Villains
by Queens of the Stone Age
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Aug 25, 2017
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
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  1. ZzzGggg
    Jun 16, 2023
    9
    Альбом классный, как по мне бодрее Like Clockwork, Un-Reborn Again явно веет Боуи, Head like a haunted house буги-вуги в стиле dead kennedys, domesticated animals классика qotsa, и hideway (тоже что-то от Боуи); fortress тоже классический трек qotsa. Evil has landed колкий рок с зепеллинским рифом, очень круто. Купил диск, не пожалел. Не согласен с теми, кто говорит, что предыдущий был наАльбом классный, как по мне бодрее Like Clockwork, Un-Reborn Again явно веет Боуи, Head like a haunted house буги-вуги в стиле dead kennedys, domesticated animals классика qotsa, и hideway (тоже что-то от Боуи); fortress тоже классический трек qotsa. Evil has landed колкий рок с зепеллинским рифом, очень круто. Купил диск, не пожалел. Не согласен с теми, кто говорит, что предыдущий был на голову выше. Здесь Хомми немного отошел от привычного «пустынного» заука и это пошло на пользу. Меня увлекло… Expand
  2. PixieQueen
    Jan 28, 2020
    3
    At first I was really dissapointed... It sounded like Qotsa... but it was just all wrong somehow... Maybe it would grow on me... nah.. I just stayed dissapointed. It's flat, the guitar sometimes sounds annoying even.. its just all wrong. Just my opinion....
  3. JaneMetascore
    Dec 18, 2019
    0
    This album has terribly formulamatic, predictable, and unmercilessly brief songwriting, like it regurgitates something that should have stayed in 1998. Technically this isn't strong enough to hold together as an album, and it shouldn't have been released. This is the first time a band revealed it is worse than Pink Floyd, when Jonny Rotten decried hatred upon Floyd. This band is too weakThis album has terribly formulamatic, predictable, and unmercilessly brief songwriting, like it regurgitates something that should have stayed in 1998. Technically this isn't strong enough to hold together as an album, and it shouldn't have been released. This is the first time a band revealed it is worse than Pink Floyd, when Jonny Rotten decried hatred upon Floyd. This band is too weak to carry on any further.… Expand
  4. Demilith
    Dec 27, 2018
    8
    Villains es una continuacion solida de lo que fue Like a Clockwork, con altos y bajos, la mezcla de sonidos tiene algunas dificultades, pero las composiciones en si muestran una faceta que a veces hace pensar a las melodias de David Bowie
  5. BenLSF
    Jul 13, 2018
    10
    This album seems to be the marmite of QOTSA records, people either love it or loathe it. It all comes down to personal preference and taste. I, for one, love this record. It's trying something new and does it incredibly successfully. I will, however, admit that the production on this album isn't amazing however the flatter sound to this one does favour many of the songs. The bouncing introThis album seems to be the marmite of QOTSA records, people either love it or loathe it. It all comes down to personal preference and taste. I, for one, love this record. It's trying something new and does it incredibly successfully. I will, however, admit that the production on this album isn't amazing however the flatter sound to this one does favour many of the songs. The bouncing intro "Feet Don't Fail Me" gives you a real taste of what's to come. Along with the dance style tracks, there are slower moments in tracks such as "Fortress" and "Villains of Circumstance". These songs are placed perfectly and give the album a lovely ebb and flow to it.… Expand
  6. Andremax
    Jul 12, 2018
    6
    Sincerely, it is hoped much more of Homme. Nothing against pop vain (some QOTSA songs has it too), but for who have done "Songs for the Deaf", "Rated R" and "..Like Clockwork", he has more creativity that which is showed in this album. The expectation was giant, further being posterior album of this last one. Regular to Good.
