, flow very well within your ears. You go from a good world to an even better world. Impeccable!… Expand
  4. thaleslucas
    Mar 5, 2015
    9
    This is a great album that brings us back a good old R&B mixed with a little bit of Funk and Soul/Jazz. I really didn't understand why manyThis is a great album that brings us back a good old R&B mixed with a little bit of Funk and Soul/Jazz. I really didn't understand why many people hated it ... You know, sometimes we just have to feel the music and not examine whether it's a fad or not.… Expand
  5. Mab_987
    Jan 25, 2015
    8
    While it's pretty obvious what the biggest standout on the album is (and deservedly so), Uptown Special is a consistently really fun,While it's pretty obvious what the biggest standout on the album is (and deservedly so), Uptown Special is a consistently really fun, enjoyable record that revives classic sounds with the great songwriting & production to keep it from being a mere throwback novelty.

    (For a more in-depth review, look up "Spin It Reviews" on YouTube)    … Expand
  6. Nicoswift
    Mar 1, 2015
    8
    Mark never give your quality in yours productions and in this album not is different. The retro in album making her so attractive andMark never give your quality in yours productions and in this album not is different. The retro in album making her so attractive and intelligent, introducing the listener on another world. though have many songs with a bad lyric, this no intervenes highly.

    notable songs: I Can't Lose, Uptown Funk, Daffodils    … Expand
  7. BrandonTrotter
    Jan 17, 2015
    7
    Mark Ronson is still a great producer it's just that all these songs lyrically are not that great but the production is strong and that isMark Ronson is still a great producer it's just that all these songs lyrically are not that great but the production is strong and that is what I like about Ronson and it did not have that well known features which I like.… Expand
  8. RickyReviews
    Feb 19, 2016
    0
    And here we have it: Wannabe '80s music in the 21st century. Tsk tsk tsk. Uptown Funk is perhaps the biggest mistake I have ever heard. IAnd here we have it: Wannabe '80s music in the 21st century. Tsk tsk tsk. Uptown Funk is perhaps the biggest mistake I have ever heard. I rarely give 0's, but this album truly deserves it. 0/10… Expand

See all 15 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Most Discussed Album of 2015

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