Walking On A Dream
by Empire of the Sun
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Apr 21, 2009
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. BBC Music
    Dec 13, 2011
    80
    This is the sound of the Noughties – electro enough without being harsh, interesting without being over-cool, quirky without being weird. Empire Of The Sun have cracked the perfect blend of fond reflection and sexy new frontier frisson. If this is what the future sounds like, then it's going to be beautiful.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    They're silly but their songs demand to be taken seriously, just like Prince, Ultravox and Bowie. And yes, they're like MGMT--in that they're great.
  3. Q Magazine
    80
    His latest spin-off project sees Steele's musical wanderlust pay dividends. [Mar 2009, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Under The Radar
    80
    The group's debut album, Walking On A Dream, is a highly visual experience. [Spring 2009, p.71]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Pitchfork
    64
    Although Empire tries mightily, they collapse underneath too many ideas before the record is even half over.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 50
  3. Negative: 6 out of 50
  1. Vampire25
    Mar 15, 2011
    7
    Walking On A Dream isn't a bad album. It took me a long time to get into it but I actually enjoyed it for the most part. The tracks are catchyWalking On A Dream isn't a bad album. It took me a long time to get into it but I actually enjoyed it for the most part. The tracks are catchy and you can get into it. Falls flat towards the final few songs but the Opener "Standing On The Shore" really opens up the album and the second track "Walking On A Dream" keeps the flow going. All In All, Empire Of The Sun may come off as MGMT knockoffs but they really aren't. This is definitely a band I would be really interested in seeing more of. B… Full Review »
  2. ArthurMorgan
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    A few duds don't stop this album from being one of the most fun and refreshing albums of the 21st century, and "We Are The People" is one ofA few duds don't stop this album from being one of the most fun and refreshing albums of the 21st century, and "We Are The People" is one of my favorite songs of all time. This album has at least four classic tracks:

    Standing On The Shore
    Walking On A Dream
    We Are The People
    Country    … Full Review »
  3. XavierBlaq
    Dec 30, 2013
    3
    Walking On a Dream is the perfect example of why arrangement of songs matters on an album. Overall, this has to be the worst arrangement ofWalking On a Dream is the perfect example of why arrangement of songs matters on an album. Overall, this has to be the worst arrangement of tracks I have ever seen, which completely destroys any chance the album had of being listenable. Nonetheless, the arrangement could not have even helped Walking On a Dream enough to be great. In truth, the only good tracks on the whole album are the first four, which, after the roughest transition between tracks ever, is followed by nothing better than mediocrity. The only except to this mediocrity is "Swordfish Hotkiss Night" (I would have rather had another mediocre track), which I hope this band is ashamed of. After all, I am ashamed to say I have listened to it.… Full Review »
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