  7. Ricko
    Mar 28, 2018
    7
    My two favourite QOTSA albums are "Songs For The Deaf" and "Like Clockwork". The former, a legendary record at this stage, for keeping an insane level of intensity throughout. The latter for its maturity, intelligence and ability to interest. Much of the rest of their back catalog fails to engage across a full album. "Villains", while not up with their absolute best work is a majorMy two favourite QOTSA albums are "Songs For The Deaf" and "Like Clockwork". The former, a legendary record at this stage, for keeping an insane level of intensity throughout. The latter for its maturity, intelligence and ability to interest. Much of the rest of their back catalog fails to engage across a full album. "Villains", while not up with their absolute best work is a major success when you consider some of the risks they took. Probably not hard enough for many long time "Queens" fans who would have despaired at the inclusion of Mark Ronson on production duties but I think "Villains" works. The album is direct rock, hard but not heavy and with a funky pop undertone. It's both engaging and enjoyable, two factors that make for a good album. Everything you get on top is a bonus. There are easily 3 or 4 outstanding numbers on this.… Expand
  8. stgrunu
    Mar 18, 2018
    4
    Decent album but it's really forgettable and some tracks go for far too long. The only standout track is the closer, which is a 10/10 on an album full of 3-4/10s.
  9. CoolNameGuy91
    Dec 11, 2017
    7
    The first 3 and a half tracks are phenomenal, with track 4 going on too long. The rest feels like a band filling out a track list when they wrote an EP.
  10. Ricardocks
    Dec 6, 2017
    2
    unlistenable

    Last three QOTSA albums have been quite good , but short of the quality we've been used to.
    There is no point on keeping the name on a project that has so little to do with the sound they helped to define and redifine , now it's just a mixed bag of Josh's worst musical ideas.
  11. Butterbean1
    Dec 2, 2017
    2
    I've deliberately avoided leaving a review until I'd given the album a chance to appreciate over repeated listenings. Unfortunately it hasn't, and I'm left feeling the same as I did on first hearing it. QOTSA worst album by far.
  12. HughCross
    Nov 14, 2017
    8
    After Clockwork leave really high expectation about the potential the band can reach, and even if this album is not as good as his preveious work, it is certainly a terrific piece of music.

    It has some few low points (Animals), but the playlist is really solid, groovy, energic and with some beautifully constructed songs (Fortress). Listening twice you already notice his unique vibe that    After Clockwork leave really high expectation about the potential the band can reach, and even if this album is not as good as his preveious work, it is certainly a terrific piece of music.

    It has some few low points (Animals), but the playlist is really solid, groovy, energic and with some beautifully constructed songs (Fortress). Listening twice you already notice his unique vibe that make this album a very welcomed entry in the collection of QotSA.

    Favourites: Feet don't fail me now, fortress, the evil has landed
    Not so much: Domesticated animals, un-reborn again    … Expand
  13. Scraper
    Nov 14, 2017
    5
    I feel like Homme is featuring more of himself stylishly instead of letting it happen naturally. Since the last album, he's indulged himself with more creative song arrangements and techniques like intros of echoes in damp hallways and too often pumping the brakes on the rhythm so he can coo into the listeners ear - very noticeably channeling Bowie, which you can't fault for the homage toI feel like Homme is featuring more of himself stylishly instead of letting it happen naturally. Since the last album, he's indulged himself with more creative song arrangements and techniques like intros of echoes in damp hallways and too often pumping the brakes on the rhythm so he can coo into the listeners ear - very noticeably channeling Bowie, which you can't fault for the homage to one of the greats. It's hard getting over a lot of single note progression riffs that minimize the songs when you want them to explode. There are some cool songs here and I appreciate the maturation of this band but I feel like it's a bit too careful.… Expand
  14. af2003
    Oct 12, 2017
    10
    I do not know what "you" are listen to get a QOTSA album under 8/10 ... It's pure stupidity of **** , years will prove this 2 + 2 = 4.... want to criticize genius work Joshua Homme who works hard to do something new, not wanting to repeat itself, as most of the artists in this industry do, and comparing a band like Foo Fighters is an insult, the individual quality in this band isI do not know what "you" are listen to get a QOTSA album under 8/10 ... It's pure stupidity of **** , years will prove this 2 + 2 = 4.... want to criticize genius work Joshua Homme who works hard to do something new, not wanting to repeat itself, as most of the artists in this industry do, and comparing a band like Foo Fighters is an insult, the individual quality in this band is infinitely superior ... it is anecdotal compare an album of QOTSA with any album of that band, or others and if it were for those, I assure you that I was listening to Wolf Parade and others indie rock bands, hardcore , jazz or other things. instead of crap like Foo Fighters, MODERN CLASSIC ROCK is dead without QOTSA ...… Expand
  15. lenny68
    Oct 7, 2017
    3
    I decided to give it a while to see whether I would like the album more after repeated listenings. Sadly my opinion now is the same as at the start. This is QOTSA worst album to date in my opinion.
