W:/2016ALBUM/
by Deadmau5
  • Record Label: Kobalt
  • Release Date: Dec 2, 2016
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
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  1. AllMusic
    Feb 2, 2017
    70
    Fans will appreciate the new directions and there's enough on W:/2016ALBUM/ to introduce curious new listeners to the mutable world of the mau5.
  2. Clash Music
    Dec 8, 2016
    70
    An album free from the shackles of a major label and its consequential rampant commercialism was always going to produce something that didn’t immediately pander to its keg fuelled audience. The surprise is just how well deadmau5 pulls it off.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Dec 6, 2016
    70
    Tracks ebb and flow from style to style; they end abruptly, rather than pretending to blend seamlessly. This is an album, proper, and most definitely not a mix--and it's definitely not made just for a big-room dance floor.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Dec 12, 2016
    60
    When it’s good, it’s usually something that sounds like the luscious, clinical opener 4ware, or cow-brained stomper Three Pound Chicken Wing. Otherwise there are too many generic pompous 70s-prog synths grafted on to basic beats.
  6. The Guardian
    Dec 6, 2016
    60
    This might be far from a perfect album, but it’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of.
  7. Exclaim
    Dec 6, 2016
    60
    While the album is far from his best work (the disjointed opening track is a strong first clue), it still merits a listen.
  8. Pitchfork
    Dec 16, 2016
    59
    Even on some of the stronger tracks, Zimmerman seems to be going through the motions.
  9. Drowned In Sound
    Dec 6, 2016
    10
    Nothing goes anywhere, and yet every song is so long. It’s painful.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 37
  3. Negative: 4 out of 37
  1. Jukepl0x
    Dec 6, 2016
    6
    Being a HUGE mau5 fan, I found this album to be a bit underwhelming. It does however showcase his more experimental side, but it could haveBeing a HUGE mau5 fan, I found this album to be a bit underwhelming. It does however showcase his more experimental side, but it could have used a bit more time and care before release. The re-usage of the melody from the Cat Thruster song turned me away, and showed the rushed feel of the over all album. On the other hand, there are the songs like Snowcone, Welk Then and Let Go that I feel were very strong on their own, but not enough to carry this album. Everything else is good, but not near the deadmau5 quality that I am use to.… Full Review »
  2. aldawg95
    Dec 6, 2016
    7
    A clear creative and experimental detour from popular edm. You will not find any fast buildups and drops you see everyday, which may lose theA clear creative and experimental detour from popular edm. You will not find any fast buildups and drops you see everyday, which may lose the interest of some edm fans. Joel's last 3 albums have not been spectacular but are worth a listen since they include 2 or 3 great tracks. Just like those previous albums, he also loses you with the rest of the tracks. Long tracks which tend to be drawn out and do not really change much the whole time. Not to say this is a bad album since I credit him with trying new things and not trying to be formulaic. "Snowcone" is magnificent, "4ware" and "2448" are a brilliant 1-2 punch opening. The rest is hit and miss, but more hits than misses I would argue. He is gonna find that new sound again that will set the industry standard, but just not right now.… Full Review »
  3. MacsMusic
    Jan 8, 2018
    6
    Lyrics-wise, there really isn't much to say about this album. The lyrics on "Let Go" work, but aren't striking or original. The real focus ofLyrics-wise, there really isn't much to say about this album. The lyrics on "Let Go" work, but aren't striking or original. The real focus of the album, obviously, is the music. So the real question to ask is: is the music good? In my personal opinion, the music is OK. It isn't very hype or dance-able, with the focus on sounding super chill. The songs are too long to just causally put on and listen to at any random time. I can't picture me listening to this album unless I was reading a book or playing a casual video game. The music is well made with layers of depth, and good for just chilling out. Once more, the album is not badly made, it's just not very enjoyable.… Full Review »
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