Villains
by Queens of the Stone Age
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Aug 25, 2017
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 28, 2017
    60
    It’s a bold, fun gamble, and one with ample winnings.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    Aug 22, 2017
    60
    Villains isn’t a terrible record, but it’s not a fantastic record either, and that’s perhaps the least kind thing that could be said about new material from a band which we’ve come to expect a lot from.
  3. Under The Radar
    Aug 25, 2017
    50
    It'll be of concern to Queens purists that Villains pulls from sounds that expired a decade ago and beyond. Dwelling on better times of a bygone era is a fundamental pillar of escapism, but it's disconcerting when one of the most uncompromising, forward-thinking bands in the rock pantheon leans so heavily on what worked in the past that they forget that the onus is on them to innovate.

Awards & Rankings

28
#28 Most Discussed Album of 2017
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 233 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 180 out of 233
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 233
  3. Negative: 21 out of 233
  1. lennycliff123
    Aug 25, 2017
    3
    I don't care what the critics say, for me Villains is a major disappointment! When it was announced that the album was going to be a poppier,I don't care what the critics say, for me Villains is a major disappointment! When it was announced that the album was going to be a poppier, more danceable record I was intrigued. As a fan of EODM I thought this could be a great change of direction. What we've got instead are 9 mostly forgettable songs that outstay their welcome long before the end.

    Easily the worst QOTSA record to date in this fans opinion.    … Full Review »
  2. antmolly1995
    Aug 25, 2017
    3
    Homme and Co. really need to go back to the drawing board. I love the fact that no two QOTSA albums sound the same, that they experiment withHomme and Co. really need to go back to the drawing board. I love the fact that no two QOTSA albums sound the same, that they experiment with different sounds. Villains however is just plain boring and after repeated listenings fails to make any lasting impression with me. Hugely disappointing.… Full Review »
  3. GMTM
    Aug 25, 2017
    2
    I feel like I'm missing something. The critics all seem convinced that this is a huge success but to me it sound flat and plain. Missing someI feel like I'm missing something. The critics all seem convinced that this is a huge success but to me it sound flat and plain. Missing some of the gravel and grit that other QOTSA albums have in barrels. Not really any stand out tracks and after a listening to it I'll probably shelve it for the foreseeable future. Not awful, just boring.… Full Review »
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