  16. matthewb123
    Oct 7, 2017
    10
    Song for song, this may be the best Queens album, period. Sure, it's danceable, but it's done so f*cking well, and the guitars are still heavy and when they're not the synths pack enough punch to kill it anyways. If you want a quick sum-up of the album, listen to both "The Evil Has Landed" and "Un-reborn Again". The former is a guitar-heavy whirlwind that takes you on a crazy trip, theSong for song, this may be the best Queens album, period. Sure, it's danceable, but it's done so f*cking well, and the guitars are still heavy and when they're not the synths pack enough punch to kill it anyways. If you want a quick sum-up of the album, listen to both "The Evil Has Landed" and "Un-reborn Again". The former is a guitar-heavy whirlwind that takes you on a crazy trip, the latter is a synth-heavy slow-burner which does the same. Then you've got the contrast of "Fortress", a haunting 'ballad' (as close to a ballad as Queens will come) and "Head Like a Haunted House", a punky stomper that wakes you right up in the middle of the album. The only song I felt was a bit of a let-down is "Villains of Circumstance", it's THE poppiest song they've ever done and even though the verses are really cool and build the song up nicely, the chorus is just a total sap, totally ruins the track for me (although the outro is pretty cool and saves it a bit. But basically guys, it's all great. Queens are still the best rock band around and they've made another awesome twist in their discography.… Expand
  17. RottenDaHam
    Sep 26, 2017
    9
    Best QOTSA album since SFTD. It is not the same style we are used to but it is really solid. There are few songs in this album, but none of them are bad. My favourite songs were Head Like a Haunted House and Domesticated Animals. One of the best albums of 2017.
  18. yadevol
    Sep 22, 2017
    2
    As others have said, arguably the worst QOTSA album to date. Instantly forgettable songs, and for a record that was supposed to be danceable very repetitive and ungroovy.
  19. whoischarlotte
    Sep 21, 2017
    7
    I've never been a super massive fan of QOTSA but this album is fantastic. 'The Evil Has Landed' is a particularly great track. It's an album I can actually listen through the whole way without skipping.
  20. Firelog
    Sep 14, 2017
    9
    This album is the best rock album of the year, but you have to listen to it from start to finish, no skipping around, every second. It's a wild ride. It's truly a piece where the sum is greater than its parts.
  21. abc123efg456hij
    Sep 13, 2017
    4
    I'd really like to give this album a lower rating, but I have embraced the band through its directional shifts to date after being thoroughly moved by their first three albums. This album is an exercise in "it should be liked" and "we're going to create chaotic arrangements to be different." It simply doesn't work. It is, in fact, more of a pop album than a rock album. What bothers me moreI'd really like to give this album a lower rating, but I have embraced the band through its directional shifts to date after being thoroughly moved by their first three albums. This album is an exercise in "it should be liked" and "we're going to create chaotic arrangements to be different." It simply doesn't work. It is, in fact, more of a pop album than a rock album. What bothers me more than the fact that this is a weak effort is the rabid nature of some "fans" who insist not only that it is somehow approaching masterpiece status, but you have less than zero musical taste if you disagree. Rated R, whether you view it and SFTD as "ancient" or "archaic" etc., made a far greater statement with far less fuss. No, I don't need that album or SFTD on infinite repeat. Era Vulgaris, for example, has grown on me tremendously. I like more of EV, for example, than Clockwork (I like maybe half of LC ... the piano ballads and pseudo "big" statement pieces leave me cold). I find the promo videos for Villains for compelling than the album. If this album moves you, great; but if you're a longtime QOTSA fan, you might be left scratching your head. As one reviewer stated, it seems as though some younger fans, maybe those who got into QOTSA as teens, feel they simply must view this album as the inevitable masterpiece they so desperately want it to be. It isn't. It feels like a significant nod to attempting to be more accepted by a certain element in the entertainment industry today. If it makes QOTSA a lot of money, I'm all for that. I just can't listen to the #(&(*)#*#(@*&#*$* thing.… Expand
  22. Music_Observer
    Sep 12, 2017
    8
    Being a simple reminder of the true hard rock spirit in the midst of its decline in modern times, this work had a high level of musicianship with its awesome harmonic twists and aggressively riveting melodic deliveries, conveying nine strong, well-written, and intriguing songs that the band seemed to hardly need to lift a finger to achieve. My Score: 144/180 (Solid) = 8/10
  23. ScotchRobbins
    Sep 10, 2017
    8
    I'm not gonna lie to you, if you're looking for a classic Queens of the Stone Age album, you're likely not to find it here. The heavy sludge and drone of the old style has decayed and has been replaced by something a bit more upbeat and catchy. The songwriting is still complex and original, every instrument gets capable and constructive usage, and it makes you wanna dance like Queens hasI'm not gonna lie to you, if you're looking for a classic Queens of the Stone Age album, you're likely not to find it here. The heavy sludge and drone of the old style has decayed and has been replaced by something a bit more upbeat and catchy. The songwriting is still complex and original, every instrument gets capable and constructive usage, and it makes you wanna dance like Queens has never done so before. The tens in these reviews give it too much credit, but to all the zeroes out there, different doesn't mean bad.… Expand
  24. midnightrun
    Sep 1, 2017
    0
    One Word... Rubbish. Queens need to go back to their roots. This album is dreadful, recycled ideas, stale formula, tinny sound, mixing is way off, all this rubbish packaged into a cd made for the mainstream. I appreciated evolution etc, this is just pure selling out. Mark Ronson is the telltale sign. Josh go back to your roots and give something back to the fans who put you here.
  25. Fableside
    Sep 1, 2017
    0
    Hate to say this.. but QOTSA have 1 bad album. This album is so dull and lifeless it begs the question.. why do some people (who proclaim to be qotsa fans) like it. my guessing, their new kids who have only just got into the band. The songs are uninspiring, the album art is a rip off, mixing on this album doesn't showcase the talent they have within the band. AVOID AT ALL COSTS! Stream itHate to say this.. but QOTSA have 1 bad album. This album is so dull and lifeless it begs the question.. why do some people (who proclaim to be qotsa fans) like it. my guessing, their new kids who have only just got into the band. The songs are uninspiring, the album art is a rip off, mixing on this album doesn't showcase the talent they have within the band. AVOID AT ALL COSTS! Stream it if your interested, but don't buy this garbage.… Expand
  26. bama94
    Aug 31, 2017
    10
    It's so funny to be a Villain and the Queens know it. And they make a Summer Album that makes soo mutch fun. Sure they had can make after ... Like Clockwork an Album that also is very dark and moody. But i think Villains take his place in the Discography from the Queens i don't like Part 2 Albums.
    And with Feet Don't Fail Me, The Evil has Landed, Head like a Haunted House, Un-Reborn Again    It's so funny to be a Villain and the Queens know it. And they make a Summer Album that makes soo mutch fun. Sure they had can make after ... Like Clockwork an Album that also is very dark and moody. But i think Villains take his place in the Discography from the Queens i don't like Part 2 Albums.
    And with Feet Don't Fail Me, The Evil has Landed, Head like a Haunted House, Un-Reborn Again and Villains of Circumstance think they had made Songs who can crash my old top ten. Hopefully Homme meet now Them Crooked Vultures after be a Villain on tour.    … Expand
  27. Abutre
    Aug 30, 2017
    10
    Anything you write here is a nothing ... someone will not like it, and they will click on do not like it, so ... like or do not like it will always be a GOOD ALBUM ... poor people need to oxygenate the brain and realize that things don´t have to be what they want, but rather as the ARTISTS want and it is they who decide the direction they want to take for the album, most of it only goes byAnything you write here is a nothing ... someone will not like it, and they will click on do not like it, so ... like or do not like it will always be a GOOD ALBUM ... poor people need to oxygenate the brain and realize that things don´t have to be what they want, but rather as the ARTISTS want and it is they who decide the direction they want to take for the album, most of it only goes by what the Media writes, they do not have their own thoughts ... Unfortunately we live a fast consumer society ...… Expand
  28. HannahK
    Aug 29, 2017
    2
    I have to agree with some of the other comments. Villains is the most uninspired and lazy album QOTSA have made.

    Hate the album cover too. An obvious rip off {yes, rip off, not homage} of The Pale Man of Pan's Labyrinth.
  29. macq
    Aug 29, 2017
    5
    I gave this record a lot of spins mainly because QOTSA used to be my favourite band. It was boring the first time I listened to it and the feeling hasn't changed since.
  30. Abutre68
    Aug 28, 2017
    10
    There are a lot of envy out there, with 20 years of career and always at the top, with excellent albums, do not please everyone, fortunately . Luckily they do not make music for fast consumption, time will give me reason ... one day when the band finishes this album will always be someone's favorite ... such as EV, or LTPL the most badly loved at the time too and time proved to many peopleThere are a lot of envy out there, with 20 years of career and always at the top, with excellent albums, do not please everyone, fortunately . Luckily they do not make music for fast consumption, time will give me reason ... one day when the band finishes this album will always be someone's favorite ... such as EV, or LTPL the most badly loved at the time too and time proved to many people that they were wrong ...… Expand
  31. Radpandas
    Aug 28, 2017
    9
    Effective continuation from like clockwork exploring a new niche in their style. Falls short of their prior excellence but not by much. In my opinion their second best album to date.
  32. govi
    Aug 28, 2017
    7
    I cant believe the bad reviews on this one. I do get it, they sound like QOTSA and they are supposed to. Their essence, just like the majority of musicians and bands (put it this way, 90% of them), will never go away. To me, its better than Era Vulgaris but I find Songs for the deaf and Lullabies to Paralyze to be their strongest albums. Its worth to be part of the collection. It hasI cant believe the bad reviews on this one. I do get it, they sound like QOTSA and they are supposed to. Their essence, just like the majority of musicians and bands (put it this way, 90% of them), will never go away. To me, its better than Era Vulgaris but I find Songs for the deaf and Lullabies to Paralyze to be their strongest albums. Its worth to be part of the collection. It has songs that could fit in Like Clorkwork and others that could fit in Era Vulgaris and others in Rated R because of their similar sounds. Still, a great to own album IMO.… Expand
  33. rock-omlet
    Aug 28, 2017
    9
    My first impressions were: "Don't want to spend my time on it", but I gave it a second chance and now the more I listen to it, the more I love it! The greatest rock piece of August 2017.
  34. DrGreatJob
    Aug 28, 2017
    7
    There's some super great stuff on this album, but you've gotta listen to a few tracks that just don't hit. The highs are very high, and the lows are only slightly above average, which isn't typical for Queens. However, it's not that they've lost their touch by any means. They've always kind of been an experiment, no two albums are ever the same from them. This album is laced with 80'sThere's some super great stuff on this album, but you've gotta listen to a few tracks that just don't hit. The highs are very high, and the lows are only slightly above average, which isn't typical for Queens. However, it's not that they've lost their touch by any means. They've always kind of been an experiment, no two albums are ever the same from them. This album is laced with 80's aesthetics and it both suffers a little and benefits from it greatly. If you're okay with skipping a track or two, or putting up with them, there's some really good stuff here worth listening to.… Expand
  35. Boxo
    Aug 28, 2017
    6
    I wanna love this album more than I do. There are some genuinely great tracks on this album. Feet Don't Fail Me, Evil Has Landed, Villains of Circumstance are amongst my favorites. But there are tracks like The Way You Used to Do, Fortress, Domesticated Animals where the mixing honestly gives me a headache. A single guitar is mixed all the way in my left ear for many of these tracks andI wanna love this album more than I do. There are some genuinely great tracks on this album. Feet Don't Fail Me, Evil Has Landed, Villains of Circumstance are amongst my favorites. But there are tracks like The Way You Used to Do, Fortress, Domesticated Animals where the mixing honestly gives me a headache. A single guitar is mixed all the way in my left ear for many of these tracks and ends making my head pound midway through the album - and not in a good way.

    Head Like A Haunted House has one of the poppiest bridges I have ever heard on a QotSA song. Its honestly somewhat jarring considering the rest of the song is very Little Sister-esque.

    None of the songs are necessarily bad or poorly written. The mixing just bugs me and makes me never want to listen to them back. Many, such as Hideaway and Un-Reborn Again are boring or bland and the songs seem to sort of blend together with one another after a while. But, even with that said, there's a lot of good in this album. If you can get past the left ear abuse.    … Expand
  36. MikeLP
    Aug 28, 2017
    8
    I was missing a QOTSA album like this one: essentialist and straight-to-the-point, it's so sincere as it's shooted in your ears.
    The energy released it's similar to the one of the first albums, but in a more dancey way and without frills.
    This one is an album meant to reacharge your chi and make it explode.
  37. jccaraio
    Aug 27, 2017
    10
    The album is great, to tell you the truth I did not understand why so many negative critics on the part of the fans, they showed an evolution incorporating a new sonority
  38. justachair
    Aug 27, 2017
    5
    It seems Josh Homme enjoyed himself quite a bit in his ventures into 70s Highway Rock with projects like Eagles of Death Metal and Iggy Pop's Post Pop Depression, because he is now going further into that direction with his signature band, one I've always enjoyed for their heavy riffs and bangers, and Hommes' silky melodic vocals.
    So, yeah, this is an EODM album disguised as a QOTSA lp. A    It seems Josh Homme enjoyed himself quite a bit in his ventures into 70s Highway Rock with projects like Eagles of Death Metal and Iggy Pop's Post Pop Depression, because he is now going further into that direction with his signature band, one I've always enjoyed for their heavy riffs and bangers, and Hommes' silky melodic vocals.
    So, yeah, this is an EODM album disguised as a QOTSA lp. A short, non-threatening and to the point nostalgia trip to retro hard rock with an rough but also pristine production by Mark Ronson. There are good songs here, mainly the opening track Feet Don't Fail Me with its prog structure, the leading singles The Way You Used to Do and The Evil Has Landed, and the awesome, heart-attack inducing Head Like a Haunted House. But then we have the awfully repetitive Domesticated Animals, the Katy Perry level of songwriting in the unremarkable Fortress, and a bunch of forgettable dad rock songs like Hideaway. Is it bad? No, their craftsmanship and frenetic energy still shows, but it would not be ludicrous to say that the quartet (Now a five-piece) is beginning to lose steam as time goes on.    … Expand
  39. amslu
    Aug 27, 2017
    10
    Pretty cooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooool, I tell ya
  40. RobotoMr
    Aug 26, 2017
    4
    It's not that the songs are horrible, it just sounds like they made a program that generates QOTSA sounding music and sometimes it strikes gold.

    The 1 song I liked on this was 'The Evil Has Landed'. It sounds like a more professional and crisper version of the QOTSA I'm used to. It's got that ripping guitar sound, Josh getting lose with his vocals and the song changes pace often    It's not that the songs are horrible, it just sounds like they made a program that generates QOTSA sounding music and sometimes it strikes gold.

    The 1 song I liked on this was 'The Evil Has Landed'. It sounds like a more professional and crisper version of the QOTSA I'm used to. It's got that ripping guitar sound, Josh getting lose with his vocals and the song changes pace often throughout the song.

    The other song I didn't mine was 'Villains Of Circumstance'. It has a really nice bass, again Josh sounds comfortable just using all his voice.
    I only wish that the first 7 songs had even 50% of what makes these 2 songs great.    … Expand
  41. allisonjane65
    Aug 26, 2017
    3
    As a fan it pains me to say it but Villains must be the most over hyped and underwhelming album QOTSA have put out.

    All fur coat and no knickers to use an English idiom.
  42. DavidWasHere
    Aug 26, 2017
    8
    While the shift in style is a pretty hard one that many QotSA fans would not like, despite the band's constant evolution throughout their discography, Villains is a solid effort that, while not the bands best nor is as good as Like Clockwork, is still another worthwhile effort from Homme and friends. With Mark Ronson at the helm, Villains is a true blue dance rock record with gnarly stonerWhile the shift in style is a pretty hard one that many QotSA fans would not like, despite the band's constant evolution throughout their discography, Villains is a solid effort that, while not the bands best nor is as good as Like Clockwork, is still another worthwhile effort from Homme and friends. With Mark Ronson at the helm, Villains is a true blue dance rock record with gnarly stoner rock guitars trademark to the band's sound with an added twist of old school boogie rock, ala Skynyrd and ZZ Top, and a dash of funk rock on the same planet as Funkadelic's Maggot Brain (the song not the album), Villains is another solid hit from the band. Inconsistent at times with song quality, this is a must listen!… Expand
  43. jasharkowalski
    Aug 26, 2017
    5
    J H already gave his best in the band i won't mention its name but we all know who they are....this new cd has two songs with the kick, also has two crazy songs at the very end and nothing else....Queens should have released one great mini album rather than this half-baked stuff...
  44. Havermans
    Aug 26, 2017
    6
    It's not quite bad, but not quite good either. Eventhough its supposed to be a new vibe and a new wind in the QTSA era, it just all feels to familiar. It's nowhere near the previous albums of Queens of the stone Age, but it's all very repetitive and very poppy music which feels very heard before. The nummers don't have any crunch, the riffs feel flattened and fake and the whole albumIt's not quite bad, but not quite good either. Eventhough its supposed to be a new vibe and a new wind in the QTSA era, it just all feels to familiar. It's nowhere near the previous albums of Queens of the stone Age, but it's all very repetitive and very poppy music which feels very heard before. The nummers don't have any crunch, the riffs feel flattened and fake and the whole album sounds like one long song. I can dig a few songs on the album, which were previously released as singles. The Way You Used to was a catchy and good represenation of the sound QTSA want to bring, but the rest of the album feels forced as it lacks what The Way You Used To brings. For me this album is nothing special. It's ok, but i'll take ...Like Clockwork or Songs for the Deaf any day.… Expand
  45. Chrisbowen
    Aug 25, 2017
    10
    Love it. It reminds me of Era Vulgaris, in that the directions the songs go in seem odd at first, but then become such a treat after repeated listens.
  46. Deadtenor
    Aug 25, 2017
    6
    Not terrible, but not great. Missing a lot of the crunch and sludge rock from earlier material, but I did notice much more synth which is a bit of a stylistic departure. I realize taste is subjective, but I can't help but feel that all the professional reviews somehow missed the mark, especially reviews of 90 or 100. Past the first song Feet Don't Fail Me, the first half of the albumNot terrible, but not great. Missing a lot of the crunch and sludge rock from earlier material, but I did notice much more synth which is a bit of a stylistic departure. I realize taste is subjective, but I can't help but feel that all the professional reviews somehow missed the mark, especially reviews of 90 or 100. Past the first song Feet Don't Fail Me, the first half of the album is filler. Half the tracks are uninspired generic rock sound that is missing that distinctive QoTSA sound. The second half it picks up with Head like a Haunted House. After listening to it 3 or 4 times back to back, the album let's you gloss over the flaws of Villains.… Expand
  47. HumanPate86
    Aug 25, 2017
    0
    I'm not a kind of a person to dislike an album or a band just because they're taking a new direction or harnessing a new sound. Personally, i find it even more interesting than doing the same stuff all over again. That said, now that I got rid of all the "inb4 bands should change, you don't understand" stuff, I can state that the band, in it's groovier and shinier format - mostly fell flatI'm not a kind of a person to dislike an album or a band just because they're taking a new direction or harnessing a new sound. Personally, i find it even more interesting than doing the same stuff all over again. That said, now that I got rid of all the "inb4 bands should change, you don't understand" stuff, I can state that the band, in it's groovier and shinier format - mostly fell flat on their face. Yes, there are some really great tracks like the opener Feet don't fail me and Villains of circumstance and some very good tracks like The way you used to do and Evil has landed...But the rest of the album mostly runs out of steam. Except for Head like a haunted house, there isn't anything that i could actually call good...Only decent or passable. Actually, Fortress and Hideaway are two of the worst songs that the band has produced in last 10 years. As i said, kudos to them for trying and experimenting but most of the album simply sounds boring and uninspired...I know that it probably was too much to expect an album as good as the masterful ...Like clockwork, but I must admit that I was hoping for this album to be at least close...Shame.… Expand
  48. 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 with different sounds. Villains however is just plain boring and after repeated listenings fails to make any lasting impression with me. Hugely disappointing.
  49. DanielLapsansky
    Aug 25, 2017
    10
    It sounds different than their other records, but sure it's good. Adding a new synths was a good idea. Sometimes the drums feel a bit artificially, but mostly it is not recognizable. When I first listened to it I was like "meh" but it gets better every time you listen to it.
  50. CosminMina
    Aug 25, 2017
    9
    Though not as different as Era Vulgaris, it is refreshing feeling. But then again, maybe I'm just seduced by real rock and roll---you know, with guitars and the like.
  51. ctcropley
    Aug 25, 2017
    10
    I'm loving the addition of the synths. They add a new layer to their sound that is very, very welcome. This is what you get when new wave, rock n' roll and dance music have an orgy.
  52. 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 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.
  53. Mizuru
    Aug 25, 2017
    10
    This album is weird, in a good manner. Sounds like a mix between Like Clockwork, Era Vulgaris and Lullabies to Paralyze, the rockabilly influence in this album is notorious making it dancing and unique.

    Highlights: Fortress (What a catchy riff...), The Way You Used to Do, Domesticated Animals (Catchy chorus), The Evil Has Landed (A influence trip song), Feet Don't Fail Me (This music    This album is weird, in a good manner. Sounds like a mix between Like Clockwork, Era Vulgaris and Lullabies to Paralyze, the rockabilly influence in this album is notorious making it dancing and unique.

    Highlights: Fortress (What a catchy riff...), The Way You Used to Do, Domesticated Animals (Catchy chorus), The Evil Has Landed (A influence trip song), Feet Don't Fail Me (This music could fit on Like Clockwork perfectly, amazing riffs).

    If you want to hear new solos experimentation's (what is very rare to find in these days, in hard rock releases) definitely worth your try. A must buy if you're a QOTSA aged fan. A masterpiece that show the Josh's voice in many different ways.    … Expand
  54. 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, 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    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.    … Collapse
  55. LADYGAGAGreece
    Aug 25, 2017
    10
    Pure gold. I'm a new fan of theirs and I'm compleatly blown away. There is so much texture, rhythm, meanings. Favorite tracks: Fortress, Head Like a Haunted House, Villains of Circumstace.
  56. J-Tag
    Aug 25, 2017
    9
    This album is glorious. It sounds like a "Best Of" of their last three albums (Clockwork, Era Vulgaris and Lullabies). It's not as 'dancy' as a lot of the critics suggest – rest assured, this is QOTSA doing what they do best. There are enjoyable robot-rock moments ("Feet Don't Fail Me", "Head Like A Haunted House") and addictive experimental, simmery rock ("Domesticated Animals, "The EvilThis album is glorious. It sounds like a "Best Of" of their last three albums (Clockwork, Era Vulgaris and Lullabies). It's not as 'dancy' as a lot of the critics suggest – rest assured, this is QOTSA doing what they do best. There are enjoyable robot-rock moments ("Feet Don't Fail Me", "Head Like A Haunted House") and addictive experimental, simmery rock ("Domesticated Animals, "The Evil Has Landed") but for me, the best tracks are the mellower arrangements. "Fortress" is just about as sentimental as Josh Homme can get, and "Hideaway" is a gorgeous throwback to Lullabies/Era Vulgaris' softer rock tracks. However, the real masterpiece and highlight of the album lies at the very end of the record – "Villains of Circumstance" is an epic, atmospheric stunner. There's something to love about each track, and it's probably QOTSA's most accessible album to date. It's a must-listen if you've been craving some real rock, which is something the world has unfortunately been starved for a while now.… Expand
  57. dare
    Aug 25, 2017
    10
    Instant classic. Deep, beautiful, funny, dark, slow, fast, rock, dance, pop, brutal, honest, loud, sexy,... this requires multiple listening to appreciate and to realize what a masterpiece it is.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Magnet
    Sep 18, 2017
    90
    The results are both vintage QOTSA and something unnameable at the same time. [No. 146, p.58]
  2. PopMatters
    Sep 12, 2017
    70
    This record is strong from top to bottom, and another great entry into Queens of the Stone Age’s catalog.
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  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    Aug 30, 2017
    75
    Even though it doesn’t do nearly enough to distinguish itself from the band’s earlier albums, it’s an enjoyable enough listen that it’s not too hard to excuse its flaws.
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